2012 Review

[Titanic]

It is that time of the year again where I have been asked to write a review of 2012 for LU (deadline 20 Oct). Here it is in draft form and all comments are welcome, inaccuracies should be pointed-out and any issues can be debated.

Gold Coast Titans 2012 NRL Season Review

Coast-bashing has been an NRL hobby since Ronnie “Rambo” Gibbs rode into town on his Harley in 1987. Questions regarding the viability of a glitter-strip club have over-ridden team performances seemingly since Midge Farrelly was a grommet. Read on to review the season past and receive a glimpse of what lies ahead for the enigmatic Gold Coast Titans as they renew their struggle to shed the unwanted “white shoe brigade” mantle.

After facing an off-season under the pall of the Wooden Spoon, the squad appeared ready to reclaim their mojo with the addition of some very welcome new faces into the Skilled Park conundrum. Replacing fair-weather favourites Preston Campbell, Anthony Laffranchi and Nathan Friend; Queensland Origin pillar Nate Myles, Bulldogs man-mountain Jamal Idris, Sharks workhorse Luke Douglas and Melbourne Storm’s electric centre Beau Champion rode into town. Together they were heralded as the cavalry that coach John Cartwright needed to end the era of malcontent.

2012 loomed as the season where gambles would be lauded as revelations and the next stage of the Titans’ grandiose strategy would be unfurled. Coupled with the big-names was a cadre of young guns who would add depth to the gilt-edged senior squad. Newbies Aidan Sezer and Beau Falloon joined with local tyros Matt Srama, Jordan Atkins and Ryan James. The 2012 Titans were touted as ready to unleash hell.

What went wrong

The season opened with a trip to North Queensland. Idris exploded from the blocks playing on the unfamiliar left-side. Coach Cartwright seemed to have provided a master-stroke as his star recruit crossed twice in the 18-0 demolition of a woeful Cowboys outfit.

Yet it only took a week for reality to raise its judgemental head and Game 2 became the harbinger of what was to become the season of mediocrity. It all began at home on a bright sunny Saturday afternoon against the Canberra Raiders 12-24 and fizzled-out twenty-three games later, on another sunny Skilled Saturday afternoon, this time with a whimper against the Sea-Eagles 16-24. When the dust had settled, the Titans had gone 10-14 for the year and racked their cue shaking their heads wondering about what could have been. Not so their fans who were baying for blood.

Star players had spent long stints on the sidelines. The team’s one-dimensional playing structure smacked of an archaic style last seen in the ‘80’s while the selection policy left even the most ardent Cartwright fans scratching their heads. Patches of good form and a skerrick of hope to make the Finals could not disguise underlying faults in the composition and preparation of the team. Underachieving had become the club’s catch-phrase and with the NYC team giving up large scores each week the problems had become entrenched in the system.

The Gold Coast faithful were running out of patience and their focus, like the players’, was not limited to on-field performances.

2012 will long be remembered as the year when tall-poppy and now ex-CEO Michael Searle’s “vision” was exposed to more than the passing cynic as a get-rich-quick scheme window-dressed as a rugby league club. The millstone of his much-vaunted Centre of Excellence weighed so heavily on the franchises finances that at one stage of the season it appeared likely that the club would either be shut down, sold to a Papua New Guinean politician or have its licence revoked.

What sort of toll the well-publicised off-field issues took on the playing group can never be measured, however, in consideration of the quality of players on the roster and their lack of diligence in tight fixtures, it would be reasonable to assume that they were at best distracted and disgruntled.

What went right

This season was the making of Nate Myles the Redeemer. Dally M Second rower, Origin Player of the Series, clean sweeper of all the Titans awards and Test selection made his move to the Coast and 2012 a season for him to remember.

There can be little doubt that the Titans forward pack can match it with the NRL’s best. The coming of age of back row dynamo Ben Ridge was another highlight of the season. This is a high endorsement of his performances when considering the players he must compete with for a spot each week; Test and Origin stars Myles, Greg Bird and Ash Harrison as well as club stalwart Mark Minichiello. Hooker Matt Srama again showed that size does not matter in a tradesman-like display but he did suffer from inconsistency when sharing the role with pinch-hitter Beau Falloon.

