Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan full of praise for debutant Jesse Arthars

There were plenty of rockets in Garth Brennan’s post-match assessment after the Titans’ loss to the Sharks – but none of them were directed at Jesse Arthars.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Jesse Arthars of the Titans is taken over the sideline as he attempts to score a try during the round nine NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on May 09, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

There were plenty of rockets in Garth Brennan’ post-match assessment after the Titans’ loss to the Sharks — just not for Jesse Arthars.

Not for the first time this year, the Titans coach blasted his side’s inability to handle pressure after falling to Cronulla 26-18 in their Magic Round opener on Thursday night.

But he couldn’t help but smile when quizzed on the form of debutant Arthars.

The 20-year-old racked up 108 metres and nearly scored twice in a 53-minute cameo that lifted Brennan’s mood in an otherwise tense post-match conference.

Jesse Arthars was denied tries with both his first and second touches during his NRL debut for Gold Coast. Picture: Bradley Kanaris

“He showed some class, didn’t he?,” he said.

“It’s a great story, Jesse’s story. He’s made a lot of sacrifices in his life. He had a tough 12 months, you know. He walked away from that deal at South Sydney just to be home with his dad and his brothers after losing his mum last year.”

Arthars’ debut wasn’t without hiccups, with a butchered intercept and defensive misread leading to two Aaron Grey tries in the second half.

Jesse Arthars put in a strong display on debut for Gold Coast last night. Picture: Dave Hunt

Yet there was enough footwork and raw enthusiasm in the youngster’s performance to give his beleaguered coach something to cheer about.

“You know, with coaching you get some roller coasters and there’s some downs at the moment for me,” Brennan said.

“But that’s certainly a high when you’re able to give a young kid who’s worked really hard and made lots of sacrifices the opportunity to fulfil his dream. I thought he did really good out there.”