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.
Riley
Guest
The Titans have the ability to bea top 4 side. They've already beaten Manly, Brisbane, Cowboys and the Bulldogs, with narrow losses to the Tigers, Sharks, Melbourne and South Sydney. That's your top 8. Inconstancy is where the Titans flaws are laid out. They also need to recruit a new 7. Aidan Sezer will be there for a while, but Jordan Rankin is not good enough to cover up Prince. Thurston is off contract at the end of 2013, that's when Prince should retire, play your cards right Titans.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Hamish The investors are no secret:- http://www.titans.com.au/news-display/Titans-reveal-new-team-for-future-success/60243 The death riders of the Titans can get off their high horses now,the new admin and financial backers would not get past first base with the ARLC, if they were uable to justify the finances and committment.
Hamish
Guest
If we only knew who the secret investors were we would be able to tell if they have a future... Is there any footy club in the world with secret investors??/
Global
Guest
No haters here, HOWEVER [insert hate] LOL. Who said I think things are going well? I only said I hope they prove naysayers like you wrong!
PLANKO
Guest
There are no Titans haters on this blog. However they are under performing on and off the field and getting Dave Taylor is not going to change that. More change is required. If you think that things are going well Global you are in for a long wait.....
Andy
Guest
Good looking Teams on Paper do not equal good teams on the field... Titans will have the names. but they also had the names this yr too and they didnt really preform to their standards..... i hope the titans are in the comp for a long time to come.... i hope every teams stays and we get some new ones... money does not buy premierships.... unless your melbourne.. but look how that turned out!
Global
Guest
Great article Brendan, I hope your right and the Titans stick it to the haters (see above comments). Also like to mention Mead, who has been really classy this year, adding solid defensive to his attacking flair...
PLANKO
Guest
I was serious about the Tweed Heads Bears .... The Seagulls Leagues club at Tweed Head recently renovated and owned by the North Leagues clubs together will make about 3 to 4 mil this year maybe more. There many be blue rinsers who need a place to put their pensions imagine 2 or 3 games at North Sydney oval the rest up at the gold coast ! The lower north shore folk love an escuse to drop cash and go up the sunshine for winter occasionally it would work !
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
I think the rose-coloured glasses are firmly in place.The Titans will continue to struggle on and off field. Bottom six material in my opinion. There's way too many better sides in the comp with more depth in their squads.
Australian Rules
Guest
I must admit, I really wasn't sure where Brendan was coming from either...but I'd probably get accused of trolling. As for "their financial troubles seemingly out of the way"...I've been hearing precisely the opposite. Does Brendan know something we don't?
PLANKO
Guest
What does looking good mean .... In a photo ? I don't believe a real threat to the title normally happens overnight. I dont believe in the "have to be in a grand final to win one" but I think the sides that are up there now have been building to something. I know Scott has a lot of time for the roosters roster for next season . But I dont think next years premiere's are not going to come out of the blue. The Titans has so many problems I don't know where to start. Their 7 is getting well past it. Their best prop is past it. I agree with Scott in that at best their coach is average on a good day. Idris is about 20 pies over his optimum weight. They are still a financial basket case. If they were serious the Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Bears would have been given the licence the moment searl put his hand out ! I am serious Tweed Head Bears (Tongue is in cheek but they have the money) ! I like Bird but I see him coming back to Sydney... Nate Myles well great play but he will start looking for an out after next season ...
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Brendan The first thing I look at when rating a team is the coach. Sadly the Titans have a big problem there.