weloveleague Gold Coast Titans Preview

[QLDPanthers]

Hi guys,

This Matt Pritchard - run qldpanthers.com and in 2013 I ventured into running a new league site called weloveleague.com.

As part of the season previews, I am looking for some ideas/thoughts on how the Titans will go in 2014.

If anyone has a passion for writing about the Titans I am happy to provide you the time on the weloveleague.com site to get the Titans message across.

Fire away and ask any questions.

Look forward to coming down mid season for our clash with you guys (Penrith v Titans)

Cheers,
Matt

[DIEHARD]

Good to hear from you Matt, you do a fantastic job for Rugby League and the Panthers! We should do all we can to attract more Panther fans to that game.

I'll definitely chip in some of my thoughts to help out.

Also suggest people check out his websites.

http://www.qldpanthers.com
http://www.weloveleague.com

[Skyfire]

1. idris leaving leaves our centres, which have nearly always been a weakness, in big trouble. Alot of people are deflated cause he was a favourite and sure to be a rep star this year. Im one.
2. James to assert himself as our key prop
3. Bird possibly taking 13 from Harrison.
4. Concern about Kelly and his vein problem.
5. Young spin should further develop. Kelly, Sezer and Srama.
6. Gordon back to his best. Fingers crossed.
7. We are all really hoping to see Henry make an impact in our strategy and coaching.
8. Probably come around 6th

[Hail Sezer]

Titanic please report to this thread immediately

[Titanic]

Thought it was a site for Wests Panthers and was horribly mistaken but will happily chip in with insightful ramblings and cynical navel contemplations as required.

[QLDPanthers]

If anyone wants to directly email thoughts the email address is weloveleague@gmail.com

[Titanic]

Ok lads, I'm up for this but only if nobody else wants it ... and you know what I'm like ... so only with your permission.

[QLDPanthers]

happy for anyone to provide some info,and it would be great to post a story on weloveleague.com by the end of this weekend.

[DIEHARD]

Titanic you got my support to be our ambassador.

[Titanic]

Cheers DH … I'll do the season preview thing as I'll do LU's too.

[Titanic]

Here we go lads … comments and corrections … take it when you want it Matt, on this site we happily share :-)

iSelect Titans 2014 Preview

Being a Titans fan is very much akin to the childish rhyme “here I sit broken hearted, paid a penny and only farted”. Over recent seasons the sun-bronzed faithful have swapped their banana chairs and surfboards for the brooding stands at Skilled Park, full of hope and expectation only to be faced with a gut-wrenching, early season exit. What can they expect in 2014?

Three years ago at this time, the club was full of expectation after nearly going “all the way” but incredibly won the dreaded wooden spoon. Two years ago, on the back of a buying spree and the injection of marketing guru David May as CEO, hopes soared only for the team to flop around at 14th. One year ago, inaugural skipper Scott Prince did a runner and by May David May was history too as the club stumbled to a disappointing 13th.

2014 started with a whimper rather than a bang. No matter what spin the club puts on it, the exit of Jamal Idris to Penrith and the arrival of the Panthers lightweight Brad Tighe was not a fair swap but that won't cost the club its first premiership. The issues within the Titans revolve more around coaching and club finances than the make-up of the team.

Already the social media wires are burning hot with the rumour that off-season recruit, Cowboys reject coach Neil Henry, is likely to be elevated from his current assistants role to replace the increasingly sour John Cartwright. Many will argue that a change of clipboard is overdue considering the resources provided and the very mediocre team performances.

Furthermore, ex-NRL luminary and NSW politician Graham Annersley has joined the white-shoe brigade on the Coast as CEO, whilst sightings of majority owner and director of football Michael Searle are rarer than a six foot swell at the Isle of Capri. However, in the absence of a Board of Management there is little doubt that Searle is still twiddling the club's strings when he is not diddling in the Caymans.

The club does have a lot more stable look about its stable this year but that is more about mediocrity rather than any emerging dynasty. Unless the revamped coaching group can conjure-up a new game plan, the Gold Coast with reverberate to the sound of mass yawning from emptying stands as the team roles through more mind-numbing sets of five hit-ups to a kick.

