Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
Arnold
Paladin
Craig HillNRL Club Analysis for Season '08 - Gold Coast
February 15th 2008 02:46
Gold Coast Titans
Attack – 8/10
Defence – 7/10
My prediction – 11th
Defence – 7/10
My prediction – 11th
After impressing many with a glittering debut season, the Gold Coast Titans will be looking to improve markedly on what was a frustrating first season. While the Titans were competitive every time they took the field, a lack of quality depth eventually saw them dip out of semi-final calculations, with the highly popular Gold Coast team eventually finishing a commendable twelfth.
A semi-final position will be the aim for coach John Cartwright and his men, with deft recruitment and a brand new stadium sure to keep the ‘Legion’ of Titans fans turning out in droves. The Gold Coast have bolstered their halves depth with new signing Ashley Harrison, and expect to see Cartwright unleash explosive rookies Shannon Walker and Will Matthews at some stage this season.
If the Titans can rectify their traveling woes of season ‘07, than expect them to figure prominently in semi-final calculations.
Strengths-
Unlike their debut season, the Titans head into season ’08 with quality depth amongst their playing ranks, with a host of new signings making the move to the popular holiday destination. The Titans inaugural season was marred by a massive injury toll to key forwards, with only captain Bailey and James Stosic at one point the only available prop forwards in the club.
Thanks to deft recruiting, the Titans now possess competition for places in every position, with the main headache now for coach Cartwright is too who to leave out of a glittering backline. The Gold Coast have speed to burn in the outside backs, with new signings Ben Jeffery, Brenton Bowen and Esi Tonga set to challenge the likes of Chris Walker, Mat Rogers, Matthew Petersen, Preston Campbell and rookie Shannon Walker for starting positions.
Weaknesses-
While the Titans new home ground (Skilled Park) is sure to become a tough home fortress, the NRL’s newest venture will have to learn to win away from home if they hope to challenge for a semi-final position. The Gold Coast only managed a paltry two wins outside of Queensland in their debut season, which ultimately saw them finish just two competition points outside of a Top 8 finish.
Best Team-
1- Chris Walker
2- Brenton Bowen
3- Mat Rogers
4- Luke O’Dwyer
5- Matt Petersen
6- Preston Campbell
7- Scott Prince
8- Luke Bailey
9- Nathan Friend
10- Brad Meyers
11- Anthony Laffranchi
12- Mark Minichiello
13- Ashley Harrison
14- Gavin Cooper
15- Luke Swain
16- Aaron Cannings
17– Michael Hodgson
Trial Matches-
16/02/08 v Canberra Raiders @ Briggs Rd Sporting Complex, Ipswich
23/02/08 v North QLD Cowboys @ Barlow Park, Cairns
01/03/08 v Wests Tigers @ Skilled Stadium, Robina
2008 Gains and Losses –
Gains –
Ashley Harrison (Sydney Roosters), Billy Ngawini and Esi Tonga (Canterbury), Aaron Cannings (Parramatta), Brenton Bowen (North QLD), Ben Jeffery (Wests Tigers), Matt Cross (Penrith)
Losses –
Richie Mathers (Wigan), David Myles (retired), Matt Hilder (Newcastle), Jake Webster (Hull), Lelea Paea (released)
*Please join me tomorrow for my Analysis of the Manly Sea-Eagles 2008 season.
Cheers,
StephenP
| 112 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Go to Craig Hill's home page by clicking here
