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12-12-07, 12:45 PM
Titans think about the future
By Laine Clark
December 11, 2007
AFTER giving the thumbs up to the Gold Coast's new NRL home today, dual international Mat Rogers turned his attention to the Titans' next major project - a halves partner for co-captain Scott Prince.
Rogers and his Titans teammates inspected the Gold Coast's nearly completed new homeground, the $160 million Skilled Park, for the first time.
The construction of the 27,000-seat stadium at Robina was pivotal to the Gold Coast receiving an NRL licence.
After being ?blown away? by the state of the art stadium, Rogers set his sights on another key piece to the Titans' success - a consistent five-eighth.
Rogers shared pivot duties with Matt Hilder and Josh Lewis during the Gold Coast's inaugural 2007 season.
And Lewis along with new recruit Ashley Harrison and Preston Campbell are set to vie for the No.6 jumper next season.
Rogers offered some simple advice to aspiring Titans pivots - you don't have to try and outshine Titans star Prince.
?It is important we find a long term partner for Princey but whoever is playing five-eighth will be playing second fiddle to Scott Prince because he's our man,? Rogers said.
?As long as that person is happy to do that, know their role in the team, they will go well. We don't need another Scott Prince at five-eighth. We need someone who can support him.
?I don't know who that will be. A few names have been thrown around.?
A vastly different Titans backline is also expected in 2008 after the departure of Richie Mathers, Lelea Paea and Jake Webster.
?We've got some fresh faces here pushing for positions, there's no guarantees for anyone,? Rogers said.
?Having competition for positions is a bonus. It will push a lot of blokes which can only benefit the side.?
Meanwhile, Rogers - pain free for the first time in five years after recent neck surgery - believed the new venue would push the Titans to another level.
?I'm quite blown away by how advanced it is. It looks as though you've just got to sweep up a bit and they're done,? he laughed.
?It's going to boost morale, it's pretty special. To be able to play here will be magic.
?Hopefully we can do it justice. I know the Broncos didn't have a good start when they returned to Suncorp but hopefully we can start on the right note here and get things happening.?
The Gold Coast won only two games outside of Queensland in their first season in the competition but enjoyed warm home support, averaging the second-best crowds in the NRL in 2007 with over 21,000 per game.
That average is set to increase at the bigger Robina venue which will be unveiled to the public at an open day on February 17.
The first game at the new stadium will be a Titans-Wests Tigers pre-season clash on March 1. Gold Coast also opens their 2008 season at Robina, against the Cowboys on March 14.
By Laine Clark
December 11, 2007
AFTER giving the thumbs up to the Gold Coast's new NRL home today, dual international Mat Rogers turned his attention to the Titans' next major project - a halves partner for co-captain Scott Prince.
Rogers and his Titans teammates inspected the Gold Coast's nearly completed new homeground, the $160 million Skilled Park, for the first time.
The construction of the 27,000-seat stadium at Robina was pivotal to the Gold Coast receiving an NRL licence.
After being ?blown away? by the state of the art stadium, Rogers set his sights on another key piece to the Titans' success - a consistent five-eighth.
Rogers shared pivot duties with Matt Hilder and Josh Lewis during the Gold Coast's inaugural 2007 season.
And Lewis along with new recruit Ashley Harrison and Preston Campbell are set to vie for the No.6 jumper next season.
Rogers offered some simple advice to aspiring Titans pivots - you don't have to try and outshine Titans star Prince.
?It is important we find a long term partner for Princey but whoever is playing five-eighth will be playing second fiddle to Scott Prince because he's our man,? Rogers said.
?As long as that person is happy to do that, know their role in the team, they will go well. We don't need another Scott Prince at five-eighth. We need someone who can support him.
?I don't know who that will be. A few names have been thrown around.?
A vastly different Titans backline is also expected in 2008 after the departure of Richie Mathers, Lelea Paea and Jake Webster.
?We've got some fresh faces here pushing for positions, there's no guarantees for anyone,? Rogers said.
?Having competition for positions is a bonus. It will push a lot of blokes which can only benefit the side.?
Meanwhile, Rogers - pain free for the first time in five years after recent neck surgery - believed the new venue would push the Titans to another level.
?I'm quite blown away by how advanced it is. It looks as though you've just got to sweep up a bit and they're done,? he laughed.
?It's going to boost morale, it's pretty special. To be able to play here will be magic.
?Hopefully we can do it justice. I know the Broncos didn't have a good start when they returned to Suncorp but hopefully we can start on the right note here and get things happening.?
The Gold Coast won only two games outside of Queensland in their first season in the competition but enjoyed warm home support, averaging the second-best crowds in the NRL in 2007 with over 21,000 per game.
That average is set to increase at the bigger Robina venue which will be unveiled to the public at an open day on February 17.
The first game at the new stadium will be a Titans-Wests Tigers pre-season clash on March 1. Gold Coast also opens their 2008 season at Robina, against the Cowboys on March 14.