Titans recruitment questioned as Chris Grevsmuhl, Daniel Vidot depart after one season

THE Gold Coast Titans’ recruitment has come under fire following the club’s decision to cut two players after just one season.

Daniel Vidot (centre) is set to leave the Titans after one season.

THE Gold Coast Titans’ recruitment has come under fire following the club’s decision to cut Chris Grevsmuhl and Daniel Vidot after one season.

Grevsmuhl and Vidot are set to depart the Titans having collectively played only seven NRL games on the Gold Coast.

The axing of Gresvmuhl is particularly mysterious after the Titans went through a lengthy process to have the former Queensland Emerging Origin squad member cleared by the NRL after he quit Penrith last year citing personal reasons.

In March, the Titans announced Grevsmuhl’s signing on a two-year deal until the end of 2018, however the contract was for one season with a one-year option in the club’s favour.

Grevsmuhl, 24, had been working on building sites in country NSW and joined the Titans after the season had started.

He was rushed into the team during the club’s injury crisis and dislocated his shoulder in his fourth game in Round 8, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Vidot, 27, was signed to add size to the Gold Coast’s backline. The winger made his three appearances in rounds 4-6 and hasn’t been sighted in the NRL since.

Daniel Vidot (centre) is set to leave the Titans after one season.

After making a drought-breaking finals appearance last season, coach Neil Henry farewelled more than 1000 games of NRL experience from his squad for 2017.

The likes of consistent campaigners Greg Bird, Luke Douglas, Josh Hoffman, Nathan Friend, David Mead and Zeb Taia left the club with a void of experience it has struggled to replace.

Friend, a co-captain last year, said the high turnover in players could be a reason for the Gold Coast’s poor season, which sees them sitting third-last heading into tomorrow’s clash against the Dragons.

“We lost a fair bit of experience,” he said.

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“Birdy, Zeb, Meady, Dougie. That’s a lot of experience. It’s a big turnover.

“They add guidance to the players around you. Off the park and at training and everything else.

“I don’t know who makes those decisions. Everyone kind of passes the buck.”

Maroons coach Kevin Walters had a high opinion of Grevsmuhl, including the talented backrower in his squad of future Origin players last season.

“It’s disappointing. I had a huge wrap on Chris, I really enjoyed having him in our Emerging Squads,” Walters said.

Chris Grevsmuhl dislocated his shoulder in his fourth game for the Titans.

“I don’t know what’s happened to him at the Titans but when you aren’t playing regularly, it’s hard for the individual. They get a bit lost and question themselves.

“Chris is still young enough for his future to unfold, but he needs to get settled and find another home.

“I’ve seen other players get moved on and then they find somewhere and away they go. Things haven’t worked out for him at the Titans, but hopefully he can fight his way back somewhere.

“Chris is a very talented player. He’s very good with the ball and is good defensively with his contact. He’s definitely NRL quality.”

Broncos forward Jai Arrow will join the Titans next season.

The Titans on Thursday bolstered their forward stocks for 2018 by announcing the signing of young Broncos lock Jai Arrow for three years, following confirmation Manly prop Brenton Lawrence will return to the club next season.

“Jai is a local product who is returning home and looking to further his NRL experience at the Titans,” Henry said.

“He is an outstanding competitor who prides himself on his high work rate and will add greatly to our depth in the forwards.”