Cate Swannell
August 21st, 2009
THE Gold Coast Titans are in danger of losing a bit of gloss off their so far fairly polished image as rugby league's shiny new boys.
Fullback William Zillman is at the centre of the storm, but isn't necessarily the cause of the fan backlash that seems to have erupted around him, at least if the comments on our website are anything to go by.
Zillman, of course, was suspended for four matches this week on a biting charge against South Sydney's Jamie Simpson and the club, at the time of writing, was 'considering' appealing the verdict.
It's not Zillman's biting that's got the fans worked up, it's the way the club's handled his suspension that's grating.
Here's a sampling:
"Your guy bit him, grow up, accept it, move on and try to leave this behind with at least a modicum of dignity. Be careful, you just may have to change your name from the Titans to The OJ Simpsons."
That's from Christian Darque, a Sydneysider admittedly.
Here's another:
"(Michael) Searle, (John) Cartwright, (Mat) Rogers, etc, should realise that the truth is the best defence and not 'spin'. When in future the club tries to 'spin' their way out of an uncomfortable situation they should get their heads together in order that they don't appear to be a disjointed rabble as is the case in this instance."
That's from 'Skasey' of Palen Creek.
OK, so you'd expect non-Gold Coasters to be sinking the slipper into the club. That's rivalry for you.
But more worrying is the reaction from locals:
"I am ashamed of our club's handling in this matter! Zilly clearly bit that Souths player, and Cartwright, Rogers, Prince and Searle attempt to blame the poor guy who was bitten!!! Shame, shame, shame! If this is the ethical standards set by our club, I won't be signing up next year and neither will my family!"
That's from 'Tweed Seagull' of Tweed Heads.
Or this:
"OMG. I cannot believe the pathetic attempt to excuse what is considered to be a inexcusable offence by most people who play the game, whatever the level. The Titans are doing themselves no favours here or in Sydney/Brisbane. Michael Searle has done his club no favours by the way that he has handled this and the whole club should hang their heads in shame. I can tell you this, I won't be joining them after this!"
That's from 'Prowsey' of Arundel Hills.
This next one is particularly worrying.
Doug Kirby married his fiancee Melanie Fisher in centrefield of Skilled Park when South Sydney played up here back in May, in front of 20,000 Titans fans.
Here's what Doug had to say yesterday:
"I am a passionate Titans supporter and recently got married at the Titans v Souths home game. I have to say that the way the club has handled the biting incident has been embarrassing to Titans fans everywhere. I will be having laser surgery to have my Titans tattoos removed and will not renew my membership next year."
Yikes.
Whether Zillman meant to bite down on Simpson's arm, whether he was having his testicles squeezed at the time, whether his mouthguard meant it was more of a gumming than a bite -- all of those things are irrelevant when it comes to the club's image.
He was found guilty. He looked guilty. The whole rugby league-watching public saw the video.
Yeah, rugby league is a business and losing Zillman for four matches right now is a blow.
But surely losing fans is just as important in a world where bums on seats mean everything to a club's success.
Have a cup of concrete, fellas. Harden up, accept the umpire's verdict and concentrate on covering Zillman's position the best you can.
You're not winning any fans arguing the toss.