Brian Kelly impressed by how much Gold Coast Titans have changed in two years

When Brian Kelly was last part of the Gold Coast Titans, they were based out of demountable buildings.

WHEN Brian Kelly was last part of the Gold Coast Titans, they were based out of demountable buildings.

As he emerged from the club’s under-20 program, the Ballina product was poached with an offer too good to refuse to join Manly’s 2017 NRL squad.

Kelly quickly established himself at first grade level, playing 47 of a possible 49 games during that period, as well as earning call-ups for NSW Country and the Prime Minister’s XIII.

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All along, though, he kept an eye on his hometown team and how they were building – including securing their flash new headquarters at Parkwood.

Brian Kelly has settled in at Parkwood well. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Kelly cited the club’s direction, as well as the opportunity to be closer to friends and his Ballina-based family, as the key reasons behind inking a three-year Titans deal in November.

“A lot has changed in two years,” said the 22-year-old.

“When I was up here for 20s, the boys were still at Pizzey Park in the demountables.

“The facilities up here (at Parkwood) are awesome to train at … it’s all perfect. The club is definitely moving forward.”

Kelly said his time at the Sea Eagles not only enhanced his on-field reputation but helped him grow up as a person.

Titans coach Garth Brennan has offered plenty of praise for Kelly’s defensive abilities. Picture: AAP Image

“It was a pretty big move, I was nervous the first couple of months but once I settled in there all the boys were sweet,” he said.

“I definitely feel like I have matured a lot more as a bloke and just learnt about myself and how to be me.

“Now I am back on the Gold Coast, so everything happens for a reason.”

Kelly will battle it out with Tyrone Peachey, Dale Copley and Brenko Lee for a Round 1 start in the centres.

While he prefers playing on the left side of the field, as he did at Manly, Kelly has spent recent weeks training on the right edge.