2014 Titans Season Previews

[DIEHARD]

From around the traps

[DIEHARD]

Season preview: Gold Coast Titans

After three seasons without featuring in the finals, 2014 will shape up as a very important year for the Gold Coast Titans.

The club will embark on its eighth season this year and in the seven years that have passed since their entry into the NRL in 2007, they have experienced the high of a preliminary final and the low of a wooden spoon separated by twelve months.

One chapter has ended and this year will be the start of a second, as the Titans look to continue their climb back up the ladder after finishing just short of a finals berth in 2013, following on from an 11th place finish in 2012 and a wooden spoon in 2011.

The players
Luke O’Dwyer’s retirement will leave fellow Luke Bailey and Mark Minichiello as the only foundation players remaining at the Gold Coast Titans this season.

Jamal Idris is also a major loss from the club. After two seasons on the holiday strip, the former Dally M Rookie of the Year has decided to return home to Sydney, where he will join the Phil Gould revolution at the Penrith Panthers.

The Titans may have lost Idris but they have received Brad Tighe from the Panthers as a direct replacement, and it’s on the holiday strip where Tighe will look to add to his 157 games and 61 tries scored since debuting for Newcastle in 2005.

Jordan Rankin has also left, as he seeks more opportunities at Hull FC in the English Super League after being constantly in and out of the team since making his NRL debut in 2008.

Kalifa Faifai Loa and Maurice Blair are the club’s notable arrivals, and for both players this will be their third club, after previously playing for the Dragons and Cowboys (Faifai Loa) and Panthers and Storm (Blair).

Both players have managed less than 100 NRL games in their respective careers, but it could be at the Titans where they achieve this milestone (not together, obviously).

And in a positive sign of the club going forward in the long term, Country Origin forward Ryan James has re-signed with the club until the end of 2017, and will prove to be a good replacement up front when Luke Bailey retires.

History will await Luke Douglas if he lines up in Round 1 – since debuting for Cronulla in Round 2, 2006, the iron prop has never missed a match through injury or suspension, racking up 194 matches straight in the intervention, a record.

Currently tied with Jason Taylor for the most consecutive appearances overall, all Douglas needs to do is line-up against the club for which he debuted, Cronulla, in Round 1 and he will not only take JT’s record, but also extend the record of most consecutive matches from debut.

Amazing stuff, especially for a prop.

The draw
As has been the case since 2008, once again the Gold Coast Titans will face their Queensland rivals, the Cowboys and Broncos, twice in the season, with their first clashes with those clubs to be in Rounds 4 and 6 respectively.

Both will be Titans home games, so the team will have the full support of their fans as they attempt to go one-nil up on those two clubs early on in the season.

Other than them, the Titans will also double-up against the Dragons, Warriors, Raiders, Storm, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Tigers, and will also enjoy home meetings with the Sea Eagles, Eels and Bulldogs.

But before all that, the Titans must, for the second year running, open the season against an under-siege Cronulla outfit in Sydney.

Last season, the Titans lost a close contest by only two points to a side whose coach Shane Flanagan was suspended for an indefinite period (which turned out to be two weeks), it was that loss that counted as many that could have been the difference between making or missing the finals.

Once again, it will be a case of deja vu as they once again open their season against the Sharks in Sydney, but this time, their coach Flanagan will be out for 12 months following his role in the Sharks’ supplements scandal.

Over half of the club’s home fixtures are winnable without doubt, while they will also look to extend its good record against reigning premiers, the Sydney Roosters, in their only meeting nearing the back end of the season.

The verdict
Minimal changes to the Gold Coast Titans’ playing list won’t make them contenders for the premiership in 2014, but it could be these little things, as well as some improved results on the field, that may ultimately prove to be the difference between missing the finals and going deep in September.

The club’s ninth-place finish last season was not helped by inconsistency, whereby the club had victories over heavyweights the Storm and Roosters, they also suffered losses against the Warriors (twice) and the Panthers, two clubs that failed to reach the finals in 2013.

A number of heavy losses also conspired against the club, and it’s their for-and-against that needs improving if the Titans are to reach the finals for the first time since 2010.

