2017 Preview | Gold Coast Titans

Showing themselves to be a side on the rise after a surprise finals appearance in 2016, the Titans will be out to continue their resurgence under Neil Henry.

Rated as contenders for the wooden spoon at the start of last season, a drastic change has fallen over the Gold Coast with the arrival of superstar Jarryd Hayne turning the glamour strip into the glamour club. Adding an international flair with the recruitment of Kevin Proctor and Dan Sarginson, the Titans will be raring to go in their opening round clash with the Roosters.

Going largely under the radar throughout much of 2016, the Titans progressively worked their way into the top eight in large part due to a breakout year from Ashley Taylor. Unable to secure game time at the Broncos, the 21-year-old halfback was at the forefront of the Titans success with his ability to remain composed under pressure garnering plenty of praise, culminating in the coveted Rookie of the Year award at the Dally M's. Sitting just outside the top eight heading into the final third of the season, momentum began to swing in the Titans favour with a week of unprecedented success at the beginning of August. Kicking off by ending Cronulla's run of 15 straight wins, the jubilation of coming away with a point against the eventual premiers was surpassed with news the club had secure the immediate signing of Jarryd Hayne until the end of 2018. Buoyed by the biggest signing in NRL history, fans responded with the biggest turnout for a club game in five years; while the result went against the Titans the following Sunday, it failed to stop the side from reaching the finals for the first time since 2010. While their lone finals appearance against the Broncos ended in disappointment, the foundation for future success was laid due to the collective effort of a side written off before a ball had been kicked.

Kicking off the new year with three matches at home during the opening month, the club will be looking to lay a solid platform after disappointing early on in recent seasons. With byes before Origin 1 & 3 the Titans will be without their representative stars just once in 2016, facing off against a Rabbitohs outfit in Sydney. In a sign of symmetry the Titans will finish the season as the began it with a clash against the Roosters, while a sole appearance at home in the final month may prove crucial in securing a September berth.

Why They'll Win It

Waking up from the pursuit of dreams overseas, the prospect of Jarryd Hayne playing a full season of rugby league for the first time in three years should give Gold Coast supporters plenty to cheer about. Arguably the best rugby league player in the world, a more mature Hayne will provide a wealth of knowledge to the likes of Ashley Taylor and Tyrone Roberts, while being equally adept at seizing the big moments that will be sure to draw bipartisan support from both Titans and rugby league supporters alike. Along with the addition of Kiwi forward Kevin Proctor and the long-awaited return of Kane Elgey from injury, a match-fit Hayne should ensure the Titans move a step closer to a maiden premiership.

Why They Won't

While the Titans boast an impressive starting side on par with the NRL elite, a major deficiency facing the team shapes as a lack of depth across the park. Without an established back-up playmaker to draw upon in the lower grades, a untimely injury could cruel the sides hopes, while barring the exception of William Zillman, the choice of experienced outside backs leaves much to be desired for coach Neil Henry. With injury and suspension taking a toll on all clubs throughout the season, the Titans approach of attracting big name players at the expense of dependable backup may prove to be the clubs undoing.

Key Players

Having developed a cult following during his time across the Tasman, 2017 looms as a pivotal season for Konrad Hurrell. Capable of turning a game but much maligned nonetheless, the 25-year-old Tongan wrecking ball will be looking to validate the faith shown in him by the Titans after gaining a mid-season release from the Warriors. Off-contract at the end of the year, Hurrell will need to be at his best if the Titans are to maintain their presence in the finals, while doing his own personal chances of earning an upgraded deal no harm. Renowned for his blockbusting charges and memorable post-try celebrations, the 100kg centre may not possess the finesse of some of his teammates, but with size and power he more than makes up for it.

Rookies To Watch

It may seem strange to call an English international a rookie, but having tasted success abroad, Dan Sarginson is now set to test himself against the worlds best. Coming off a premiership-winning season with Wigan in 2016, the 23-year-old will be looking to replicate the form shown by former Newcastle flyer Brian Carney, bucking the trend of underwhelming English backs plying their trade down under. Capable of filling in anywhere in the backline, look for Sarginson to be a crucial figure in the Titans left-edge attack.

Player Movement

Gains | Kevin Proctor (Melbourne Storm), Dan Sarginson (Wigan Warriors), Paterika Vaivai (Redcliffe Dolphins), Daniel Vidot (Salford Red Devils), Jarrod Wallace (Brisbane Broncos).

Losses | Greg Bird (Catalan Dragons), Cameron Cullen (Manly Sea Eagles), Luke Douglas (St. Helens), Nathan Friend (retired), Josh Hoffman (Parramatta Eels), Nene MacDonald (St. George Illawarra Dragons), David Mead (Brisbane Broncos), Daniel Mortimer (Cronulla Sharks).

Best 17

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Anthony Don
3. Dan Sarginson
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. Daniel Vidot
6. Tyrone Roberts
7. Ashley Taylor
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Nathan Peats
10. Ryan James (c)
11. Zeb Taia
12. Chris McQueen
13. Kevin Proctor

14. Eddy Pettybourne
15. Leivaha Pulu
16. Agnatius Paasi
17. Kane Elgey

2017 Draw

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