Anthony Don won’t quit in his bid to make Titans round 1 team
Despite being a pillar of consistency of the club, Anthony Don’s chances of making the Titans’ round 1 team looks slim — but the veteran isn’t giving up just yet.
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Titans winger Anthony Don is refusing to give up hope of making the Gold Coast’s Round 1 team following the emergence of the club’s next dynamic duo.
Don will come off the bench in Saturday night’s final pre-season trial match against the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium.
Coach Garth Brennan has opted for youth on his wings in Phillip Sami, 21, and Brenko Lee, 23, following impressive pre-seasons from the young guns.
Don, 31, has been a pillar of consistency for the Titans over the past few years.
He was crowned the club’s player-of-the-year in 2017 and scored 15 tries last season after not missing a game.
Don needs one try to pass David Mead as the Titans’ top tryscorer (currently tied on 67), but he may have to wait to get the opportunity to add to his tally of 110 NRL games.
“Brenko and Phil get to start and they’ve got a little advantage,” Don said.
“I’ve got to focus on what I can do and when I get on, play good footy. I’m not writing myself off for Round 1 yet.
“Everyone can’t play first grade every week, especially at the start of the year when we have a lot of good outside backs. There is going to be people that miss out.
“You can drop your head or keep it up and do your best playing reserve grade if you get dropped.”
Don has progressed from an NRL late-bloomer, who made his debut at 25, to one of the game’s cult heroes, a term he is uncomfortable with.
His consistency on the wing has made him a favourite of Titans supporters, but Don’s faith in the depth of the Titans’ squad leaves him confident there won’t be too many disappointed fans if he is in the Intrust Super Cup to start the year.
“My missus and mum will be upset so look out,” he said with a laugh.
“Garth knows what he’s going to get if he picks me or what he will miss out on if he doesn’t.
“I’ve been consistent the last two or three years, so I’m sure he knows what kind of player I am.
“There is a lot of depth across the whole team and especially the outside backs. I know how hot the competition is.
“It’s a positive for the team. Competition drives the standard of training and games.
“He said I didn’t do anything wrong but Brenko and Phil had a tiny advantage on me from the last trial.
“That’s fine. I have to lift my game otherwise I won’t be in the team. Hopefully I can still get a Round 1 spot.”
Brennan will give Tyrone Roberts first crack at the No.6 jersey alongside halfback Ash Taylor while Penrith recruit Tyrone Peachey will start at centre in the Broncos trial.
Captain Ryan James (knee) is racing the clock to be fit for the Gold Coast’s NRL season opener against Canberra on March 17.
Originally published as Anthony Don won’t quit in his bid to make Titans round 1 team
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