NRL news: Sexton set for starting challenge as Titans eye the Panthers blueprint
Titans’ rookie Toby Sexton understands the weight of pressure he must carry next year though believes the Titans can mimic the Panthers’ premiership success.
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The Titans have compared their young spine to Penrith’s premiership heroes as rookie halfback Toby Sexton declared he was ready to become the Gold Coast’s next No. 7 star.
Sexton will step into the Titans’ playmaking hot-seat next season following the release of co-captain Jamal Fogarty to Canberra.
The Titans made Sexton one of the richest rookies in NRL history this year when they signed him to a long-term extension worth nearly $500,000-a-season near its end before he had made his first grade debut.
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The Palm Beach Currumbin junior is the Gold Coast’s chosen one and they are banking on him delivering after the club made a drought-breaking finals appearance in 2021.
Sexton, 20, played four NRL games in his debut season this year and said he was ready to step up in 2022.
“It was crazy, if you told me at the start of the year I would have done what I did this year, I would have taken it every day of the week,” he said.
“I’ve learnt so much from it. I would have liked to have played more games, but playing the four allowed me to go back and look at my game, what I did well and didn’t do well.
“I’m really looking forward to the future. I don’t really look at pressure. They’re putting confidence in me and trust me as a player moving forward. I’m really excited by that.”
Titans coach Justin Holbrook appears to be rolling the dice with his all-important playmaking spine in 2022 after not re-signing experienced campaigners Ash Taylor and Tyrone Peachey.
Holbrook will shift AJ Brimson to five-eighth to allow rising seven-game fullback Jayden Campbell to remain in the No. 1 jersey.
Erin Clark is the Gold Coast’s first-choice hooker and the Titans’ only other dummy-half options are Melbourne recruit Aaron Booth and utility Tanah Boyd.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell denied the club was taking a risk with such little depth and experience in its spine and used Penrith as a comparison.
The Panthers won this year’s NRL premiership with a spine consisting of NSW Origin trio Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau along with Dylan Edwards at fullback.
“It’s a high-pressure environment,” Mitchell said.
“We saw Penrith this year have a very young squad and they picked up the Provan-Summons trophy.
“They went through a tenacious grand final and weathered the Rabbitohs who had one of the most emotive and inspiring coaches (Wayne Bennett) in the game.
“They’ve got a very young squad and I believe our guys are all that. We’re really excited about the quality of people in this squad.”
Holbrook’s decision to release Fogarty has further tested the Gold Coast’s depth, although they have time to add to their squad before the 2022 season kicks off.
Sexton said he was excited to have clarity around his future and he now wanted to work on improving his game as the Titans chose two NRL premierships by 2030.
“It (Fogarty move) was up in the air for a few weeks there and went on for a bit,” Sexton said.
“I’m really happy it’s been put to bed and we know what our future is now.
“There are spots up for grabs now and I know I’ve got to have a good pre-season.
“In the trials I have to impress. The jersey is no given, I’ve got to work hard for it.
“I’ve got to put a bit more size on and work on my speed. That will come with more gym and work off the field.
“I try to stay calm and level-headed on the field. That’s going to be a big thing for me moving forward with the likes of ‘JC’ (Campbell) and AJ playing in the spine.
“We’ve got a new generation here and they’re locked in for a couple more years. I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Six appeal: Titan wants to pick Locky’s brain
Gold Coast dynamo AJ Brimson has confirmed he will shift to five-eighth next season and wants advice from childhood hero Darren Lockyer to make the Titanic gamble a success.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook will roll the dice by switching one of his most dynamic ballrunners from his preferred position at fullback to the troublesome No. 6 jersey.
The emergence of promising No. 1 Jayden Campbell has forced the shake-up, with Holbrook keen to have Brimson and the son of Dally M legend Preston Campbell in the same team.
