Plenty has changed at the Gold Coast Titans – new coach, new facilities, new personnel.
But Titans co-captain Nate Myles reckons it feels like “Groundhog Day” at the NRL club.
Coach Neil Henry has taken charge of his first Titans pre-season since replacing John Cartwright, whipping players back into shape at their new makeshift training base at The Southport School.
And the squad has been bolstered by the likes of new faces such as ex-Broncos Josh Hoffman and David Hala.
However, Myles admitted the more things have changed, the more they have remained the same at the Titans.
Twelve months ago Myles predicted a strong pre-season would help set up a big year for the Gold Coast.
And he admitted it “hurt” that not much had changed in a year for the rebuilding club after finishing third-last in 2014.
“The thing for us is to realise as a playing group our …club in general have provided everything for us – we just have to work together to go forward,” Myles said.
“I will be making sure the playing group does that.”
When reminded that he had said the same thing 12 months ago, Myles said: “It does hurt – it’s a bit of a Groundhog Day thing.
“If you are going to keep saying it, it is a bit silly.
“It’s more about actions now.
“I think our pre-season is going to determine how we go.
“(But) I think everyone needs to stand up a bit more.”
Myles admitted he did not know what to expect when the club said they were relocating their training base to The Southport School (TSS) before moving to a newly-constructed facility at Coomera in 2016.
The Titans did not renew the lease at their original training headquarters at Robina after being forced to sell it due to debts of $25 million.
So Myles didn’t know what hit him when Henry revealed his secret weapon at TSS – the “hot box”.
Players work out in a demountable with air-conditioners off and doors closed, ensuring sweltering humidity that can cause problems for electronic equipment.
Henry – armed with new sports scientist Tim Gabbett – came up with the idea in a bid to create an uncomfortable environment and build mental toughness.
“The facilities are a lot better than I thought they would be – the bar has been lifted already,” said Myles who is recovering from a biceps injury that kept him out of the Four Nations.
“Everyone has been put on notice where they stand.
“It is up to everyone now to try and impress – I don’t see that as a negative at all.”
ferret
Guest
Will be interesting to see how the Titans go in the Henry era. Cartwright was a nice bloke and perhaps not ruthless enough. He seemed to hang on to players well past their prime out of loyalty. Now in some instances that's an admirable thing but in a sporting competition where it all comes down to how many games you win I think Carty was too generous to too many players. You need a few old heads but lots of youthful exuberance as well. Henry is a bit hamstrung with his playing list this year but they should have saved a bit with who they offloaded this year and the Bronco discards will have come cheap. So expect Titans to go for BIG players in next few months.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Early days for Myles. Titans have completely overhauled the coaching staff. They consistently have bad handling, poor defensive reads, and zero attacking plays in an positions twenty - these issues get fixed, the Titans may go alright. Titans have been very hamstrung by an under-performing roster & significant debt. 2016 will see more changes. They need to start utilising their junior system better. This area of the club has been negligent since 2007.
Epiquin
Guest
Jeez I'd love to see the Titans come good. Just can't see it with the current roster and leadership group though.
AdelaideWill
Guest
Imagine all of the injuries Greg Bird could fake to get out of working out in the "Hot Box". I can see someone walking past him and Greg diving to the ground knocked out holding his head/leg/knee.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
But nothing new for Titans fans with another season of good start followed by a thousand losses and then a few wins at the end. Its titans tradition.