K2G
14-12-13, 12:04 AM
GOLD Coast centre Brad Takairangi has welcomed the increased competition at the Titans next season believing he became "too relaxed" with the lack of depth at times in 2013.
Takairangi cemented himself as the centre partner for Jamal Idris, but has a serious battle on his hands keeping the jersey with Maurice Blair arriving from Melbourne and Siuatonga Likiliki joining from Newcastle.
He returned to Titans training this week after playing for Cook Islands at the World Cup and has immediately noticed the step up in intensity among the players during field sessions.
"I've only just come back and the boys are in real good shape," Takairangi said.
"(2013) was good, I got a position there in the centres and I got a bit more game time than I did at the Roosters.
"It's a brand new year, brand new season, they've got a few more centres so it's going to be a bit more competition which is good.
"Last year there weren't too many centres and I felt at times I got a little bit relaxed. But with the two new centres coming in there is definitely going to be heat on each week.
"It's up for grabs and they're definitely going to be putting heat on all of us."
Takairangi admitted to some bittersweet feelings watching his former teammates at the Roosters claim the premiership last October after leaving the club in the preseason, but was confident he'd soon have his own title ring to celebrate.
"We're building towards something special up here," he said.
Tongan international Likiliki said he was ready to apply the pressure for a starting position. While the 98kg wrecking ball can cover any position from the outside backs to the second row, he wants a spot in the centres.
"I don't mind playing anywhere, second row centre or wing, growing up I was playing centre and that's where I'm most comfortable," Likiliki said.
"I'm just hoping I can bring my best game over here and play some good footy for the Gold Coast."
Takairangi cemented himself as the centre partner for Jamal Idris, but has a serious battle on his hands keeping the jersey with Maurice Blair arriving from Melbourne and Siuatonga Likiliki joining from Newcastle.
He returned to Titans training this week after playing for Cook Islands at the World Cup and has immediately noticed the step up in intensity among the players during field sessions.
"I've only just come back and the boys are in real good shape," Takairangi said.
"(2013) was good, I got a position there in the centres and I got a bit more game time than I did at the Roosters.
"It's a brand new year, brand new season, they've got a few more centres so it's going to be a bit more competition which is good.
"Last year there weren't too many centres and I felt at times I got a little bit relaxed. But with the two new centres coming in there is definitely going to be heat on each week.
"It's up for grabs and they're definitely going to be putting heat on all of us."
Takairangi admitted to some bittersweet feelings watching his former teammates at the Roosters claim the premiership last October after leaving the club in the preseason, but was confident he'd soon have his own title ring to celebrate.
"We're building towards something special up here," he said.
Tongan international Likiliki said he was ready to apply the pressure for a starting position. While the 98kg wrecking ball can cover any position from the outside backs to the second row, he wants a spot in the centres.
"I don't mind playing anywhere, second row centre or wing, growing up I was playing centre and that's where I'm most comfortable," Likiliki said.
"I'm just hoping I can bring my best game over here and play some good footy for the Gold Coast."