But will they really improve, or will last year’s ninth place finish come back to haunt them?

Prediction
11th

THE ROAR (http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/02/19/season-preview-gold-coast-titans/)

[Titanic]

yep. that's about it, give or take a place or two.

[karnage]

We will finish closer to last than to eighth.

[Toads]

In another thread, I've already put us in 14th for 2014.

[Mr Stupid]

Titans to top Queensland cohort in 2014


Roar Rookie


By Callum Murphy, 20 Feb 2014Callum Murphy is a Roar Rookie
Tagged: Gold Coast Titans, NRL, Rugby League


After three consecutive years without finals footy, the Gold Coast are desperate for success in 2014.

As the Titans enter their eighth year in the NRL, they have only made the finals on two occasions (2009, 2010).

The Gold Coast went from preliminary finalists in 2010 to 2011 wooden spooners and have been on the decline since, finishing 11th (2012) and ninth (2013).

This is the year that they have to step it up. If the Titans finish anywhere but the top eight this year, it could spell trouble for coach John Cartwright.

This is especially the case with the club signing Neil Henry as an assistant to Cartwright after he was dumped by the Cowboys last year.

The Titans have signed speed this year by adding the likes of Brad Tighe (Penrith), Kalifa Faifai Loa (North Queensland), Maurice Blair (Melbourne), Christian Hazard (South Sydney) and Suiatonga Likiliki (Newcastle).

All these are capped off by promising youngster Paul Carter (Canterbury).

But where there are gains there are always losses with the Coast losing big gun Jamal Idris (Penrith), Marmin Barba (Broncos) and Jordan Rankin (Hull FC).

The release of Jamal Idris leaves seven players fighting for centre positions: Tighe, Brad Takarangi, Maurice Blair, Faifai Loa, Jamie Dowling and Likiliki.

The Titans under-20s have not been the best team in the Holden Cup.

In fact they have struggled massively, making a lone finals appearance in 2010 and losing to South Sydney in Week 1.

With their first grade halves relatively sorted, youngster Christian Hazard should get the starting half spot for their Holden Cup team.

Losing Hymel Hunt to the Strom has hurt their Holden Cup chances.

While the Cowboys have done well the last few years by making the finals, I think that the Titans will top them as well as the Broncos and become Queensland’s highest placed team in 2014.

They have the players, the staff and the determination to go far in the competition and well into the finals in 2014.

Likely Titans team:
1.William Zillman
2.Kevin Gordon
3.Brad Takarangi/ Maurice Blair
4.Kalifa Faifai Loa
5.David Mead
6.Aiden Sezer
7.Albert Kelly
8.Ryan James
9.Beau Falloon
10.Nate Myles
11.Greg Bird
12.David Taylor
13.Ashley Harrison
14.Luke Douglas
15.Mark Ioane
16.Mark Minichello
17.Paul Carter/Matt Srama

[DIEHARD]

We are getting a few Kiwis in the squad now.

[Geeman]

We are getting a few Kiwis in the squad now.

That can only be a good thing :thumbsup:

[Titanic]

Minichiello for Bailey? No Tighe and some other stuff ... not the best lineup, imho.

[DIEHARD]

http://media.heraldsun.com.au/fe/sport/nrl/nrl-season-preview/2014/images/summary/titans.jpg

AT A GLANCE
THE Jamal Idris walkout in January has done nothing to give Titans fans any hope that this year is going to be any different from the previous seven.

No one could accuse them of not putting in and there have been plenty of gutsy performances but the team has lacked in class across the paddock when it mattered.

The Titans were a shot at scraping into the finals in 2013 but when Idris succumbed to a leg injury their odds lengthened and they fell just short to finish ninth.

Time catches up with all footballers and for club stalwarts Luke Bailey, Ash Harrison and Mark Minichiello their chances of playing finals football are fast disappearing.

But combine that trio at their best with rising star Ryan James and representative players Greg Bird, Nate Myles and Dave Taylor if he chooses to focus and that is a forward pack that can match it with any in the competition.

