Minichello told to find a new club for 2015

[K2G]

From Couriermail.com.au
TRAVIS MEYN
Courier-Mail
JULY 19, 2014 12:00AM

Mark Minichiello admits disappointment after being cut adrift by Gold Coast Titans

FOUNDATION Titans forward Mark Minichiello has opened up about his disappointment at being told to find a new club.

Minichiello is the most capped Titans player in the club’s eight-year history, having run out 165 times for the NRL’s youngest franchise.

But the 32-year-old is off-contract at season’s end and confirmed he has been told he won’t be offered a new deal at this stage.

“If the club don’t want to sign me then I guess that’s their bad luck,” he said. “It’s disappointing if that’s the case. I reckon I’ve got plenty to offer the club or anyone out there.

“I’m not sure if it’s set in stone or not but at this stage I’m going to look around and see what’s out there.

“It’s always disappointing being the most capped player and hearing that sort of news but I’m not going to sit and whinge about it.

“I believe I’m playing great footy and have plenty to offer.

“It might be time for a change and if that’s the case then I’m looking forward to it.”

The 102kg Minichiello has admitted he isn’t the most talented player in the NRL but his desire, work ethic and professionalism can never be questioned.

He has played 251 NRL games in a 13-season career and despite holding a European passport said he would prefer to stay in Australia to finish his career.

“I’d love to stay in the NRL,” he said. “I want to keep playing. Whether that’s here or overseas I’ll have to sort that out.

“I’m going to test the market and see what’s out there.

“You always want to have something sorted as soon as possible but it’s not really something I want to rush either.

“I want to take my time and have a look at what’s out there and see what options I do have.”

Minichiello had a slow start to the season, coming off the bench in his first six appearances, but has been one of the Titans’ best in the past month.

“I feel like I’ve been given a bit more opportunity to play (recently),” he said. “At the beginning I wasn’t playing long minutes at all for one reason or another. The last four-five weeks I’ve been playing a lot more time on the field.

“Being back on the left side the last few weeks has been really good for me, too.

“I really enjoy playing on the left. It suits my footwork a bit better.

Minichiello and 34-year-old prop Luke Bailey are the only inaugural Titans from 2007 left at the club and both are off-contract this year.

“We’ve had a bit of a change over the years,” Bailey said. “We’ve got a lot of young players coming through. Only Mini and I are left from the old guys.

“The culture there is good but we’re obviously lacking something.”

The Titans are set finalise their preparations for this weekend’s blockbuster clash against the Knights in Newcastle. It’s nearly a must-win clash for John Cartwright’s team, who are running out of opportunities to push their way into the top eight.

Albert Kelly (knee) will have to pass a fitness test while Maurice Blair is set to be dropped from five-eighth in place of Brad Takairangi.

[karnage]

He will always be a favourite of mine. He is honest and whole hearted but suffers from people remembering his errors over his hard running and never say die attitude. He is in my top 3 ever titans (behind Princey and Presto).

You will be missed Mini.

But... I'd say it is probably the right call by the club. Time to move on.

[K2G]

Has gone really well the past few weeks, and i wouldn't be surprised to see him play his best footy under a decent coach, if he manages to stay in the NRL next season.

However, with all the second rowers we have at the club, I can't say he'll be missed on the park.

Harro, Mini both gone for 2015 ... Wouldn't mind seeing a few others join the list.

[DIEHARD]

You are a champion Mini, you will find another home either in the NRL or Super League. Would have been nice to keep him around but we are well stocked for 2nd rowers.

[TITAN PETE]

Mini has been a great servant to the club & you could never question his commitment in every game unlike a few others we've had in the club but the Titans have done the right thing by tapping him on the shoulder just a shame they didn't do the same to Fartwright.

Well done Mini will always be classed as a Champ in my eyes

[C-Whiz]

One of my favorites across the journey but probably also one of the most frustrating players to watch at times. His hits probably out number his misses 10-1 but he seems to make a lot of mistakes within metres of crossing the line.
Not the first I would let go, but it send a message that reputation and sentiment are not part of the Titans plan anymore. Time to pick a team on Merritt, and possibly Mini will be the first casualty of this.

Well done Mini, one of the Titans true warriors in every game.

[Titanic]

Endorse the comments above about his wholeheartedness but have to point out that he attracts more penalties and handling errors than everybody except Bird, James and now Carter … in SL he would be great but am not concerned by his departure.

[Hail Sezer]

Not much to add to what has been said above. Mini has played well this year, but his mistakes are always critical. We're stocked up in the back row with plenty of youthful potential and we need to let these youngsters develop.

Bailey is another one where I believe this applies. Love his heart and his efforts but there needs to come a time when the younger guys like Ioane, Binge and James all get a chance to develop. I admire Bailey's "I'm playing well so I'm not retiring" attitude but it is serving as a hinderance to the development of some of our young talent.

[teke]

Chris Houston lololololol

[TITAN PETE]

Chris Houston lololololol

Burleigh & Tweed already have enough back rowers

[Titanic Believer]

Never doubted Mini's effort but his chest seemed to often get in the way of his hands when catching the ball. Still, I will remember him as a bullocking runner that always gave 100%. But its time to develop the future.

[DavidBouveng]

i love mini, one of the guys who truly values the jersey he wears.

He should stay on be involved in our training and fitness.

[Boonarga]

Mini will be a good cheap buy for a club with a decent coach. He has a good 2 or 3 years left in him at the top level. A real coach can guide him properly.

[matti]

I have his Jersey , great player ... I prefer Mini over our drop kick coach.

[nimud]

I'd just like to say, although his hands let him down occasionally, Mini plays his guts out each week for Titans, and it's a disgrace if he's been told to look elsewhere.