With the Titans’ 2012 finals hopes all but lost after Round 23, most realistic Titans fans will begin to look into the future. With financial woes the hot topic at the start of 2012, the Gold Coast Titans started off burdened by media criticism and poor performances on the field.
Some reporters even claimed that they wouldn’t exist come 2013. But a late charge shook some feathers and had fans cheering.
Despite the late season revival, the poor start to the year hit the Titans where it hurt. People just weren’t turning up to Skilled Park.
Recruitment in 2012 presented the likes of Jamal Idris, Nate Myles, Beau Champion, Aidan Sezer, Luke Douglas and Beau Falloon who have all shown promise in the 2012 season.
This new look squad has taken the Gold Coast from wooden spooners in 2011 to finals contenders in 2012. And the performances has the Gold Coast rallying behind their team once again.
So like Paul Keating’s “recession we had to have”, The Titans copped a major blow financially after a forgetful 2011 season and have restructured their marketing towards building the fan-base again. Cheap family tickets and half time and pre-game entertainment are some of the ideas.
But where the tickets will be sold in 2013 is the arrival of ‘The Coal Train’.
Dave Taylor won’t be the only reason that the Titans will be selling tickets. There are four: Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison, Nate Myles and Dave Taylor.
Having Origin players doesn’t guarantee success, but it does make you popular.
Taylor creates headlines in the press for his ability to demolish outside defence and his glimpses of ball playing. Like Jamal Idris, he is a recognised player and known by all rugby league fans.
Their value goes beyond on field performance but generates one thing that the Titans lacked late in 2011 and early in 2012: a solid fan-base and income from ticket sales.
We do not yet know whether the Titans will be premiership contenders next year. But with smart recruiting and with their financial troubles seemingly out of the way, they could be on their way to their first ever crown.
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