The loss of Idris who had been playing some of the best footy of his career until his injury will not be covered by the arrival of Brad Tighe from Penrith.

Young halves combination Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly have had a season together now and impressed at times during 2013. There will be greater expectation on them to deliver for the Titans in attack.

But it’s coach John Cartwright who will be seriously in the spotlight this year.

Since steering the Titans to the preliminary final in 2010, earning him a five-year extension, Cartwright has won 27 of 72 games for a 37.5 per cent success rate.

Neil Henry has arrived as his assistant from the Cowboys and new CEO Graham Annesley may already be looking towards the future.

GAINS: Brad Tighe (Panthers), Maurice Blair (Storm), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Christian Hazard (Rabbitohs), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Cowboys)

LOSSES: Jamal Idris (Panthers), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Hymel Hunt (Melbourne Storm), Luke O'Dwyer (retired), Mark O'Dare (Sea Eagles), Jordan Rankin (Hull), Matthew Russell (Warrington)

X-FACTOR: If Dave Taylor can play to his potential he can be one of the most destructive forwards in the game. That player is yet to show up on the tourist strip.

ROOKIE ON THE RISE: Siuatonga Likiliki was the NYC centre of the year in 2009 and 2010 but never quite hit his straps in two years at the Knights. Was named at centre in the NSW Cup team of the year in 2012 and remains a noted tryscorer.

VERDICT: A fair, if slightly brutal, assessment of the Titans’ chances in 2014 has to read “more of the same”. It’s hard to see the Gold Coast outfit improving on last year’s ninth-place finish because their playing roster has barely changed and the same issues will confront them this year: lack of depth and the wear and tear of State of Origin.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl

[Titanic]

VERDICT: A fair, if slightly brutal, assessment of the Titans’ chances in 2014 has to read “more of the same”. It’s hard to see the Gold Coast outfit improving on last year’s ninth-place finish because their playing roster has barely changed and the same issues will confront them this year: lack of depth and the wear and tear of State of Origin.
And a reduced playing roster in Idris whilst other mid-range clubs have improved marginally = 11th.

[Geeman]

And a reduced playing roster in Idris whilst other mid-range clubs have improved marginally = 11th.

My thoughts exactly

[Skyfire]

Titanic nails it.

[DIEHARD]

NRL 2014 Preview: Gold Coast Titans

KEY GAINS AND LOSSES:

Gains: Maurice Blair (Storm), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Cowboys), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights) Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Christian Hazard (Rabbitohs), Brad Tighe (Panthers).

Losses: Luke O'Dwyer (retired), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Marmin Barba (Broncos), Jordan Rankin (Hull), Mark O'Dare (Sea Eagles), Matthew Russell (Warrington) Jamal Idris (Panthers).

STRENGTHS: The forward pack is imposing. Nate Myles, Greg Bird, David Taylor, Luke Douglas, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Ashley Harrison. Perhaps their most important signing is former sports minister Graham Annesley, just the man to get the front office in order.

WEAKNESSES: The halves pairing of Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer is one of the NRL's most exciting but they are yet to display the consistency required. Jamal Idris' move to Penrith is a loss.

THE MAIN MAN: It's a massive year for Albert Kelly. If he plays to his potential, and the more prominent contenders are injured, he'll be discussed as a NSW halfback candidate. But another off-field misdemeanour and it could be over.

CIRCLE THIS DATE: April 21: This will be Gold Coast's first match against Idris. The former NSW representative never justified the dollars or the hype that came with his transfer to the holiday strip and was released from his contract for compassionate reasons.

ONE TO WATCH: With Matt Srama still working his way back from injury, Paul Carter could start the season at hooker. It will be a shift from his preferred position in the back row but those in the know reckon he's up to it. His playing style has been liked to Greg Bird.

THE MAN IN CHARGE: John Cartwright: The first man to coach the Gold Coast, Cartwright will be the first coach they sack if they don't improve this year. That he was signed to a five-year deal — even Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler don't command that type of loyalty — is madness in the cutthroat world of NRL coaching.