There is light in the tunnel but it’s a flicker only at this stage. The precocious talent of halfback Albert Kelly blended with livewire pivot Aiden Sezer was a highlight of the season past. These two hold the key, along with some added depth provided by South Sydney U20 signing Christian Hazard and the return of journeyman Beau Henry from injury. The Titans finally have options in those key positions.

The outside backs do look less brittle with centre Brad Takairangi being joined by Storm’s Maurice Blair and the Panthers Tighe whilst boom wingman Kalifa Faifailoa has wandered down from North Queensland and Siutonga Likiliki was signed from the Knights.

Where they can win it

Every pundit knows the cliché that forwards win games and the Titans are well-endowed in that area. With a focused Dave Taylor and that hair-guy, tyro Ryan James providing much-needed grunt, established masters Greg Bird and Nate Myles will have options to compliment ageing bruisers Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas. With crowd favourites Matt White and Ash Harrison also returning from injury plus forgotten hitman Ben Ridge and evergreen Mark Minichiello, the Coast looks capable of mixing-it with the best.

Last year’s surprise package Beau Falloon has stolen the pole position as hooker over Matt Srama as the Philippine representative struggles to recover from an ankle problem. Back-up rookie nine Sam Irwin has also gone down with an ankle problem so Falloon looks certain to continue to push the team around and end for at least a short time Cartwright's insistence on having a hooking rotation.

Where they may struggle

Again it’s the backs which look susceptible, particularly at fullback. Incumbent William Zillman has been the target of some particularly scathing criticism from the clubs fan base. Coach Cartwright seems bereft of ideas and gave wing sensation and PNG star David Mead several games last season in this key position. Although Mead made a fair fist of it, he is by no means an NRL class fullback at this time and so swapping a world-class wing to morph him into a below-par fullback seems unlikely.

Match winner

This season must the break-out for 5/8 Sezer. Whether he is at first or second receiver, he will need to put his stamp on the play and over-call his monster forward pack. It may have been intimidating for him last season but that year’s experience should now transform into confidence.

With a range of partners on offer there is every chance that Cartwright will give Hazard a taste of NRL and if Kelly doesn’t recover from his blood circulation problem that opportunity may come very quickly.

Rookies to watch

The media has been talking-up Likiliki, Tighe and Blair but one to slip under the radar so far has been ex-Bulldogs U20 backrow Paul Carter, son of Panthers legend Steve. This young man has the rugby league world at his feet. He is hard and skilled and just the type of no-nonsense player that Cartwright likes.

The big plays

Will Cartwright stumble on a winning formula? Will Assistant Coach Henry stumble into the number one job? Will the team stumble in to the finals? There is little doubt in every Titans’ fan’s mind that the team has the potential to challenge in September although a place higher than eighth may be ambitious.

Ins and Outs

In: Brad Tighe (Panthers), Maurice Blair (Storm), Christian Hazard (South Sydney), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Siutonga Likiliki (Newcastle), Kalifa Faifailoa (Cowboys).

Out: Jamal Idris (Panthers), Mark O’Dare (Manly), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Luke O’Dwyer (retired), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Matt Russell (Wigan), Jordan Rankin (Hull KR).

Injuries: Matt Srama (ankle – Round 4), Sam Irwin (ankle Round 6)

Likely team Round 1 v Sharks (away)

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Maurice Blair
4. Brad Tighe
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Albert Kelly
8. Ryan James
9. Beau Falloon
10. Luke Douglas
11. Greg Bird (c)
12. Nate Myles (c)
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Dave Taylor
15. Luke Bailey
16. Mark Minichiello
17. Brad Takairangi

Other squad members (alphabetical order):

18. Jordan Atkins 19. Shaun Carney 20. Paul Carter 21. Anthony Don 22. Jamie Dowling 23. Kalifa Faifailoa 24. Shane Gray 25. Christian Hazard 26. Beau Henry 27. Jahrome Hughes 28. Mark Ioane 29. Sam Irwin 30. Siutonga Likiliki 31. Cody Nelson 32. Luke Page 33. Ben Ridge 34. Matt Srama 35. Brad Takairangi 36. Matt White.