The No. 6 jersey proved to be a poisoned chalice for the Titans this year, with Ash Taylor, Tanah Boyd and Tyrone Peachey spending time in the position without setting the world on fire.
Rookie halfback Toby Sexton will be given the No. 7 duties following the release of Jamal Fogarty to Canberra, making 63-gamer Brimson the senior playmaker.
Brimson, 23, made his NRL debut at five-eighth in 2018 but has only started 15 games in the crucial position.
The Queensland Origin utility admitted he preferred to play fullback but said he was happy to make the move to accommodate the rising Campbell.
“If I was honest, I’ve been enjoying fullback more than five-eighth the last few years,” Brimson said.
“But I also think for ‘JC’ and me to both be in the team we’d be at our best if I’m in the halves and he’s at fullback.
“It’s something I completely understand. I’m not filthy or upset about it.
“That’s the best fit to have me and JC in the team together.
“It’s something I’m genuinely looking forward to. I’m excited to play with Jayden and I’ve played a lot of six in the past.”
With an inexperienced halfback by his side in Sexton, the pressure will be on Brimson to perform and help the Titans continue their rise following a drought-breaking finals appearance this year, which Brimson missed due to a broken jaw.
After becoming one of the game’s great fullbacks, Lockyer famously shifted to five-eighth and made a successful transition which saw him win the 2006 grand final with the Broncos.
Brimson grew up a huge Broncos’ fan in Brisbane and said he would reach out to the 355-game legend Lockyer for advice.
“I should ring him, he’s definitely someone I’ve looked up to,” he said.
“There’s been a few greats of the game that have gone from fullback to the halves like Lockyer and (Cameron) Munster.
“When you step back and look at it, it is a big ask to have a young spine. But the pressure is not something that’s crossed my mind.
“I know it’s only early days but I don’t really feel that pressure at all at the moment.
“Toby plays like a veteran, that’s his natural game. He’s been calm training with us for years and JC is a freak.
“I’ll enjoy being back in the halves.”
Brimson committed to the Titans for a further five seasons this year, keeping him at the Gold Coast until at least 2026.
The contract takes him out of the mix for the Dolphins’ foundation team and Brimson said he saw a bright future at the Titans after the club declared it wanted to win two NRL premierships by 2030.
“We’re on the up,” he said.
“We’re not silly. It’s not something that happens overnight. It takes years of progression.
“You don’t usually see a team have a random good year. It’s something you build towards and we’re building.
“We’re not there yet but we’re on the right track and I believe with our staff and squad we can get it done. That’s genuine.
“We’re not just happy trying to make up the numbers. We want to push for those spots.”
NEW GOLD STANDARD: TITANS’ BOLD NRL TITLE DECLARATION
The Titans have boldly declared they are targeting two NRL premierships by 2030 and insist the emergence of the Dolphins hasn’t triggered the biggest rebranding in Gold Coast history.
The Titans unveiled a new logo, jersey, major sponsor (MyPayNow) and “2030 road map” on Wednesday which revealed the lofty ambitions of winning two NRL titles and two NRLW competitions within the next nine years.
The announcement came just a week after the Redcliffe-based Dolphins were granted the NRL’s 17th licence, becoming the first new franchise in the competition since the Titans in 2007.
The Dolphins are Queensland’s fourth NRL club and third in the south east pocket, joining the Titans and 33-year-old Brisbane Broncos.
The Titans haven’t won a finals game since 2010 and only two clubs – the ultra-successful Storm and Roosters – have won multiple premierships in the past decade.
But Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said they were on the verge of a premiership window and wanted to deliver the club’s first NRL title within the next five seasons.
“We are here to bring premierships to the Gold Coast – not a premiership, premierships,” he said. “We have aspirations to land two NRLW premierships and two NRL premierships.
“They’re not small aspirations and we don’t understate the work that’s involved in that, but that’s what we plan to deliver. We’re going to work hard on delivering that for our communities.
“You’ve got to be strategic about putting yourself in a window to make a grand final and win a grand final.