STRONGEST 17: William Zillman, David Mead, Maurice Blair, Brad Tighe, Kevin Gordon, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Luke Douglas, Greg Bird (c), Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: David Taylor, Mark Minichiello, Brad Takairangi, Ryan James.

THE HEADLINE YOUR TEAM MOST WANTS TO SEE: Fab Albert: Kelly Gang on fire

THE HEADLINE YOUR TEAM LEAST WANTS TO SEE: Regarding Henry – Cartwright first Titans coach sacked

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/nrl-2014-preview-gold-coast-titans-20140301-33taz.html#ixzz2ulqpFROP

[Smakked]

THE HEADLINE YOUR TEAM LEAST WANTS TO SEE: Regarding Henry – Cartwright first Titans coach sacked

Dunno about anyone else, but this is what I want to see

[toddythetitan]

How's young christian hazard going in the trials also likliki physically looks intimidating

[teke]

How's young christian hazard going in the trials also likliki physically looks intimidatingwe got a look at Liki bad defence in the last trial

[TITAN PETE]

How's young christian hazard going in the trials also likliki physically looks intimidating

Hazard has a broken bone in his foot & will be out for a few weeks , he won't get a shot in the NRL this year.

I watched Likiliki today play for Burleigh & he wouldn't take a spot off Michaels on today's effort.

[Squinter98]

Finals football beckons for the Titans in 2014

The Gold Coast Titans are the newest addition to the National Rugby League, with 2014 being their eighth season in the NRL. In that time, they’ve only graced the finals on two occasions.

In 2009 they toppled out of the finals race in straight sets, while the following year was slightly more successful. They won against the Warriors at home to earn a week off, but failed to win their preliminary final against the Roosters and missed out on their first grand final birth.

So is this the year the Gold Coast Titans make the finals and go all the way to appearing in their first ever grand final?
Let’s take a look at their personnel.

The Coach
John Cartwright is under a fair amount of pressure this year. The Titans haven’t made the finals since 2010 and received their first wooden spoon in 2011.
Cartwright is an excellent coach but has won a total of 86 games out of his 170 NRL games. He has a lot of work to do.
The signing of Neil Henry as assistant coach could adds some experience to their side.
Henry coached the North Queensland Cowboys to 59 wins out of 129 games and has also coached the PM’s XIII team that played in Papua New Guinea, while regularly assisting Mal Meninga in the Queensland camp at State Of Origin time.
Henry looks to be a huge signing that the Titans might have needed. Don’t be surprised if Henry replaces Cartwright as coach in the coming years.

The Backs
The Titans have bought a whole lot of speed in the off-season, bringing in Kalifa Faifai Loa, Siuatonga Likiliki, Maurice Blair and trading a homesick Jamal Idris for Brad Tighe.
This adds to the existing speedsters in Kevin Gordon, who just signed a new three-year deal until 2017, and David Mead, who is pushing for the fullback spot having played a lot in that role last year.
The centre spots are wide open at the moment, and with Brad Takairangi looking to play some time in the forward pack, the race for the 3 and 4 jerseys is on.
Tighe and Blair look to have a lead in the race, though Faifai Loa, Likiliki, Steve Michaels, Anthony Don and Jamie Dowling are all scratching at a chance to prove themselves either in the centres or on the wing.
Aidan Sezar and Albert Kelly formed a nice combination in the halves last year. No one expected that two different players could form such a unique combination, and this pairing will only grow and mature over the years.

