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
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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.
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.
‘IT’S NOT HIS STYLE’: FORMER COACH
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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