Gold Coast Titans Mid-Season Report Card

Widely tipped by many at the start of 2015 to claim the wooden spoon following the revelation of widespread drugs charges throughout the club, the Titans have put aside their off-field issues to work their way into the top eight.

On the field the Titans have shown at their best, they are capable of piling points on opponents, however in closely-fought encounters a lack of experience in key positions has been costly.

After struggling for game time throughout his career, Ryan James has delivered his most consistent season to date, transitioning from the front row to a wide-running second-rower, similar to Mark Minichiello in his prime. With a number of Gold Coast players announcing their intentions to depart at the end of 2015, James has been touted as a future captain of the club following a series of strong performances.

By far the biggest news to come out of the Gold Coast has been the impact left by Daly Cherry-Evans' decision to renege on his deal with the club. With captain Nate Myles (Sea Eagles) and chief playmaker Aidan Sezer (Raiders) signing elsewhere for 2016, the Titans will need to land a dominant halfback which are few and far between if they are to be competitive in future seasons.

Positives:
In a sign the Titans moving in the right direction, the side has actually performed at their best without relying on their representative players. Making his debut against Cronulla, Kane Elgey has developed into a promising halfback with a long career ahead of him, while Anthony Don is among the top try-scorers with 11 from 12 appearances. The Titans have also received great service from a number of players unable to cement a spot in the NRL, with Lachlan Burr, Kierran Moseley, Agnatius Paasi and Ryan Simpkins all stepping up under the guidance of coach Neil Henry.

Negatives:
One area the Gold Coast have struggled in has been finding a regular hooker. Injuries and suspension to Beau Falloon, Matt Srama, Kierran Moseley, Daniel Mortimer and Ryan Simpkins throughout the season have made it challenging for the Titans to find any great consistency out of dummy-half. With Newcastle rake Chad Redman linking up with the club mid-season, the Titans will need to settle on a hooker if they are to make an impact come September.

Best Player:
After a series of false starts in the NRL, James Roberts has been outstanding in the centres for the Titans. Since joining the club mid-way through 2014, the nephew of former NRL leading try-scorer Amos Roberts has maintained the family tradition, scoring 13 tries from as many matches this season. Recently penning a 2-year extension, the former Jack Gibson Medalist looks set for a big future with the Titans and in the representative arena after playing for City earlier in the year.

Predicted Finish:
With away trips to Brisbane, Melbourne and Townsville ahead, the Titans will need to settle on a playmaking spine if they are to feature in the finals for the first time since 2010. Expect the Gold Coast to challenge for the top eight, but most-likely fail to make an impact against the top teams.
7th - 12th finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 6
Lost: 7
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 287 (4th)
Points Conceded: 312 (15th)
Placed: 8th
Overall Ranking: 9th

Season So Far

Round 1 Titans 18 v 19 Tigers

Round 2 Panthers 40 v 0 Titans

Round 3 Titans 18 v 20 Knights

Round 4 Sharks 22 v 24 Titans

Round 5 Titans 16 v 26 Broncos

Round 6 Eels 16 v 38 Titans

Round 7 Titans 32 v 6 Panthers

Round 8 Warriors 28 v 32 Titans

Round 9 Raiders 56 v 16 Titans

Round 10 Titans 22 v 23 Sharks

Round 12 Titans 16 v 22 Rabbitohs

Round 13 Tigers 20 v 27 Titans

Round 14 Titans 28 v 14 Bulldogs