The Forwards
There is a lot of competition going on with the front and back row.
Ryan James has just signed a new contract and is looking to prove he was worth keeping this year, and with a Blues Origin jersey in his sights, he’ll be hoping he has a excellent start to the season.
Workhorses Luke Bailey and Nate Myles have some competition, with Matt White looking to make a comeback after suffering a season-ending injury last year in the trials. Luke Douglas has also made his mark, either in the starting side or off the bench.
Mark Ioane has made an impact in the trials and might be called up if injuries occur during the season.
Dave Taylor is looking to have a huge year this year after a disappointing 2013 in which he missed Australian and Queensland representative selection due to poor form.
There has been a lot of talk about how well his off-season training has been. Come Round 1, Taylor just needs to put his money where his mouth is and show what his capable of.
With Ben Ridge, Mark Minichiello, Dave Taylor, Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Brad Takairangi making up the back row, Ben Ridge and Brad Takairangi could be the only back rowers to miss out on selection.
Come State Of Origin time, Ridge and Takairangi should get some game time.
Matt Srama, Sam Irwin, Beau Falloon and Paul Carter are the hookers all pushing hard for selection. With Srama and Irwin out for some time, it looks like Falloon will pair up with Paul Carter in Round 1.
Off-season recruit Carter has shown great skill playing at dummy half in the trials, with aggressive runs and control around the ruck. Primarily a back-rower, his versatility makes him a must-have for the Titans’ top line-up.
Carter has also shown the same type of aggression Greg Bird displays on the field and many have commented on great similarities between them. Big things are in store in 2014 for Paul Carter.

Gold Coast Titans Predicted Best 17
1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Brag Tighe
4. Maurice Blair
5. David Mead
6. Aidan Sezar
7. Albert Kelly
8. Luke Douglas
9. Beau Falloon
10. Nate Myles (C)
11. Greg Bird (C)
12. Dave Taylor
13. Ashley Harrison
14. Mark Minichiello
15. Luke Bailey
16. Ryan James
17. Paul Carter
Predicted finish: sixth


Source:http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/03/03/finals-football-beckons-for-the-titans-in-2014/

[ozynorts]

"Tighe and Blair look to have a lead in the race, though Faifai Loa, Likiliki, Steve Michaels, Anthony Don and Jamie Dowling are all scratching at a chance to prove themselves either in the centres or on the wing."

He has been in the league and this team long enough to prove himself and all he has proven is he ain't at the required standard. When are we going to cut the dead wood?

[teke]

"Tighe and Blair look to have a lead in the race, though Faifai Loa, Likiliki, Steve Michaels, Anthony Don and Jamie Dowling are all scratching at a chance to prove themselves either in the centres or on the wing."

He has been in the league and this team long enough to prove himself and all he has proven is he ain't at the required standard. When are we going to cut the dead wood?Required standard? Isn't he the only player in the squad to have won the comp?

[DavidBouveng]

Required standard? Isn't he the only player in the squad to have won the comp?

I think Harro won it in 2000.

stopped reading the preview after i read 'Cartright is an excellent coach'.

he may not be as bad as some make out. but no one could argue he is excellent.

That is reserved for Bellamy, Bennett, maybe Hasler...

[Mexican titan]

I think Harro won it in 2000.

stopped reading the preview after i read 'Cartright is an excellent coach'.

he may not be as bad as some make out. but no one could argue he is excellent.

That is reserved for Bellamy, Bennett, maybe Hasler...

All of those excellent coaches have a better winning rate than 86 win from 170 games. That's right on 50% but Carty's success rate over the last 3 years is going down not up.

[DavidBouveng]

also, i keep reading about our ageing pack causing us to slide this year...im not sure how accurate that is. Its becoming a theme but i just cant agree

here is our break down:

young players (up to 23 )
* Mark Ioane - 23
* Matt Srama - 23
* Paul Carter - 21
* Ryan James - 22

mid career players (24-29)
*Dave Tayor - 25
*Ben Ridge - 25
*Beau Falloon - 26
*Luke Douglas - 27
*Nate Myles - 28
*Greg Bird - 29
*Matt White - 29

Older Player (30+)

*Luke Bailey -34
*Mark Minichello - 34
*Ash Harrison - 32

happy for people to disagree and discuss my age brackets, but aside from the older 3 foundation players who are definitely nearing the end, we have next up bird who is in career best form, and Myles only a season from it, the rest are all 27 and under, alot are quite a bit under that.

anyone think we have a particularly ageing group?

[DavidBouveng]

[/B]

All of those excellent coaches have a better winning rate than 86 win from 170 games. That's right on 50% but Carty's success rate over the last 3 years is going down not up.

exactly, you need success, and a fair bit, before you can consider yourself excellent.