[K2G]

Here we go lads … comments and corrections … take it when you want it Matt, on this site we happily share :-)

iSelect Titans 2014 Preview

Being a Titans fan is very much akin to the childish rhyme “here I sit broken hearted, paid a penny and only farted”. Over recent seasons the sun-bronzed faithful have swapped their banana chairs and surfboards for the brooding stands at Skilled Park, full of hope and expectation only to be faced with a gut-wrenching, early season exit. What can they expect in 2014?

Three years ago at this time, the club was full of expectation after nearly going “all the way” but incredibly won the dreaded wooden spoon. Two years ago, on the back of a buying spree and the injection of marketing guru CEO David May, hopes soared only to flop around at 14th. One year ago, inaugural skipper Scott Prince did a runner and by May David May was history too and the club stumbled to a disappointing 13th.

2014 started with a whimper rather than a bang. No matter what spin the club puts on it, the exit of Jamal Idris and the arrival of lightweight Brad Tighe was hardly a fair swap but that is hardly going to cost the club its first premiership. The issues within the Titans revolve more around coaching and club finances than the make-up of the team.

Already the social media wires are burning with rumor that off-season recruit, the Cowboys reject coach Neil Henry, is likely to be elevated from his current assistant role to replace the increasingly sour John Cartwright. Many will argue that a change of clipboard is overdue considering the resources provided and the very mediocre team performances.

Furthermore, ex-NRL luminary and NSW politician Graham Annersley has joined the white-shoe brigade as CEO, whilst sightings of majority owner and director of football Michael Searle are rarer than a six foot swell at the Isle of Capri. However, in the absence of a Board of Management there is little doubt that Searle is still pulling the strings when he is not pulling deals in the Caymans.

The club does have a lot more stable look about its stable but that is more about mediocrity rather than an emerging dynasty. Unless the revamped coaching group can conjure-up a new game plan, the Gold Coast will reverberate to the sound of yawning from its emptying stands as the team roles through more mind-numbing sets of five hit-ups and a Hail Mary kick.

There is light in the tunnel but it’s a flicker only at this stage. The precocious talent of halfback Albert Kelly blended with livewire pivot Aiden Sezer was a highlight of the season past. These two hold the key, along with some depth provided by South Sydney U20 signing Christian Hazard and journeyman Beau Henry returning from injury, the Titans have options in those key positions.

The outside backs do look less brittle with centre Brad Takairangi being joined by Storm’s Maurice Blair and the Panthers Tighe whilst boom wingman Kalifa Faifailoa has wandered down from North Queensland and Siutonga Likiliki was signed from the Knights.

Where they can win it

Every pundit knows the cliché that forwards win games and the Titans are well-endowed in that area. With a focused Dave Taylor and that hair-guy, tyro Ryan James providing go forward, established masters Greg Bird and Nate Myles will have options to compliment bruisers Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas. The returning Matt White and Ash Harrison from injury along with hitman Ben Ridge and evergreen Mark Minichiello, the Coast looks capable of mixing it with the best.

Last year’s surprise package Beau Falloon has stolen the pole position over Matt Srama as the Philippine representative struggles to recover from an ankle problem. Back-up rookie Sam Irwin has also gone down with an ankle problem so Falloon looks certain to continue to push the team around.

Where they may struggle

Again it’s the backs which look susceptible, particularly at fullback. Incumbent William Zillman has been the target of some particularly scathing criticism from the clubs fan base. Coach Cartwright seems bereft of ideas and gave wing sensation and PNG star David Mead several games last season in this key position. Although Mead made a fair fist of it, he is by no means an NRL class fullback at this time and so losing a world-class wing to morph into a below-par fullback seems unlikely.

Match winner

This must be the break-out season for 5/8 Sezer. Whether he is at first or second receiver, he will need to put his stamp on the play and over-call his monster forward pack. It may have been intimidating for him last season but that year’s experience should now transform into confidence.

With a range of partners on offer there is every chance that Cartwright will give Hazard a taste of NRL and if Kelly doesn’t recover from his blood circulation problem that opportunity may come very quickly.

