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5 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Qualifying for finals football, something the Gold Coast Titans had not done since 2010, came from highly unlikely circumstances in 2016.
It was a long off-season for the Titans heading into the 2016 season. It started with optimism when James Roberts, Kane Elgey and Ash Taylor had signed on through to 2018. The joy soon turned to concern over the Christmas and new year break, as Roberts left the Titans for the Brisbane Broncos and Elgey suffered an ACL tear in the first training session of the year. They also lost in free agency starters Aiden Sezer, Dave Taylor, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Kevin Gordon and captain Nate Myles to other clubs.
The gains list was fairly shallow in comparison with the returning Nathan Friend, former Raiders enforcer David Shillington, Newcastle's Tyrone Roberts, Ash Taylor and late signing Chris McQueen headlining their side for round one. Many around the league had predicted the Titans to place firmly in the depths of the NRL ladder.
What turned out was a successful, finals football-destined season led by head coach Neil Henry. They stayed within striking distance of the eight all season, and were renowned for their consistently high quality effort in every game.
In Round 12 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at NIB Stadium in Perth Ash Taylor secured the Titans a 29-28 win in the 87th minute with a gutsy field goal. Ryan James, who tied with Anthony Don as the club's highest try scorer of the year, scored two tries that day.
The good times kept rolling towards the end of the season - Gold Coast would end the 15-game winning streak of eventual premiers Cronulla, forcing them to an 18-all draw in Round 21. Former Eels star Jarryd Hayne made his debut in round 22 and kicked a match-winning field goal in Round 23 against fellow top eight hopefuls the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium. Qualifying for the top eight by the skin of their teeth after a final-round loss to reigning champions North Queensland, their Week 1 elimination final loss against the Broncos was marred by key injuries to Zeb Taia, Ash Taylor and controversial referee decisions.
When Parramatta's sanctions for salary cap cheating were finally handed down, there was Gold Coast, playing their way into finals contention. Between Rounds 19 and 24 the Titans recorded four wins and a draw against the Cronulla Sharks, which snapped the ladder leader's 15 game win streak, and it shaped them up for a top eight finish. It was by this point in the season where mid-season signings Nathan Peats, Konrad Hurrell and to a lesser extent Jarryd Hayne were able to combine and elevate the quality of the Titans.
Taking a patient approach to recruitment. Entering the season with loads of salary cap space and hearing outside expectations the Titans were to be out of the top eight race, the Gold Coast was gutsy to wait further into the season to buy. After nine rounds the Titans had three wins and six losses, but shortly after Peats, Hurrell and Hayne arrived on the Gold Coast and they not only helped to set up a finals berth, the three have given the Titans exceptional talent for the future.
It could be somewhat contradicting but Jarryd Hayne didn't fit with the team in his short end-of-season stint. With the known fullback playing at five-eighth mostly, he joined a critical position at the Titans on such a late stage in the season that the team lost its identity as a grinding outfit. His fitness was better than expected, but there was nothing anyone could do to fast forward the chemistry between Hayne, the playmakers and the entire team. Come season 2017, and with a full off-season of preparation under their collective belts, this should no longer be of concern.
2016's Paul Broughton Medal winner, James made a monumental leap in his workload and also in the quality of his production. Once the most penalised player in the NRL, he's cut some of the silliness out of his game and nearly received a call up from Laurie Daley to play Origin. According to Fox Sports the Titans are currently negotiating with James to extend and potentially upgrade his current contract.
Recognised as the Dally M Rookie of the Year, Taylor has lived up to the hype he generated as an Under 20's player for the Broncos. His short kicking game rivals the best in the NRL, he played consistent and never appeared overawed. Hopefully next season he'll partner with 2015 Dally M Rookie of the Year nominee Kane Elgey in the halves.
By the end of the season the NRL community knew how to pronounce Leivaha Pulu. The Kiwi played 23 games for the Titans this season which is rare for a rookie forward. To put in comparison his efforts were almost as eye catching as second year Penrith Panthers forward Leilani Latu.
The Gold Coast don't seem to be getting value for money with their Will Zillman contract. Injuries have impacted Zillman's availability for a number of years and his time on the field has left fans expecting better performances. The fullback is one of a number of players like David Mead, Josh Hoffman and Luke Douglas who were according to the Daily Telegraph told they are free to leave the club before their contract is up. Out of those players only Zillman remains.
After such a barnstorming finish to season 2015, Paasi wasn't as impactful as we know he can be. There were glimmers of form, and to be fair, he got shifted around the side a fair bit from the front row, second row, lock, the starting side and the bench. Now with Greg Bird and Luke Douglas gone it may mean Paasi becomes a permanent starter.
In the Holden Cup the Gold Coast Titans placed 13th this season. The Titans' NYC side haven't made a finals series since 2010. The player most likely to make their NRL debut from the youth squad next year is Jed Cartwright. A second rower, his cousin is Bryce Cartwright and father is former Titans coach and new NSW assistant John Cartwright.
The Titans' two connections in the QRL's Intrust Super Cup had starkly-contrasting fortunes. Burleigh finished second and eventually overcame a spirited Redcliffe side, who were minor premiers, in the Grand Final. Kurtis Rowe scored 20 tries in 2016 for the Bears and was a stand-out throughout their successful campaign. The success didn't extend to NRL's Grand Final Day, with Burleigh handed a 54-12 defeat by NRL State Champions and NSW Cup premiers Illawarra.
At the other end of the table, Tweed Heads finished in 13th, just one spot above wooden spooners Mackay.
While there was a noticeable and largely unexpected improvement from the Titans this year, more players have departed the club in what mostly is considered a clean out. Greg Bird's departure leaves an unexpected hole in the roster. What's concerning is a lack of depth both in the forwards and the backs. There is some money left for the Titans to spend and they've talked a lot about bringing some of the Gold Coast juniors into their side, so it may not be a big problem. I expect the Titans to finish around 7th, adding another couple of wins compared to this season.
* based on current signings
1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Anthony Don
3. Dan Sarginson
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. John Olive
6. Ash Taylor
7. Kane Elgey
8. Leivaha Pulu
9. Nathan Peats
10. Ryan James
11. Zeb Taia
12. Chris McQueen
13. Agantius Passi
14. Tyrone Roberts
15. Jarrod Wallace
16. David Shillington
17. Eddy Pettybourne