In the backs there was little joy. Nearly all the players showed glimpses of their potential but they all suffered from a lack of variety in structure. Led by an aging but often tackle-shy Scott Prince, the backline backfired more often than sparked. Debutant Aidan Sezer at pivot showed that he could be a real talent in the future, however, his skills will be wasted if he doesn’t have outside men to aim at. The inconsistencies of his centres alienated strike wingmen David Mead and Kevin Gordon. The media talked-up William Zillman’s late season form but this realy highlighted the rest of his season was at best mediocre.

The Future

A willing forward pack will be further bolstered with the signing of ex-Broncos and South Sydney giant Dave Taylor. There is no doubt that at his best he will add strike power out wide. The return of Luke Bailey from his season-ending Achilles injury will provide the midfield resolve that the team missed towards the latter part of the season.

Injuries played a significant part in the 2012 roll-out. It is hoped that Idris will reclaim the level of fitness that earned himself a Test jersey in 2011 and that Beau Champion will shed his “glassman” persona. Depth will continue to be an issue for the backs, although on paper the team has good coverage. With the availability of Michael Parker-Walshe and the likely signing of Albert Kelly to strengthen the halves another problem area will be dealt with.

Every Gold Coast fan has two things on their Christmas wish lists:

1. Rid the club of financial controversy
2. Recruit a backs coach

There is little doubt that both Searle and Cartwright have given the Titans their best shot; one as he flits between greatness and the Cayman Islands whilst the other has balanced hard decision-making with being the clubs most popular bloke. If Season 2013 is to be anything more than an extension of 2012 both these key-stakeholders need to recognise their limitations and get the required help**.

2012 Club Awards

NYC True Titan – Nick Harrold
NYC Player of the Year – Sam Irwin
NYC Players Player – Sam Irwin
Try of the Year – Jordan Rankin
Rookie of the Year – Aidan Sezer
Clubman of the Year – Matt Srama
XXXX Fans’ Choice – Nate Myles
Community Award – Brenton Lawrence
Outstanding Achievement – Renee Cohen (Development Manager)
GC Bulletin Readers’ Choice – Nate Myles
Members Choice – Nate Myles
The Preston – David Mead
Paul Broughton Medal - Luke Bailey

Potential 2013 Squad

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Jamal Idris
4. Beau Champion
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Matt Srama
10. Luke Douglas
11. Nate Myles
12. Greg Bird
13. Ashley Harrison
14. Ben Ridge
15. Mark Minichiello
16. Dave Taylor
17. Matt White

Plus: Beau Falloon, Jamie Dowling, Beau Henry, Ryan James, Kayne Lawnton, Brenton Lawrence, Steve Michaels, Luke O’Dwyer, Luke Page, Michael Parker-Walshe, Dominique Peyroux, Jordan Rankin and Javarn White.

** The author does recognise that there has been a restructuring of the club's management and the appointment of a new CEO, however, the incumbents have yet to display whether they are completely indepedent of their predecessors.

[thelwall]

perfect.....

[The Mole]

fair review although...

Newbies Aidan Sezer and Beau Falloon joined with local tyros Matt Srama, Jordan Atkins and Ryan James. .

Atkins? i'm assuming you meant Rankin

[Titanic]

Atkins? i'm assuming you meant Rankin

Thanks guys. That's the type of typo that just slips through I can't edit the original post but have corrected it.

[DIEHARD]

Titanic, I really enjoy reading that. It was a very good review of the season, the best I've read with the right balance. I can't really think of anything to add, you reminded me of a few to be honest.

Maybe add something about the injuries, Im pretty sure every player was out at some time. Maybe for great length.

Also maybe how when one player is out, we dont just replace him, we like to jiggle the team around. So it has a bigger knock on effect.

Maybe mention something about the get a free junior membership with adult should boost home support. It's an innovative concept and its very much respected and marvelled at by fans of other clubs.

The inclusion of the Titans Awards and a possible Titans team would leave the reader satisfied and enlightened.

[The Mole]

Titanic, I really enjoy reading that. It was a very good review of the season, the best I've read with the right balance.

+1

Thanks guys. That's the type of typo that just slips through I can't edit the original post but have corrected it.