Rookies to watch

The media has been talking-up Likiliki, Tighe and Blair but one to slip under the radar so far has been ex-Bulldogs U20 backrow Paul Carter, son of Steve. This young man has the rugby league world at his feet. He is hard and skilled and just the type of no-nonsense player that Cartwright likes.

The big plays

Will Cartwright stumble on a winning formula? Will Assistant Coach Henry stumble into the number one job? Will the team stumble in to the finals? There is little doubt in every Titans’ fan’s mind that the team has the potential to challenge in September.

Ins and Outs

In: Brad Tighe (Panthers), Maurice Blair (Storm), Christian Hazard (South Sydney), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Siutonga Likiliki (Newcastle), Kalifa Faifailoa (Cowboys).

Out: Jamal Idris (Panthers), Mark O’Dare (Manly), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Luke O’Dwyer (retired), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Matt Russell (Wigan), Jordan Rankin (Hull KR).

Injuries: Matt Srama (ankle – Round 4), Sam Irwin (ankle Round 6)

Likely team Round 1 v Sharks (away)

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Maurice Blair
4. Brad Tighe
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Albert Kelly
8. Ryan James
9. Beau Falloon
10. Luke Douglas
11. Greg Bird (c)
12. Nate Myles (c)
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Dave Taylor
15. Luke Bailey
16. Mark Minichiello
17. Brad Takairangi

Other squad members (alphabetical order):

18. Jordan Atkins 19. Shaun Carney 20. Paul Carter 21. Anthony Don 22. Jamie Dowling 23. Kalifa Faifailoa 24. Shane Gray 25. Christian Hazard 26. Beau Henry 27. Jahrome Hughes 28. Mark Ioane 29. Sam Irwin 30. Siutonga Likiliki 31. Cody Nelson 32. Luke Page 33. Ben Ridge 34. Matt Srama 35. Brad Takairangi 36. Matt White.


_______________________________

I feel like a dick editing your awesome work Titanic. Please don't read my input as arrogance or anything. Really dig your writing.

Even though there are a few things i personally don't agree with (sentiments about mead at fullback [easily nrl class], likely rd 1 team [carty will leave Myles at prop or bring another front rower onto bench]) I overwhelmingly agreed with what you've written, and enjoyed reading it immensely.

Great job
:salute::salute::salute:

[Smakked]

Here we go lads … comments and corrections … take it when you want it Matt, on this site we happily share :-)

iSelect Titans 2014 Preview

Being a Titans fan is very much akin to the childish rhyme “here I sit broken hearted, paid a penny and only farted”. Over recent seasons the sun-bronzed faithful have swapped their banana chairs and surfboards for the brooding stands at Skilled Park, full of hope and expectation only to be faced with a gut-wrenching, early season exit. What can they expect in 2014?

Three years ago at this time, the club was full of expectation after nearly going “all the way” but incredibly won the dreaded wooden spoon. Two years ago, on the back of a buying spree and the injection of marketing guru David May as CEO, hopes soared only for the team to flop around at 14th. One year ago, inaugural skipper Scott Prince did a runner and by May David May was history too as the club stumbled to a disappointing 13th.

2014 started with a whimper rather than a bang. No matter what spin the club puts on it, the exit of Jamal Idris to Penrith and the arrival of the Panthers lightweight Brad Tighe was not a fair swap but that won't cost the club its first premiership. The issues within the Titans revolve more around coaching and club finances than the make-up of the team.

Already the social media wires are burning hot with the rumour that off-season recruit, Cowboys reject coach Neil Henry, is likely to be elevated from his current assistants role to replace the increasingly sour John Cartwright. Many will argue that a change of clipboard is overdue considering the resources provided and the very mediocre team performances.

Furthermore, ex-NRL luminary and NSW politician Graham Annersley has joined the white-shoe brigade on the Coast as CEO, whilst sightings of majority owner and director of football Michael Searle are rarer than a six foot swell at the Isle of Capri. However, in the absence of a Board of Management there is little doubt that Searle is still twiddling the club's strings when he is not diddling in the Caymans.

The club does have a lot more stable look about its stable this year but that is more about mediocrity rather than any emerging dynasty. Unless the revamped coaching group can conjure-up a new game plan, the Gold Coast with reverberate to the sound of mass yawning from emptying stands as the team roles through more mind-numbing sets of five hit-ups to a kick.

