The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Titans title believers again

24th July, 2010
1

Veteran prop Luke Bailey believes Gold Coast’s heart-stopping win over ladder-leaders St George Illawarra could be the tonic to the doubt which had crept into the Titans’ NRL premiership campaign.

Floundering at the bottom of the top eight after three straight losses, the Titans produced one of the more courageous efforts in the club’s short history to topple the Dragons 11-10 in the final minute of extra time on Friday night.

Mat Rogers’ late field goal triggered scenes of jubilation not normally reserved for a round-20 encounter.

But as Bailey admitted afterwards, victory secured far more than just the valuable two competition points.

“No-one really gave us a chance and obviously there was a bit of doubt within ourselves. We needed something to inspire us for the rest of the season and I think that was it,” the former Dragons prop said.

“You play a tough brand of footy, extra time, and everyone just kept digging in and I think it was the first time this year we put in a good 80-minute performance.

“After the siren went, there was a few happy boys out there. They celebrated like it was a grand final win – hopefully it brings us together.”

While coach John Cartwright was adamant morale had not been sapped by his side’s slide down the ladder, Bailey claimed the inconsistency of the team’s play had heightened frustrations.

Advertisement

“Just in general over the last couple of weeks we’ve been shooting ourselves in the foot, playing a good 40 minutes one week and a second 40 minutes the other week,” Bailey said.

“Through those times you read the papers and you watch the video and see how ordinary you’ve been, sometimes you just need a performance like that.

“Hopefully it sets a bit of a trend for us.”

While the Dragons missed a big chance to put a gap between themselves and the chasing pack as they pursue a second successive minor premiership, lock Dean Young said the side wasn’t about to start panicking.

“I hope not, we’re still leading the comp and we’re a lot fresher than we were last year,” Young said.

“We’ve got a tough road into the semis and the boys are looking forward to it.

“The squad’s getting healthier and healthier and we’ve just got to keep working hard.”

Advertisement

As for the critics who will no doubt question whether the side is about to replicate last year’s late drop in form, Young said: “We’re expecting that and we know how to deal with it.

“They’re either saying we’re going to win the comp or we’re chokers – it’s one or the other so it doesn’t really bother us any more.”

close