Gold Coast Titans NRL 2018 season preview

• 
• Author: Mick Gannon
  Feb 23, 2018 12:30 AM
• AAP

A fresh start on the Gold Coast

Key Ins: Bryce Cartwright (Panthers), Jai Arrow (Broncos), Brendan Elliot (Knights), Mitch Rein (Panthers), Leilani Latu (Panthers), Michael Gordon (Roosters)

Key Losses: Chris McQueen (Tigers), Leivaha Pulu (Warriors), Tyrone Roberts (Wolves), Daniel Vidot (retired), Agnatius Paasi (Warriors), Brenton Lawrence (retired), Jarryd Hayne (Eels), William Zillman (retired)

Overview

After a year to forget in 2017, the Titans enter this season with a new look as rookie coach Garth Brennan takes the reigns from Neil Henry, whilst the Jarryd Hayne circus heads south back to Sydney. A fresh start with new faces provides the Titans with the perfect platform to build a strong team for the future of Rugby League on the Gold Coast. 

The Titans have recruited well for the 2018 season. Journeyman Michael Gordon joins his fourth club in as many years, and brings depth, experience and a sharp goal kicking record to the squad. The ‘Flash’, as he is more affectionately known to his fans, assumes kicking duties after notching-up a 78% conversion rate with the Roosters last year, overshadowing incumbent kicker Anthony Don’s 64%.

New coach Brennan arrived on the Gold Coast after success with Penrith’s under 20’s and reserve grade sides, coaching the Panthers’ NSW Cup team to a premiership in 2017. His Panthers connections have been a key factor in the Titan’s success in luring Bryce Cartwright and Tyrone Peachey (joining in 2019) away from western Sydney.

The new coach admits that it will take some time for his new look Titans side to hit their straps this season and cites fostering talent and building belief as key focus areas to enable them to be competitive against the best sides in the competition. Expect a slow start to the year for the Gold Coast while their new recruits settle into their roles, but a big improvement would not surprise as the season rolls on given the talent and leadership onboard.

Player to watch: Bryce Cartwright had a year to forget in 2017 both on and off the field. With injury and personal drama taking its toll, he was unable recapture his 2016 form which made him one of the most damaging backrowers in the game. This season shapes up to be a make or break year for Cartwright and he will be desperate to reinstate himself as an Origin candidate. 

Key player: Ash Taylor is a gifted young half with the potential to dominate at NRL level, but is yet to prove himself week-in-week-out. The 22-year-old’s name has been tossed around as a possible replacement to Cooper Cronk in the QLD team, however Titans fans will be hoping that he can establish himself as a dominant club player before entering the Origin caldron. 

Outside backs rating: 4/10

Konrad Hurrell was devastating in patches last season and if he can maintain some consistency, he will prove to be a handful for opposition centres. The likes of Dale Copley, Anthony Don and Brenko Lee all have a job to do but you wouldn’t expect miracles from those three. Despite the fact he was never at his best for the Titans, the departure of Hayne means their backline now lacks a proven match winner. 

Forward Pack rating: 8/10

The Titans have a potentially devastating forward pack, which has been bolstered by new recruit Cartwright. The likes of Ryan James, Kevin Proctor and Jarrod Wallace are talented footballers who will catch many opposing teams on the back foot this year. Further support will be provided by Leilani Latu and Jai Arrow who are both players on the rise. The Titans' season rests on the shoulders of their forward pack and if they can establish themselves as an effective defensive unit with strong go-forward early enough in the season, they have the potential to surprise a few teams during the 2018 season.  

Spine rating: 4/10      

The effectiveness of the Michael Gordon (Fullback), Kane Elgey (Five Eight), Ash Taylor (Halfback) and Nathan Peats (Hooker) combination has the potential to score plenty of points, but will rely heavily on the impact of their forwards. The intuitive positional play of Gordon will relieve pressure from young halves Kane Elgey and Ash Taylor, and provide much needed experience. Peats has been a great pick-up for the Gold Coast club, starring in his debut season for the side last year. The NSW Blues rake has brought much needed stability and grittiness to the side.