“We’ve got a very strong young player group that are just starting to get some cohesiveness about them. This group over the next three seasons has the ability to put a lot of time together, train together and build those relationships.
“I would think we’re going to have a premiership window some time in the first half of that strategic plan. Beyond that, the future Titans system and the kids we have in that program, are wonderful athletes and want to play for their home club. They’re not going away.
“That’s going to give us a window in the second half of the strategic plan.
“We’ve got nine years to deliver it and we know the work that’s involved. We’re confident we’ve got the people to do it, now we have to do the work to get there.”
The Titans made a drought-breaking finals appearance this year, losing in heartbreaking circumstances to the Roosters in their first play-offs match since 2016.
The club believes coach Justin Holbrook can take them to the promised land and is targeting 27,350 ticketed members to sell out Cbus Super Stadium, a huge increase on this year’s 10,510.
The “Building Titans” rebranding is an unprecedented move for the club in its 15-year history, but Mitchell said it had nothing to do with the Dolphins’ entry to the NRL.
A new dawn on the Gold Coast... 🌅
— NRL (@NRL) October 20, 2021
The @GCTitans reveal a new logo! pic.twitter.com/CpfTd2MViT
“The work in this strategic plan and rebrand has been going all year prior to the expansion conversation,” he said.
“We’re congratulating Redcliffe for getting into the competition. It is a huge advantage for the code and when we play them down here we will have 23,000 people in the stadium. There is nothing but upside.
“We need to articulate where we’re heading and get stuck into the work.”
The Titans believe they have a promising playing group headlined by Queensland Origin stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika and AJ Brimson.
While the club’s declaration has put pressure on Holbrook and the players to deliver premierships, Fa’asuamaleaui said they had to aim high.
“It’s good, it’s a goal of ours and it’s all motivating us so we do achieve it,” he said.
“Why would you play if you don’t want to win a premiership?
“If we back ourselves we can do it, if we put the hard work in the rewards will come. Hopefully we can hold that trophy up one day. I came here (from Melbourne) because I want to win a trophy here and bring the first one here. I’m going to work hard towards that.
“I don’t think we’re far off at all. Last year was a rollercoaster and learning curve but it was a good stepping stone for next year. We’re on the right path, we’re slowly building. We’ve got good people around the club which is good.”
NRL big guns thrust into lead role in sporting turf war
— Peter Badel
ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has challenged the Broncos and Titans to “step up” amid fears the AFL is ready to destroy the NRL in a sporting turf war in Brisbane’s western corridor.
News Corp can reveal Broncos football boss Ben Ikin met with former Super League supremo John Ribot a fortnight ago to discuss the NRL glamour club ramping-up development work in Brisbane’s booming western-corridor region.
Ribot presides over Queensland Clubs Management, which controls a number of Leagues Clubs, including the Ipswich Jets, who represent one of rugby league’s centrepiece operations in Brisbane’s west.
Jets bid chief Nick Livermore lashed NRL bosses on Wednesday, warning the code’s decision to expand north with the Dolphins has left Brisbane’s western league heartland open to a deadly attack from the AFL.
The AFL has made its strategic objectives clear, with the Brisbane Lions going west to Springfield as part of a $70 million investment aimed at stealing the hearts and minds of sports fans in a region that will grow 179 per cent by 2041.
V’landys is wary of the AFL’s incursions into rugby league’s traditional heartlands and has urged the Broncos to take charge of developing the Ipswich area that unearthed Origin legends Allan Langer and Kevin Walters.
“The Broncos and Titans now have to step up,” V’landys said.
“They have got to step up to the challenge of growing the game.
“When you have competition, you naturally have to step up, so the Broncos and Titans have to rise up.
“They have to go in hard into that western corridor because the AFL is a threat in that region.
“The Broncos now have an opportunity to develop that western corridor.
“If they don’t do it, there is a risk someone else will.”