There is light in the tunnel but it’s a flicker only at this stage. The precocious talent of halfback Albert Kelly blended with livewire pivot Aiden Sezer was a highlight of the season past. These two hold the key, along with some added depth provided by South Sydney U20 signing Christian Hazard and the return of journeyman Beau Henry from injury. The Titans finally have options in those key positions.

The outside backs do look less brittle with centre Brad Takairangi being joined by Storm’s Maurice Blair and the Panthers Tighe whilst boom wingman Kalifa Faifailoa has wandered down from North Queensland and Siutonga Likiliki was signed from the Knights.

Where they can win it

Every pundit knows the cliché that forwards win games and the Titans are well-endowed in that area. With a focused Dave Taylor and that hair-guy, tyro Ryan James providing much-needed grunt, established masters Greg Bird and Nate Myles will have options to compliment ageing bruisers Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas. With crowd favourites Matt White and Ash Harrison also returning from injury plus forgotten hitman Ben Ridge and evergreen Mark Minichiello, the Coast looks capable of mixing-it with the best.

Last year’s surprise package Beau Falloon has stolen the pole position as hooker over Matt Srama as the Philippine representative struggles to recover from an ankle problem. Back-up rookie nine Sam Irwin has also gone down with an ankle problem so Falloon looks certain to continue to push the team around and end for at least a short time Cartwright's insistence on having a hooking rotation.

Where they may struggle

Again it’s the backs which look susceptible, particularly at fullback. Incumbent William Zillman has been the target of some particularly scathing criticism from the clubs fan base. Coach Cartwright seems bereft of ideas and gave wing sensation and PNG star David Mead several games last season in this key position. Although Mead made a fair fist of it, he is by no means an NRL class fullback at this time and so swapping a world-class wing to morph him into a below-par fullback seems unlikely.

Match winner

This season must the break-out for 5/8 Sezer. Whether he is at first or second receiver, he will need to put his stamp on the play and over-call his monster forward pack. It may have been intimidating for him last season but that year’s experience should now transform into confidence.

With a range of partners on offer there is every chance that Cartwright will give Hazard a taste of NRL and if Kelly doesn’t recover from his blood circulation problem that opportunity may come very quickly.

Rookies to watch

The media has been talking-up Likiliki, Tighe and Blair but one to slip under the radar so far has been ex-Bulldogs U20 backrow Paul Carter, son of Panthers legend Steve. This young man has the rugby league world at his feet. He is hard and skilled and just the type of no-nonsense player that Cartwright likes.

The big plays

Will Cartwright stumble on a winning formula? Will Assistant Coach Henry stumble into the number one job? Will the team stumble in to the finals? There is little doubt in every Titans’ fan’s mind that the team has the potential to challenge in September although a place higher than eighth may be ambitious.

Ins and Outs

In: Brad Tighe (Panthers), Maurice Blair (Storm), Christian Hazard (South Sydney), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Siutonga Likiliki (Newcastle), Kalifa Faifailoa (Cowboys).

Out: Jamal Idris (Panthers), Mark O’Dare (Manly), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Luke O’Dwyer (retired), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Matt Russell (Wigan), Jordan Rankin (Hull KR).

Injuries: Matt Srama (ankle – Round 4), Sam Irwin (ankle Round 6)

Likely team Round 1 v Sharks (away)

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Maurice Blair
4. Brad Tighe
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Albert Kelly
8. Ryan James
9. Beau Falloon
10. Luke Douglas
11. Greg Bird (c)
12. Nate Myles (c)
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Dave Taylor
15. Luke Bailey
16. Mark Minichiello
17. Brad Takairangi

Other squad members (alphabetical order):

18. Jordan Atkins 19. Shaun Carney 20. Paul Carter 21. Anthony Don 22. Jamie Dowling 23. Kalifa Faifailoa 24. Shane Gray 25. Christian Hazard 26. Beau Henry 27. Jahrome Hughes 28. Mark Ioane 29. Sam Irwin 30. Siutonga Likiliki 31. Cody Nelson 32. Luke Page 33. Ben Ridge 34. Matt Srama 35. Brad Takairangi 36. Matt White.

