Coming off a 32-12 loss to the Rabbitohs, led by an immaculate performance by Latrell Mitchel, the Titans are still with one win in the past year. So how could they be nearing the finals?
To start with, while it was an amazing game by the Bunnies, two fluky tries set the tone, leaving the Gold Coast in the dust with a plethora of unforced errors.
The number of forward passes and dropped balls by the Titans was unacceptable, nearing embarrassing, but there was admirable effort a shown by players like Kevin Proctor and Ash Taylor.
However, Phillip Sami was lacklustre in defence, not coming to the aid of his line when there was a break or a runaway – he wasn’t there when he was needed, like AJ Brimson usually is.
AJ Brimson (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
The difference between this year and last year’s sides is undoubtedly coach Justin Holbrook. He’s shown his willingness to cut players from the side, seen in Jarrod Wallace’s absence from the past two games.
A message is being sent to the team, as Holbrook is bringing in younger players who are ready to perform, while the ‘superstars’ aren’t playing. Many questioned the changes, with backlash from fans, but it seems to have revitalised the side.
Expect to see more experimentation in the coming weeks, with little to lose this season it could be beneficial to chop and change the line-up.
This starts with Sami. While an amazing player, he isn’t built for the fullback role. Instead, he’s a thoroughbred winger. His speed and stepping abilities are second to none, but his tackling and effort lack what it means to be a true fullback, like Kalyn Ponga.
Many players are on the chopping block too, and in 2021 I anticipate many departures and the arrival of young guns. Holbrook did just this in the Super League, which resulted in a dominant premiership side.
Whie this is a slow process, it’s a process nonetheless.
Holbrook at the helm could be the saviour the club needs, particularly with talk of a 17th club entering the league – the Titans can’t afford to lose any more fans, with membership numbers among the lowest in the league. They’re unable to fill Cbus Stadium regardless of the opponent.
This lack of support is a result of their on-field product, as the Gold Coast haven’t produced a true contender team since 2010, when their season was ended one week shy of a grand final berth.
While the skies seem dark now, Justin Holbrook gives them a thread to hold onto and the future looks bright. Don’t be surprised to see the Titans as a top-eight side by 2025.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
2022-23... because after this year they can get rid of some dead weight and they'll have the cap space to buy some decent players. They have a plethora of quality juniors coming through their system, a successful Q-Cup affiliate side and a coach who's already made improvements in this team. Only 1 win, but during the games they lost, they've shown a bit of fight and been competitive. 6-6 in the second half against Canberra in round 1. 6-6 in the second half against the bunnies last round. Their next goal is showing that effort and fight for a full 80 minutes and they'll win a few games.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Yeah.. but. Is he doing a good job? Not in my opinion.
Jeff Cook
Roar Rookie
Isn't Mal Meninga in a football manager capacity at the Titan's ?
mephisto
Guest
SE Qld team a certainty but will the Courier Mail support it in competition with own team Broncos. The Titans wont get easy games this year against top sides flattened by SOO but we have been down this path before. Idris was going to be saviour, then Hayne, then Holbrook- the Coast produces champs but the bright lights and money takes them away.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
Hopefully not, with what has been said from the league it looks more likely there's a new club instead of the Titans being moved on.
Hoolifan
Guest
They may well be called the Brisbane or Perth Titans by then.
ChildishHambino
Roar Rookie
How I see it is, at some point, we have to have a hard look at the Titans for another reason, the ability to run as an organization. I just feel we can't have another Cronulla Sharks or Warriors. You have to provide the goods! If the Titans don't start providing some good wins and finals appearances then we will just have another run at a League with 16 teams were some teams do not matter. I believe the Titans need to start getting the job done or show some effective results for the poor folk that supports them.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jack.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
Taylors made a huge stride in his defensive efforts, he's efficiently lacked that in the past. Holbrook is making choices to try test players out, he for sure isn't putting out the side to win. the team needs to find a structure that works before they go out there expecting to win. The defence has undoubtedly been a talking point for them, I'm expecting them to really step up in this regard very soon.
Glenn Drury
Guest
Half the game is defense why are they picking guys who can’t tackle Cartwright, taylor just pick guys that will at least try.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
Hopefully even one can make it that deep this year but doesn't look too likely. certainly not holding my breath.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
Took me a second to see what you were referring too, got me there. Hopefully not but 2225 finals hopes are sadly more realistic than finals this year. That assumes the Titans make it through to 2050, let alone 2225.
Dutski
Roar Guru
It's how the young people talk these days John
rakshop
Roar Rookie
Is there a typo in your headline????? I think its meant to read "Gold Coast Titans to be NRL contenders by 2225"
Rellum
Roar Guru
The main thing is to have four QLD teams in the second last week of the finals. That is what everyone wants. The people in NSW would be just over the moon at that outcome.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
Thanks, Birdy, More titans supporters are surprisingly coming around nowadays, a big issue is the past scandals. Like you've mentioned, the Titans have constantly been screwed around, especially the fans. The junior base is definitely here too, with the Titans going around to junior clubs and helping out it without a doubt is helping grow the club. Undoubtedly on the right track now it seems, with Holbrook taking the Titans by the throat to try to fix them any way he can. Him dropping players who aren't stepping up to the plate is invaluable right now as too many players come to the Titans for the money & weather, forgetting about the footy.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Good read CV. I’m putting my hand up as having the Titans as my second team. The way the gold coast was thrown into the nrl from the giants till now, no club from any sport could have survived. They have a large junior base and potentially large fan base ,both have been used ,abused and lied to from day dot. All the reasons why they should be kicked out or been successful have been dramatised day in and day out season after season by know it all know nothing drama queens. The Titans are finally on the right track they will end up being a super club they are just starting now. If any one wants to talk about real issues that make sense, get rid of the oversaturated Sydney market.its our game too.
Clarke V
Roar Rookie
It’s definitely a struggling area for sports currently. But I don’t think fans will come until results do, the club is sitting at some low member numbers because no one wants to barrack for a loser alive. Instead, being dissatisfied in the comfort of their own home.
Jack Bill
Roar Rookie
Benji went to High school on the GC. I've long held the belief as a Brisbane fan that we get most of the good products of the GC. Ikin, Boyd, Eastwood, Corey Norman, Ben Hannant, Jai Arrow, Ben Teo all came from GC before playing for Brisbane. If Titans could keep even some of their great local juniors then they'd be up there with Broncos for talent. Some Aussie players for Succhi: Ikin, Hannant, Boyd, Rogers, Haas Some NZ internationals: Marshall, Rapana, Kahu, Eastwood Origin players and other great players: Teo, arrow, Fifita All from Gold Coast
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Not a fan of the draft either. Not every region/major city deserves a side and if the Gold Coast can’t churn out some quality juniors then they need to fold. Clubs should be rewarded for supporting their junior nursery and expanding it. It’s something the current salary cap doesn’t help and the NRL has been shocking in doing for the last 20 or more years.