Gold Coast Titans 2012 season preview
Ended 2011 with the wooden spoon and just six wins – surely a new look Titans will improve this year?
Gold Coast hit rock bottom last season as they suffered more losses than in 2010 and 2009 combined.
Injuries played a big part and the Titans used no fewer than 33 players but the team looked in desperate need of some freshening up too.
With some big name arrivals and key departures the Titans will be a very different proposition in 2012.
Nate Myles and Luke Douglas are quality additions to an already powerful set of forwards while Jamal Idris and Beau Champion are eye-catching recruits.
The Titans hopes of a finals return rest on coach John Cartwright finding the right halves combo. William Zillman may start the season in the number six jersey but youngster Aidan Sezer could finally solve Gold Coast’s problem position.
Cartwright needed to make changes after a dire 2011 and the Titans are better balanced across the field so expect a significant improvement.
Prediction: 8th
Players in: Jamal Idris, Aiden Sezer (Both Bulldogs), Luke Douglas (Sharks), Beau Champion (Storm), Nate Myles, Phil Graham (Both Roosters) and Beau Falloon (Rabbitohs)
Players out: Nathan Friend (Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Esi Tonga (Eels), Will Matthews (Dragons), Luke Capewell (Broncos), Brad Meyers, Preston Campbell and Mat Rogers (All retired)
Coach: John Cartwright – Signed a long-term deal on the back of successive top four finishes, Cartwright copped some flak last year and will be determined to banish the memories of a difficult 2011.
Star man: Scott Prince – While Prince isn’t the force he once was, he is still key to Titans hopes of success. Prince has lacked support but if Gold Coast can solve that then the Titans will be a team to watch.
Breakthrough year: Matt Srama – The Titans were not concerned by the loss of stalwart Nathan Friend because they have an outstanding replacement in 21-year-old Srama. Impressed in 14 appearances last year and set for a much bigger role in 2012.
Young gun: Aidan Sezer – Poached from the Bulldogs, Sezer is a gifted half back who made the 2010 NYC team of the year. May have to wait for his chance in first grade but expect him to stake a strong claim when opportunity comes knocking.