The Gold Coast Titans have struggled ever since they became a part of the NRL as an expansion club. They have some good moments sprinkled through too many bad ones and need a strong season in 2015.
New coach Neil Henry could be the change the Titans need, and their fans will be hoping and praying this is the case.
At the start of the 2014 season the Titans were right up the pointy end of the ladder before falling away as the season went on.
Consistency will be the key for the Titans, but it doesn’t seem like they are in for a great season.
Pre-season fixtures
January 31 – February 1: Auckland Nines
February 7: versus New Zealand Warriors at Clive Berghoffer Stadium
February 21: versus North Queensland Cowboys at Barlow Park
Following the Auckland Nines the Titans will be playing the Warriors and the Cowboys.
The Warriors like playing an attacking brand of football, and no doubt any youngsters that get a run will be looking to do the same, so a good challenge awaits the Titans’ defence.
Meanwhile, while the Cowboys are strong in attack, they are also a decent defending team, so the Titans will look to have a very good hit out.
Ins and outs
2015 gains: Lachlan Burr (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2016), Davin Crampton (2015), David Hala (Brisbane Broncos, 2016), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane Broncos, 2017), Jai Ingram (2015), Daniel Mortimer (mid-season: Sydney Roosters, 2016), Kierran Moseley (Penrith Panthers, 2016), Eddy Pettybourne (Wigan Warriors, 2015), James Roberts (Mid Season: Penrith Panthers, 2015), Matt Robinson (Penrith Panthers, 2016), Ryan Simpkins (Penrith Panthers, 2016)
2015 losses: Luke Bailey (retired), Maurice Blair (Hull Kingston Rovers), Ashley Harrison (retired), Beau Henry (St George Illawarra Dragons), Sam Irwin (Featherstone), Albert Kelly (Hull Kingston Rovers), Tom Kingston (army), Steve Michaels (Hull FC), Mark Minichiello (Hull FC), Cody Nelson (Parramatta Eels), Brad Takairangi (Parramatta Eels)
The Titans’ recruitment has been questionable. They have made some notable signings including Josh Hoffmanm, David Hala and Ryan Simpkins, plus the pick ups of Daniel Mortimer and James Roberts during last season. However the Titans are losing a fair bit from their side and it seems as if it hasn’t been replaced with the same calibre players.
Not playing for the Titans in 2015 include retired duo Ashley Harrison and Luke Bailey, while they also lost pocket-rocket half Albert Kelly.
Season fixtures
R1 Sat 07 Mar 2015, 8:00pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Wests Tigers
R2 Sat 14 Mar 2015, 4:30pm, Carrington Park Panthers V Titans
R3 Sun 22 Mar 2015, 7:30pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Knights
R4 Sat 28 Mar 2015, 5:30pm, Remondis Stadium Sharks V Titans
R5 Fri 03 Apr 2015, 8:45pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Broncos
R6 Sat 11 Apr 2015, 2:00pm, Pirtek Stadium Eels V Titans
R7 Sat 18 Apr 2015, 3:00pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Panthers
R8 Sat 25 Apr 2015, 9:00am, Mt Smart Stadium Warriors V Titans
R9 Sat 09 May 2015, 2:00pm, GIO Stadium Raiders V Titans
R10 Sat 16 May 2015, 5:30pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Sharks
R12 Sat 30 May 2015, 3:00pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Rabbitohs
R13 Fri 05 Jun 2015, 7:35pm, Leichhardt Oval Wests Tigers V Titans
R14 Sun 14 Jun 2015, 4:00pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Bulldogs
R15 Sat 20 Jun 2015, 5:30pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Warriors
R16 Sun 28 Jun 2015, 1:00pm, Allianz Stadium Roosters V Titans
R18 Mon 13 Jul 2015, 7:00pm, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Sea Eagles
R19 Sat 18 Jul 2015, 4:30pm, Hunter Stadium Knights V Titans
R20 Fri 24 Jul 2015, 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium Broncos V Titans
R21 TBC, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Eels
R22 TBC, AAMI Park Storm V Titans
R23 TBC, TBC Bulldogs V Titans
R24 TBC, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Raiders
R25 TBC, Cbus Super Stadium Titans V Dragons
R26 TBC, 1300 Smiles Stadium Cowboys V Titans
Draw analysis
The Titans have a relatively easy start to the 2015 NRL season, playing five out of their first eight games against teams that finished in the bottom half of the table in 2014. However two games against competition heavyweights the Penrith Panthers within the first eight rounds could make or break the side early in the season, as beating a strong side like the Panthers would be a massive morale booster.
The Titans’ 12 home games are sprinkled through the season very evenly, with 6 in the first 13 rounds and then another 6 in the last 13 rounds, meaning that while they won’t have a lot of home games bunched into their fixture at one time, nor will they be on the road for any more than about two weeks at a time.
Their run home doesn’t look to be the hardest, with only the Bulldogs and Storm out of the teams that finished in the 2014 top eight in their last 6 games.
The teams the Titans will play twice are the Panthers, Sharks, Tigers, Knights, Broncos, Bulldogs, Eels, Raiders and Warriors. Titans fans will enjoy looking at that list of teams to play twice.
Predicted impact of State of Origin
The Titans will be moderately affected by State of Origin. Potentially losing three of their best forwards in Greg Bird, Nate Myles and Dave Taylor is going to be a big blow for any club, but the Titans aren’t overly stocked in the forwards and losing three forwards, not a mix of backs and forwards, is a massive blow.