Well said titanic

[QLDPanthers]

I will post today guys. Many thanks. I will provide a link when it's posted and credit Titanic with the story.

[Titanic]

Thanks lads and certainly no offence taken … I hadn't proofed and would like the opinion of the article to reflect the great debates that happen in our Forum. Here is v2.0 … Matt, I won't edit it again, it's all yours.

iSelect Titans 2014 Preview

Being a Titans fan is very much akin to the childish rhyme “here I sit broken hearted, paid a penny but only farted”. Over recent seasons the sun-bronzed faithful have swapped their banana chairs and surfboards for the brooding stands of Skilled Park; full of hope and expectation only to be faced with a gut-wrenching, deflating early season exit. What can they expect in 2014?

Three years ago at this time, the club was full of expectation after nearly going “all the way” in 2010 yet incredibly won the dreaded wooden spoon. Two years ago, on the back of a buying spree and the injection of marketing guru David May as CEO hopes soared, only for the team to flop around at 14th. Last year, inaugural skipper Scott Prince did a runner and by May CEO May was history too as the club stumbled to a disappointing 13th.

2014 has started with a whimper rather than a bang. No matter what spin the club puts on it, the exit of Jamal Idris to Penrith and the arrival of Panthers lightweight Brad Tighe was not a fair swap but that won't cost the club its first premiership. The issues within the Titans revolve more around coaching and club finances than the make-up of the team.

Already the social media wires are burning hot with the rumour that off-season recruit, Cowboys reject coach Neil Henry, is likely to be elevated from his current assistants role to replace the increasingly sour John Cartwright. Many will argue that a change of clipboard is overdue considering the resources provided and the very mediocre team performances.

Furthermore, ex-NRL luminary and ex-NSW politician Graham Annersley has joined the white-shoe brigade on the Coast as CEO. Compounding management intrigue is the phenomenon that sightings of majority owner and director of football Michael Searle have become more rare than a six foot swell at the Isle of Capri. However, in the continued absence of the often-promised Board of Management there is little doubt that Searle is still twiddling the club's strings when he is not diddling in the Caymans.

The club does have a lot more stable look about its stable this year but that is more about mediocrity rather than any emerging dynasty. Unless the revamped coaching group can conjure-up a new game plan, the Gold Coast will reverberate to the sound of mass yawning from emptying stands as the team rolls through more mind-numbing sets of five hit-ups leading to a Hail Mary kick.

There is light in the tunnel but it’s a flicker only at this stage. The precocious talent of halfback Albert Kelly blended with livewire pivot Aiden Sezer was a highlight of the season past. These two hold the key, along with some added depth provided by South Sydney U20 signing Christian Hazard and the return of journeyman Beau Henry from injury. The Titans finally have options in those key positions.

The outside backs do look less brittle with centre Brad Takairangi being joined by Storm’s Maurice Blair and the Panthers Tighe whilst boom wingman Kalifa Faifailoa has wandered down from North Queensland and Siuatonga Likiliki was signed from the Knights.

Where they can win it

Every pundit knows the cliché "forwards win rugby league matches" and the Titans are well-endowed in that area. With a more focused Dave Taylor and that hair-guy, tyro Ryan James providing much-needed grunt, established masters Greg Bird and Nate Myles will have options to compliment ageing bruisers Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas. With crowd favourites Matt White and Ash Harrison also returning from injury plus forgotten hitman Ben Ridge and evergreen Mark "Hands" Minichiello, the Coast looks capable of mixing it with the best.

Last year’s surprise package Beau Falloon has stolen the pole position as hooker over Matt Srama as the Philippine representative struggles to recover from an ankle problem. Back-up nine, rookie Sam Irwin, has also gone down with an ankle problem so Falloon looks certain to continue to push the team around. This will end by default, at least for a short time, Cartwright's insistence on playing a hooking rotation and appease a large section of his critics.

Where they may struggle

Again it’s the backs which look susceptible, particularly at fullback. Incumbent William Zillman has been the target of some particularly scathing criticism from the clubs fan base. Coach Cartwright seems bereft of ideas and gave wing sensation and PNG star David Mead several games last season in this key position. Although Mead made a fair fist of it, he is by no means an NRL class fullback at this time. Swapping a world-class wing to morph him into a stop-gap fullback seems a desperate move although a recent poll of fans supported the concept.

