Originally Posted by
Diehard Titan Fan
This is my first post on the forum. I've been a loyal Seagulls, Gladiators and Chargers supporter since 1992, when we were robbed of second last on the table, thanks to an illegal interchage player. I come from Sydney, and I must say that support for the Gold Coast is lukewarm at the very best down here. some are tipping that the Titans will come last in 2007! I'm not sure about that, with the playing roster that we have. 11-12th in the first year would be a big achievement, in my opinion.
The case for why the Titans will work is simple:
1. Absolutely no dependence on the Seagulls Leagues Club for funds
2. No shady businessmen are involved this time (eg. Jeff Fuller, and the three-week Glaidator farce)
3. Decent playing roster, with solid senior playing group.
4. Coach, who is proven in the lower grades, and has substantial experience with preparations for Origin.
5. Better stadium than Carrara or Seagulls Stadium
6. Unified administration (This was a HUGE problem throughout the four previous incarnations of the GC)
7. The NRL is behind us, unlike 1998, when, despite having more money than at least seven of the clubs that year, we were axed from the competition.
8. Solid business plan
The case against:
1. Proven history of failure of Gold Coast sporting outfits (Think League, the Rollers, and the Cougars)
2. Support base (Crowds rarely were above 10,000, with the rare exception of Broncos matches)
3. Depth in playing roster (this is a concern heading into 2007, especially after failing to sign Fitzgibbon)
4. Ground facilities (At least for the first couple of years)
5. Previous dependence on funds from sources, who were unwilling or ripped off the GC
6. Competence of adminsitration over the long run (hopefully, Michael Searle will make the right decisions 99% of the time)
7. Player recruitment (Don't remind me about the shambolic failure of the Chrager administration for not going after the Mariners players, when the opportunity was there to merge; a premiership would have been certain)
8. Lifestyle (will players treat the Gold Coast, as an opportunity for superannuation and a good time? Let's hope not!)