However if the Titans perform well this season then you can expect all three will play Origin. Aiden Sezer could feature as well, but that is a long shot.
Predicted finish and final word
The Titans look to be in for a long season, although the new coach could see a turnaround if they can keep their top 17 on the paddock. Origin will be a big roadblock for the Titans in their quest to make the top eight in 2015.
My tip for the Titans in 2015 is in the bottom four.
Tomorrow we look at the Wests Tigers.
Muzz
Guest
Do they have a players union in the Super league, Andy?
cecil
Guest
If Albert plays a full season without injury or drama he will be the one of the top players in the league. He stats at the start of last year were insane for a halfback before injury,
Arnold kerwanty
Guest
A lot of Titans fans see this season as a low expectations season, albeit with a different style of footbll we have suffered under Cartwrights coaching. The 2016 season will see a lot of dead weight offloaded in their cap, and some big $ signings are anticipated.
Andy Sharpe
Roar Guru
It's probably a much needed bonus for him because Hull FC still owe him £200,000 from his time there and haven't yet paid him up.
Muzz
Guest
I think he may add a little depth to the backrow.A cheaper replacement for FPN(350k) perhaps which free's up some money for upgrades.With injuries,suspensions and rep duty, he'll probably get an opportunity at some stage. Life is full of surprises.One minute your contemplating retirement and next thing you know your given an opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world. Cheers for the information, Andy.
Andy Sharpe
Roar Guru
I have always been a great fan of Willie Manu and was desperate for Hull KR to sign him when he left Castleford - instead he went and signed for the darkside (Hull FC) and was outstanding for them - he is so strong and can slip the ball out of the tackle at will - last year he suffered a few injuries but he still came back and made the Grand Final winning St. Helen's side. I was surprised he signed for the Roosters, he's 35 now and announced his retirement at the end of last year, and I'm not sure how they will use him - it will be interesting to see how he fares - he also seems like a really good guy and he always gives maximum effort and keeps in good shape.
Muzz
Guest
Andy - What are your thoughts on Willie Manu and his 2014 form?
TheSmak
Guest
As a Titan fan I'm sad to see him go, but in answer to your question i think he will tear it up in the Super League. He's a great player.
Andy Sharpe
Roar Guru
How do Titans fans think Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair will go in Super League with my team Hull KR? Kelly had a stormer in the trial game win at Hull FC last week but tore his butt cheek muscle (glutumus whatever??) yesterday in a defeat at Warrington and could miss the opening round against Leeds. Injury prone?????
Damo
Guest
I'm keen to see taylor and Roberts combine. Both of these could be the games best if they could find consistency. Potential is there but the halves ability to get repeat sets will be the key.
BrumbyJack
Guest
Magic Man have you ever seen Big Willie move laterally? Or tackle with his shoulders? There are 101 defensive reasons the Knights got rid of him. Is Feleti Mateo even a forward? And as a Souths fan you can keep Luke Burgess... Good luck.
The Magic Man
Roar Rookie
With the new additions of size like Luke Burgess, Will Mason, Siosaia Vave, Fel Mateo and from injury Jake Trbojevic... I think Manly have actually fixed the "lack of size" weakness that their forwards had in 2014.
BrumbyJack
Guest
Scott your analysis is pretty spot on. Hard to see the Titans pushing ahead this year with a serially underperforming new coach, and losing their three best players - Bailey, Harrison and Kelly. Don't bother analyzing the Tigers tomorrow - their season is already a write off with the appointment of Jason Taylor as coach and keeping that serial cancer and whinger, Robbie Farah. I would like to see your analysis of the competition heavyweights rather than these also rans - Souths, Cowboys, Broncos and Bulldogs. I was going to put the Roosters up there , but let's face it without SBW, FPN and Mini they will be competing for the bottom half of the 8. As for Manly, as I wrote time and time again last year, they just don't have the pack to compete with the best teams - and that was last years pack! This years pack will be lucky to muscle up against most under 20s packs.
Cecil
Guest
Biggest losses are Albert Kelly and Idris, one of the main reasons they were up top of the ladder early last year was because of these 2
Paneer
Guest
Ahh, poor old Titans, the team with no home crowds. Only the Raiders are worse...
djcooper
Roar Guru
Hoffman throws a pass....there's a joke in itself Jay.
Roger Dodger
Guest
The Titans struggled to score points last year, and they have fixed that problem by recruiting Josh Hoffman. Wait, did I say fixed? I meant worsened. The bloke gets tunnel vision with the ball in hand, and couldn't spot a 3 man overlap. Mortimer is the most boring half in the game; there is a reason why he never amounted to more than a backup half before. Plus Neil Henry isn't a very good coach. There forward pack is weak, their backline is weak, their spine is weak. Bottom 4.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Bit harsh on the halves, Sezer was actually good last year until he tore his pec in round 10 (going into round 10 they were 6-3 with losses to the Rabbitohs twice and Penrith by 2 points), Mortimer got brought in mid season and didn't get much time to settle in. Firmly believe they should be a decent side if their forward signings pan out this year.
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
I wouldn't say the Titan's struggled initially. They had a good few seasons to start off with, missing out on the grand final by one game in 2010. They just haven't had quality halves since Matt Rogers retired and Prince fell out of form. Since their halves haven't really improved I can't see them being much better this year.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Broncs on top of the ladder? With virtually the same non-event forward pack, same mediocre rake, new second rate fullback, and new 5/8th they need to hide behind Alex Glenn? More like Broncs mid table yet again.