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The Gold Coast franchise is in an unheralded position of pressure on and off the football field, with the Titans’ financial concerns continuing to raise serious questions regarding the clubs future.
New information has surfaced that the Centre of Excellence, which was an influential factor in the Titans debt crisis, has not yet been sold.
This information comes as frustrating news for the club, which appeared slightly more at ease with their financial situation.
The on-field performances by John Cartwright’s men are indicative of the off-field distractions, with the GC side languishing in 15th position, only one spot above last placed Parramatta.
The Gold Coast is not in an unfamiliar position, with the franchise finishing last in 2011. The Titans look a completely different team to the side who finished in the top four in the 2010 NRL season and fell just one week short of a grand final berth. The GC club established their place in the top eight in the previous 2009 season with a strong season and another finals campaign.
The 2012 NRL season has been increasingly tough for John Cartwright’s men. They have lacked the poise and ability to win and put in a solid 80 minute performance.
The club showed some good signs in the second-half on Friday night against the Broncos. They produced some solid play in the second 40 but showed once again the inability to challenge a top four side with exciting attacking play for an extended period of time. Their defence was equally incapable – overall, Brisbane never looked like losing.
While the Titans financial hardships have caused many unwanted and unneeded distractions throughout this year’s premiership season, it hasn’t discouraged the them from attempting to sign high calibre players for next year.
Melbourne Storm and Queensland Origin playmaker Cooper Cronk was offered a big money contract but declined to stay at the Storm. Souths’ Dave Taylor has agreed to join the Titans in 2013, but reports are circling that he is now hesitant to make the move due to the Titans’ financial situation.
Unfortunalty, like with all losing teams, the Titans are falling into a vicious cycle. Their poor performances have seen crowds drop, which puts the club under further financial pressure and therefore makes it harder for them to compete, both on and off the field. And considering the size of the reported debt, the financial pressure is not going away any time soon.
The Gold Coast Giants, Seagulls, Gladiators and the Chargers have all failed. The Titans, by all indications, may be headed down that path. But its not over yet.
The NRL need to do all they can to keep the Titans in the competition – their continued viability is crucial for rugby league on the Gold Coast.
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