Drug scandals, foul play and stand-offs: Gold Coast Bulletin’s most explosive sporting stories of 2020

The inside details of how a $38 million development of a sports precinct will deliver hundreds of jobs. These were the 10 biggest, most explosive breaking news stories of the Gold Coast sporting world in 2020. SEE THE FULL LIST

These were the 10 biggest, most explosive breaking news stories of the Gold Coast sporting world in 2020.

From drug scandals to powerbroker face-offs, to franchise altering signings and team movements, the year has proven one to remember.

1. The David Fifita saga

Just as Gold Coasters had recovered from the media circus surrounding the exit of Jai Arrow, the race for David Fifita dwarfed it. Over a turgid few months the Gold Coast Bulletin covered every step of the young Origin star’s journey to joining the Titans as the biggest signing in the team history.

David Fifita training with his new club. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

FIFITA BACKFLIPS FOR BRISBANE BRONCOS AFTER TITANS OFFER

OPINION: TOXIC BRONCOS WILL DRIVE FIFITA INTO TITANS ARMS

FIFITA SIGNS WITH TITANS ON $3.5M DEAL

2. Titans captain first in NRL history to be sent off for biting

UGLY video footage led to Titans’ back-rower Kevin Proctor becoming the first player in premiership history to be sent from the field for biting Kiwis teammate Shaun Johnson.

But as coaches, fans and even Proctor’s ‘victim’ rallied in support, the NRL took a different view.

Kevin Proctor is called by referee Henry Perenara following an incident involving biting the forearm of Shaun Johnson. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

THE INCIDENT

‘IT’S NOT HIS STYLE’: FORMER COACH

‘I DIDN’T BITE’: PROCTOR

RANT: PROCTOR’S CHARGE A JOKE FROM START TO FINISH

3. The Rugby League Gold Coast ‘letter’ saga

Nine Gold Coast rugby league clubs declared they would walk away from the 2020 season unless a list of six demands were met by the end of the week.

The initial story, plus 14 more over the course of the next month, covered the rocky road to an improbable comeback season featuring every club.

Runaway Bay celebrates winning the Gold Coast Rugby League A-Grade Grand Final. Photo: Scott Powick Newscorp

ULTIMATUM: CLUBS THREATEN WALKOUT UNLESS TOUGH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

ORMEAU WALKS AWAY: ‘THEY’RE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH’

BATTLE LINES DRAWN: ‘WE CAN’T HIDE UNDER BLANKETS’

‘STAND TOGETHER OR DIE APART’: CLUB’S WARNING FOR OUTCASTS

FIRST LEAGUE STARS JUMP SHIP FOR RUGBY UNION

4. The Grae Piddick saga

THE Gold Coast Knights sensationally released NPL coach Grae Piddick from coaching duties one year after winning the 2019 NPL Grand Final, sparking a wild week of claims and counterclaims as each party grappled to control the narrative.

Gold Coast Knights coach Grae Piddick has been sensationally moved on mid-season. Pic: Supplied.

KNIGHTS SACK PREMIERSHIP-WINNING COACH

PIDDICK RETURNS SERVE OVER CLUB STATEMENT

PIDDICK SIGNS ON TO COACH KNIGHTS’ ARCH-RIVALS

5. Night of the Long Knives at Gold Coast Suns

Amid rumours of a rift between the head coach and his 2IC, Suns boss Stuart Dew revealed the reason why the controversial decision to let Dean Solomon go was made.

Senior coach Stuart Dew revealed why popular assistant Dean Solomon was cut adrift unexpectedly. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

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6. Former footballers embroiled in drug scandals

Former Sun Brad Scheer and former Titan Michael Gordon risked their sporting legacies by becoming allegedly involved, respectively, with drugs.

Michael Gordon training with the Titans before the NRL Nines in Perth. Photo Richard Wainright.

DELISTED SUN CAUGHT IN FRESH DRUGS DRAMA

FORMER TITAN CHARGED WITH DRUG OFFENCES

7. Southport Sharks set sights on revamped VFL

The Southport Sharks have achieved their goal of entering the Victorian Football League, bringing back former coach Stephen Daniel to lead their charge.

Southport Sharks player Michael Manteit celebrates. Picture credit: TJ Yelds, NEAFL.

SHARKS ANSWER QUESTIONS AFTER VFL MERGE

SHARKS APPOINT COACH FOR VFL SEASON

8. Gold Coast Turf Club scores $38 million redevelopment

More than 300 jobs are expected to be created after the state government approved a $38m redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club.

Night racing is coming to the Gold Coast with a Gold Coast Turf Club redevelopment approved. Picture: Supplied

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9. Gold Coast scores third professional sports team

The Brisbane Roar have moved their training base to the Gold Coast due to an ongoing dispute with Logan City Council over alleged unpaid bills.

Scott McDonald and his Roar teammates will train on the Gold Coast. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

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10. AFL fine Broadbeach Cats for alleged payment policy breaches

The Cats were slapped with a fine and a warning for their handling of QAFL player payments after an AFL investigation into the Broadbeach club.

The Broadbeach Cats QAFL team. Picture credit: KPM Sports Images.

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