The Broncos already have a presence in the western corridor and Ikin spoke to Ribot about beefing-up Brisbane’s resourcing with coaching and development.
“I’ve had a meeting with ‘Reebs’ to pick his brain on it,” Ikin said.
“We’ve previously had an agreement with the Ipswich rugby league that has expired and we are currently looking at what we do in the western corridor through the next phase.
“We are prepared, with the help of the game overall, to step up and deliver more.
“What is true for the Broncos must also be true for Peter V’landys, the NRL and the Queensland Rugby League.
“This (looking after the western corridor) is no one stakeholder’s responsibility.
“If the game thinks there is not enough being done, then we will play our part as we always have, but we need the support of all stakeholders.
“We already go to Ipswich and Toowoomba and do work, it’s just whether we take a more formal approach and add extra resources, that’s the conversation we are going through at the moment.”
Asked if AFL is a genuine threat to the NRL in the western corridor, Ikin said: “Wherever the AFL is not and rugby league is, then the AFL is always a threat.
“Where AFL is growing, it is important for rugby league to make sure it has a strong presence and the Broncos are one of many stakeholders that play a role in that.
“We can potentially expand off the back of our own capabilities, both human and financial, and partner with people already in the region.”
‘Great news for AFL’: Fears NRL exposed to ruthless attack
— Peter Badel and Brent Read
Jets bid chief Nick Livermore has warned the NRL risks losing a sporting turf war to the AFL in Brisbane’s western corridor following the ARL Commission’s decision to expand to the Redcliffe-backed Dolphins.
The AFL has identified the western corridor as Brisbane’s growth hotspot, prompting the Brisbane Lions to throw down the gauntlet to rugby league with a $70 million facility at Springfield.
Expansion bid rivals the Jets and Firehawks both pledged to safeguard rugby league in the west, but the NRL has opted to launch their new 17th team in Brisbane’s northern corridor via the Dolphins.
After 10 years of toil in their quest to win a second Brisbane licence, the Jets were left shattered, with Livermore fearing the NRL has been left exposed to a ruthless AFL attack on the hearts and minds of western-corridor league fans.
“The NRL has a real issue in the west. This is good news for the AFL,” Livermore said.
“The AFL will take over rugby league in the western corridor.
“I have concerns for the game, particularly west of Brisbane.
“We had developed a 10-year push for specific outcomes and now the NRL will have four teams based on the east coast of Brisbane, including the Storm (on the Sunshine Coast), the Broncos, the Titans and the Dolphins.
“What is going to happen to the biggest growth market in the state? Who looks after the western corridor?
“I am disappointed in the expansion process.
“After a decade of effort and investment, we had just one hour to deliver our pitch and no-one from the ARL Commission inspected the setups of the individual bids.
“What the Commission asked for in the Expression of Interest document and what their focus has been since wasn’t in alignment.
“I don’t think they understand the true growth market for the game, but ultimately I want the game to succeed.
“Peter V’landys has done a magnificent job getting rugby league back on track during Covid. I would like to see the game thrive and grow and it’s important the fans get behind a second Brisbane team.”
Firehawks bid chief Shane Richardson took little solace in suggestions the NRL could expand to 18 clubs with a fifth Queensland club by 2025.
“It’s very raw at the moment,” he said.
“All I can say is best of luck to Redcliffe and hopefully they do a good job.
“It’s been a long journey, it’s taken up the past 12 months of our lives, but Redcliffe now have their chance in the NRL.
“We felt we had a strong bid. I believe we had a good shot at it, the Easts Tigers were remarkable through this process, they modernised themselves to put the bid in.
“They showed a lot of resourcefulness, they were supportive through the whole process.
“They embraced all the innovative ideas we had. They are a great club in rugby league with more than 100 years of history and they will continue to grow into the future.
“It’s disappointing, but we will move on to the next stage, the next phase, and see what happens from here.”
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