Match winner

This must be the break-out season for 5/8 Sezer. Whether he is at first or second receiver, he will need to put his stamp on the team's play and over-call his monster forward pack. It may have been intimidating for him last season but that year’s experience should now materialise as confidence.

With a range of partners on offer there is every chance that Cartwright will give Hazard a taste of NRL. If Kelly doesn’t recover from a potentially debilitating blood circulation problem in his feet that opportunity may come very quickly.

Rookies to watch

The media has been talking-up Likiliki, Tighe and Blair but the one to slip under the radar has been ex-Bulldogs U20 backrow Paul Carter, son of Panthers legend Steve. This young man has the rugby league world at his feet. He is hard and skilled and just the type of no-nonsense player that Cartwright likes.

The big plays

Will Cartwright stumble on a winning formula? Will Assistant Coach Henry stumble into the number one job? Will the team stumble in to the finals? There is little doubt in every Titans’ fan’s mind that the team has the potential to challenge in September although a place higher than eighth may be ambitious.

Ins and Outs

In: Brad Tighe (Panthers), Maurice Blair (Storm), Christian Hazard (South Sydney), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle), Kalifa Faifailoa (Cowboys).

Out: Jamal Idris (Panthers), Mark O’Dare (Manly), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Luke O’Dwyer (retired), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Matt Russell (Wigan), Jordan Rankin (Hull KR).

Injuries: Matt Srama (ankle – Round 4), Sam Irwin (ankle Round 6)

Likely team Round 1 v Sharks (away)

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Maurice Blair
4. Brad Tighe
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Albert Kelly
8. Ryan James
9. Beau Falloon
10. Luke Douglas
11. Greg Bird (c)
12. Nate Myles (c)
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Dave Taylor
15. Luke Bailey
16. Mark Minichiello
17. Brad Takairangi

Other squad members (alphabetical order):

18. Jordan Atkins 19. Shaun Carney 20. Paul Carter 21. Anthony Don 22. Jamie Dowling 23. Kalifa Faifailoa 24. Shane Gray 25. Christian Hazard 26. Beau Henry 27. Jahrome Hughes 28. Mark Ioane 29. Sam Irwin 30. Siuatonga Likiliki 31. Cody Nelson 32. Luke Page 33. Ben Ridge 34. Matt Srama 35. Matt White.

[Titanic]

On the subject of the starting team, I feel that Henry will get a say in this and use Myles in the prop rotation but from the second row. This will open more opportunities to bolster the wider defensive rotation which is what he seems to want to talk-up … admittedly if Cartwright doesn't listen to reason or hasn't watched the tapes or won't change the tried and tested "no-win" pattern then we can fully expect another year of same ole same ole.

[QLDPanthers]

give me 20 mins and it will be posted. The Titans forum has been added to our links on weloveleague.com

[QLDPanthers]

Post is at http://www.weloveleague.com/2014/01/25/2014-nrl-preview-gold-coast-titans/

[Titanic]

Post is at http://www.weloveleague.com/2014/01/25/2014-nrl-preview-gold-coast-titans/

Matt … Suiatonga Likiliki is spelled wrongly in the Ins and my bad is we finished 9th last year (felt like 13th) and 11th in 2012 (felt like 14th) and in fairness can't see any acknowledgement that I wrote the vast majority of what you have published either.

[QLDPanthers]

Fixed the post. Thanks for your input. Quite a few hits so far.

[DIEHARD]

I cant see any credit for Titanic. It says By Matt Pritchard. If you are using word press you can add a new account and say by Titanic or use by weloveleague with a starting sentence of credit for Titanic. Who did a bang up job.

[DavidBouveng]

awesome write up Titanic. only thing that threw me was calling douglas an ageing bruiser at 27. makes me feel farking old.

great job mate.

[Titanic]

Thanks guys

[TITAN FAN]

Wholeheartedly agree credit to Titanic a great preview

No doubt about it Titanic needs to be recognised as the writer on the site