Five big Gold Coast rugby league questions sparked from the weekend action

A mixed weekend of rugby league at all levels on the Gold Coast has led to some intriguing talking points. The Bulletin looks at five questions that the last few days’ action have sparked.

A MIXED weekend of rugby league at all levels on the Gold Coast has led to some intriguing talking points. The Bulletin looks at five questions that the last few days’ action have sparked.

Are Tweed really the real deal?

There has been a buzz about the Seagulls’ start to the Intrust Super Cup season after opening with home wins against Papua New Guinea and Townsville.

However, their momentum came crashing down to earth after a disastrous final 20 minutes in their Round 3 grudge match against Burleigh, during which they fell from 10-4 down to a much less respectable score of 32-4 by the final siren.

It was the first time this year Tweed had played without Ryley Jacks at halfback, while Keegan Hipgrave (concussion) was also a late withdrawal.

Mitch Rein takes a run out of dummy-half during Tweed’s loss to Burleigh on Sunday. Picture: SMP Images

It comes back to the old question of whether they have what it takes without support from their Titans affiliation.

The good news though is Cheyne Whitelaw and Christian Hazard are due back from injuries soon and in truth, the team actually competed strongly for three-quarters of the Bears match.

Next up is a trip to Rockhampton to play the Capras on Saturday night.

Who will the Titans sign in Morgan Boyle’s place?

News broke on Sunday that the hulking 22-year-old prop had left the NRL club to take up a deal with Manly, effective immediately, through to the end of 2021.

Morgan Boyle. Picture: Steve Holland

It means Garth Brennan’s top 30 roster now has two holes; they are likely to keep one spot available to see if any opportunities pop up in the market but the other vacancy may be filled more promptly.

Gold Coast fans debated who could be a good fit for the club on social media, with Rhyse Martin their overwhelming frontrunner.

Martin’s omission from the Bulldogs’ NRL side for the opening two rounds of the season has been a mystery, given he is coming off an impressive 2018 rookie campaign.

Rhyse Martin of the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

The goal-kicking back-rower is an eight-time Papua New Guinea representative.

Will Daniel Mortimer be in for some heavy treatment?

Observers of the former Titans playmaker’s debut match for Currumbin in the Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade competition did not miss the punishment he copped.

Mortimer scored a try in the Eagles’ 42-24 win over Ormeau on Sunday but reportedly was on the receiving end of some late shots from the Shearers defensive line.

It’s not a surprising tactic to blunt a player of his calibre but no doubt will be something match officials will be directed to keep an eye on, given the marquee profile Mortimer brings to the competition.

Daniel Mortimer. Picture: Mike Batterham

Eagles coach Ryan Gundry would not be drawn on the matter but pointed out that the 29-year-old brought a sense of calm to his side – even while starting from the bench as he gets his match fitness back up to speed.

Can anyone beat Burleigh?

The Bears have been dominant in the past two weeks at ISC level but we’re talking RLGC here.

Tugun and Runaway Bay have been widely touted alongside Burleigh as the three teams expected to be dominant in 2019 but neither the Seahawks nor the Seagulls were a match for the Matt Foster-coached squad.

Jeff Lynch takes a hit-up for Burleigh in their Round 1 win over Tugun. Picture: Mike Batterham

Burleigh in fact smashed Bay 32-6 on Saturday despite losing former NRL players Tyronne Roberts-Davis and Matt Robinson from their Round 1 side.

Such is the club’s depth, the Bears still had a number of recent ISC players in their A-grade ranks including Conner Toia, Justin Tavae, Josh Rogers, Oliver Percy, Tyler Sparkes, Reece Summer, Apiata Noema, Jeff Lynch, Sam Saville and Josh Berkers.

That’s a tough bunch to beat. The Bulletin tipped Tugun to win the comp on the eve of Round 1 but the Bears have no doubt taken over the mantle of being the team to beat.

How can the Titans get their attack firing?

OK, back to NRL.

Two rounds into the season and Gold Coast have scored just six points in 160 minutes of footy.

No matter how hard they’ve worked on their defence, that rate of scoring is not going to win you too many games.

Kevin Proctor is renowned as a quality defender but has struggled to make an impact in attack for the Titans. Picture: AAP Image

Injuries to halves Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts are hurting them. Canberra outsmarted them in wet conditions in Round 1; the Titans threw plenty at Cronulla on Saturday but could not translate it into points.

Once either Taylor or Roberts returns to the field, the option remains to shift AJ Brimson into the No.1 to provide some spark from the back.

Nathan Peats and Kevin Proctor are excellent defenders but they need to lift significantly in attack, and the club needs to identify the best way to maximise the impact of dynamic recruit Tyrone Peachey.