No problem

[Titanic]

Maybe add something about the injuries, Im pretty sure every player was out at some time. Maybe for great length. Will research how many lasted the season

Also maybe how when one player is out, we dont just replace him, we like to jiggle the team around. So it has a bigger knock on effect. Will add something

Maybe mention something about the get a free junior membership with adult should boost home support. It's an innovative concept and its very much respected and marvelled at by fans of other clubs. Will do

The inclusion of the Titans Awards and a possible Titans team would leave the reader satisfied and enlightened.Already included but need input on the entire squad because I'm sure I've missed some

Thanks DH ... also the LU team will make a club banner with the seasons stats on it to accompany the review.

[DIEHARD]

Sorry the last bit was a wrap of what you had added, I didnt mean it as a suggestion although it reads that way. I think you have value added the article. Nothing worse than a review that is either poor or just gentle PR.

[Titanic]

Latest up-date:

Gold Coast Titans 2012 NRL Season Review

Coast-bashing has been an NRL hobby since Ronnie “Rambo” Gibbs rode into town on his Harley in 1987. Questions regarding the viability of a glitter-strip club have over-ridden team performances seemingly since Midge Farrelly was a grommet. Read on to review the season past and receive a glimpse of what lies ahead for the enigmatic Gold Coast Titans as they renew their struggle to shed the unwanted “white shoe brigade” mantle.

After facing an off-season under the pall of the Wooden Spoon, the squad appeared ready to reclaim their mojo with the addition of some very welcome new faces into the Skilled Park conundrum. Replacing fair-weather favourites Preston Campbell, Anthony Laffranchi and Nathan Friend; Queensland Origin pillar Nate Myles, Bulldogs man-mountain Jamal Idris, Sharks workhorse Luke Douglas and Melbourne Storm’s electric centre Beau Champion rode into town. Together they were heralded as the cavalry that coach John Cartwright needed to end the era of malcontent.

2012 loomed as the season where gambles would be lauded as revelations and the next stage of the Titans’ grandiose strategy would be unfurled. Coupled with the big-names was a cadre of young guns who would add depth to the gilt-edged senior squad. Newbies Aidan Sezer and Beau Falloon joined local tyros Matt Srama, Jordan Rankin and Ryan James. The 2012 Titans were touted as ready to unleash hell.

What went wrong

The season opened with a trip to North Queensland. Idris exploded from the blocks playing on the unfamiliar left-side. Coach Cartwright seemed to have provided a master-stroke as his star recruit crossed twice in the 18-0 demolition of a woeful Cowboys outfit.
Yet it only took a week for reality to raise its judgemental head and Game 2 became the harbinger of what was to become the season of mediocrity. It all began at home on a bright sunny Saturday afternoon against the Canberra Raiders 12-24 and fizzled-out twenty-three games later, on another sunny Skilled Saturday afternoon, this time with a whimper against the Sea-Eagles 16-24. When the dust had settled, the Titans had gone 10-14 for the year and racked their cue shaking their heads wondering about what could have been. Not so their fans who were baying for blood.
Star players had spent long stints on the sidelines. The team’s one-dimensional playing structure smacked of an archaic style last seen in the ‘80’s while the selection policy left even the most ardent Cartwright fans scratching their heads. Patches of good form and a skerrick of hope to make the Finals could not disguise underlying faults in the composition and preparation of the team. Underachieving had become the club’s catch-phrase and with the NYC team giving up large scores each week the problems had become entrenched in the system.
The Gold Coast faithful were running out of patience and their focus, like the players’ was not limited to on-field performances.
2012 will long be remembered as the year when tall-poppy and now ex-CEO Michael Searle’s “vision” was exposed as little more than a get-rich-quick scheme window-dressed as a rugby league club. The millstone of his much-vaunted Centre of Excellence weighed so heavily on the franchises finances that at one stage of the season it appeared likely that the club would either be shut down, sold to a Papua New Guinean politician or have its licence revoked.
What sort of toll the well-publicised off-field issues took on the playing group can never be measured, however, in consideration of the quality of players on the roster and their lack of diligence in tight fixtures, it would be reasonable to assume that they were at best distracted or at least disgruntled.
What went right

