Despite winning five on the bounce to round out the regular season, the Broncos’ mid-season slump saw them finish fifth, meaning sudden-death football and a local derby against a rejuvenated Titans outfit first up.
It was the 2015 runners up versus the pre-season wooden spoon favourites, big brother versus little brother, and at halftime little brother was on the verge of a finals upset nobody would’ve predicted in March.
Having not played finals since 2010, losing their captain, star half and lightning-quick centre – all without filling the Daly Cherry-Evans-sized hole in their salary cap – little was expected from the Titans in 2016, but coach Neil Henry had other ideas.
Ash Taylor’s journey down the M1 prvoed a masterstroke, with the Rookie-of-the-Year-in-waiting leading from the front, along with newly promoted captain and constant nuisance Ryan James.
Gold Coast were a consistent throughout the season, flying under the radar until the start of Augus when they held a red-hot Sharks side to an 18-apiece draw, and later signed their new star man in Jarryd Hayne.
It was at this time people stood up and took notice of the Titans as a threat to the competition, not only in the future but in the here and now.
Brisbane have always been the golden child of rugby league in Queensland, with Gold Coast outfits always playing second fiddle.
Under Wayne Bennett, success was a given for the Broncos. But when success is taken for granted, it is easy to slip into mediocracy – just ask Manly fans.
Despite having one of the best production line of future talent in their academy, only backs have made the successful transition to the Broncos’ first-grade squad in recent years, leaving them relying on ageing forwards. Still, with an ageing pack and young, inexperienced halves, the Broncos finished firmly in the top eight each year.
While their ability as a football team is superior the Titans’ roster, there is concerns over how long they can keep it up, and how much they can make of their peak years.
Within the next three years, contracts of Brisbane’s key players and coach will wind down, and – with Parker the marker – this will collide with the retirement of their key forwards, giving Titans the perfect chance to seize their opportunity.
Recently poached Broncos forward Jarrod Wallace, along with new recruits, Hayne, Taylor, Konrad Hurrell and Nathan Peat have years left to run on their current deals, meaning coach Neil Henry will have the same squad to work with for the seasons to come. Consistency is key – on the field, but just as importantly off it.
While the final score of this local derby gives the impression of a reasonably cruisy ride for the Broncos, it was not.
This season, and match in particular, shows there is something building on the Gold Coast, and Brisbane and the competition better be ready for it.
Do you think Titans have what it takes to be a competition heavyweight, or will they always be the Broncos’ little brother?
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