[Titanic]

Michaels scratching himself was worth the read :)

[teke]

I think Harro won it in 2000.

stopped reading the preview after i read 'Cartright is an excellent coach'.

he may not be as bad as some make out. but no one could argue he is excellent.

That is reserved for Bellamy, Bennett, maybe Hasler...:laugh:

Just stirring about Michaels.

Toovey my friend Toovey...future master coach :salute:

[Bayside Titan]

Maybe now that BJ is at Manly now Michaels might head to Manly. Anybody else think that it's a great idea??

[GCT_89]

young players (up to 23 )
* Mark Ioane - 23
* Matt Srama - 23
* Paul Carter - 21
* Ryan James - 22

mid career players (24-29)
*Dave Tayor - 25
*Ben Ridge - 25
*Beau Falloon - 26
*Luke Douglas - 27
*Nate Myles - 28
*Greg Bird - 29
*Matt White - 29

Older Player (30+)

*Luke Bailey -34
*Mark Minichello - 34
*Ash Harrison - 32


anyone think we have a particularly ageing group?

Well going off previous seasons, those "older players" are half of our run on forward pack. So I can see why people could think that...

I would like to see less and less of these three as the season goes on, despite two of them being our only remaining foundation players...

[teke]

Maybe now that BJ is at Manly now Michaels might head to Manly. Anybody else think that it's a great idea??yes, he's an upgrade on wolfman...well 2013 gf day wolfman

[DIEHARD]

Season Preview: Gold Coast Titans

Source: http://www.theguardian.com

Guardian writers’ season prediction: 11th (NB: this is not necessarily Matt Cleary’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 9th

The annual riddle of why Gold Coast Titans – roster like a fringe Origin squad, coach regarded as the game’s Nicest Man, and a modern, purpose-built stadium in the fastest-growing league land in the world – continue to disappoint is confounding scholars.

Looking at them, they should be hot like African bird’s eye chilli. Monster pack, slick backs, clever schemers, tough trainers (Trevor Gillmeister eats the weak) and an experienced, respected coach. Playing them, however, can be an exercise in humiliation or humility. One week they’re the Raiders of 1990, the next Sydney University from 1936, losers of 42 straight.

Why is it so? Who can say? Neither coach, players, fans, trainers, administrators, press, sociologists, soothsayers, back-bar drunks nor the ghost of Nostradamus can adequately explain why this quality squadron remain the competition’s enigma. Like beaten favourites at Flemington, it would help if they could talk.

This year? Should be no different. Why would it be? Same players. Same coach. Same stadium. Same-same. They’ll miss Jamal Idris, profit from Neil Henry. And while each defeat (there were 13) and win (11) will have been dissected like the entrails of a Peruvian spider monkey, they’ll still be no closer to knowing whether they’ll make the eight.

But where there’s life there’s hope, as bookmakers would tell you. And there’s plenty of life in 22-year-old man-thing Ryan James, a 120kg monster from Tweed Heads who in the back bit of 2013 plundered yards like a Viking fresh off the boat. Watch him.

Elsewhere in the pack Luke Bailey, 34, and Mark Minichiello, 32, are still bopping about (old blokes love the interchange), while Greg Bird, Nate Myles and Ash Harrison form an all-Origin back-row. Throw in sasquatch-looking beasts Dave Taylor and Luke Douglas, and you have a forward pack with more weight than the United Nations Security Council.

The backs? Run like Jesus lizards scampering across the salt-pan. Wingers David Mead and Kevin Gordon are among the quickest fiends in the comp. Halves Aiden Sezar and Albert Kelly have a complementary combination of solidity and flashiness, respectively. Sezar will bunt kicks for the leapers; Kelly will do some wondrous, hot-footed things. Will Zillman can punish from the back.

So, they’re good. Why they are also bad is the quandary of our time. And it’s one that coach John “Hoss” Cartwright is going to have to sort out this season, despite his tenure in the role being legally – if not bindingly – contracted until 2016. They love ol’ Hoss on the Goldie. But they like winning more. This is it.