This season was the making of Nate Myles the Redeemer. Dally M Second rower, Origin Player of the Series, clean sweeper of all the Titans awards and Test selection made his move to the Coast and 2012 a season for him to remember.
There can be little doubt that the Titans forward pack can match it with the NRL’s best. The coming of age of back row dynamo Ben Ridge was another highlight of the season. This is a high endorsement of his performances when considering the players he must compete with for a spot each week; Origin stars Myles, Greg Bird and Ash Harrison as well as club stalwart Mark Minichiello. Hooker Matt Srama again showed that size does not matter in a tradesman-like display but did suffer from inconsistency when sharing the role with pinch-hitter Beau Falloon.
In the backs there was little joy. Nearly all the players showed glimpses of their potential but they all suffered from a lack of variety in structure. Led by an aging but tackle-shy Scott Prince the backline backfired more often than sparked. Debutant Aidan Sezer at pivot showed that he will be a handful in the future, however, his talents will be wasted if he doesn’t have outside men to aim at. The inconsistencies of his centres alienated strike wingmen David Mead and Kevin Gordon. The media talked-up William Zillman’s late season form but this only highlighted the rest of his season was at best mediocre.
The most damning statistic was that the Titans only fielded the same team in the same positions four times in the season. Cartwright’s penchant for shuffling players around rather than selecting direct substitutes for injuries or form loss was at times bewildering for fans and frustrating for the lower graders striving for recognition.
The Future
A willing forward pack will be further bolstered with the signing of ex-Broncos and South Sydney giant Dave Taylor. There is no doubt that at his best he will add strike power out wide. The return of Luke Bailey from his season-ending Achilles injury will provide the midfield resolve that the team missed towards the latter part of the season.
Injuries played a significant part in the 2012 roll-out with all but the seemingly invulnerable Luke Douglas standing down at some stage. It is hoped that Idris will reclaim the level of fitness that earned himself a Test jersey in 2011 and that Beau Champion will shed his “glassman” persona. Depth will continue to be an issue for the backs, although on paper the team has good coverage. With the availability of Michael Parker-Walshe and the likely signing of Albert Kelly to strengthen the halves another problem area will be dealt with.
Every Gold Coast fan has two things on their Christmas wish lists:
1. Recruit a backs coach
2. Rid the club of financial controversy
There is little doubt that both Searle and Cartwright have given the Titans their best shot; one as he flits between greatness and the Cayman Islands whilst the other has balanced hard decision-making with being the clubs most popular bloke. If Season 2013 is to be anything more than an extension of 2012 both these key-stakeholders need to recognise their limitations and get the required help.
One flicker of life in the old girl has come from the marketing department who are offering one free junior membership with every adult purchased. This excellent initiative should go a long way towards boosting home ground support.

2012 Club Awards

NYC True Titan – Nick Harrold
NYC Player of the Year – Sam Irwin
NYC Players Player – Sam Irwin
Try of the Year – Jordan Rankin
Rookie of the Year – Aidan Sezer
Clubman of the Year – Matt Srama
XXXX Fans’ Choice – Nate Myles
Community Award – Brenton Lawrence
Outstanding Achievement – Renee Cohen (Development Manager)
GC Bulletin Readers’ Choice – Nate Myles
Members Choice – Nate Myles
The Preston – David Mead
Paul Broughton Medal - Luke Bailey
Potential 2013 Squad

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Jamal Idris
4. Beau Champion
5. David Mead
6. Aiden Sezer
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Matt Srama
10. Luke Douglas
11. Nate Myles
12. Greg Bird
13. Ashley Harrison
14. Ben Ridge
15. Mark Minichiello
16. Dave Taylor
17. Matt White

Plus: Beau Falloon, Jamie Dowling, Beau Henry, Ryan James, Albert Kelly, Kayne Lawnton, Brenton Lawrence, Steve Michaels, Luke O’Dwyer, Luke Page, Michael Parker-Walshe, Dominique Peyroux, Jordan Rankin and Javarn White.

[Princey's Titanz]

i think you can add Matty Russell's name to the squad list

[Titanic]

Have done, thanks PT.

[Titanic]

It's up now:

http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=23362

[GC_Titans_Fan]

Hate LU. Run by some of the biggest self loving wankers in the RL community.

[Titanic]

Hate LU. Run by some of the biggest self loving wankers in the RL community.

All the more reason to stick it to them.