Broncos duds: When Titans poaching goes the other way
The Broncos didn’t just poach Jesse Arthars on Wednesday. No, ‘Big Brother’ have long owned the transfer market between the NRL rivals.
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SO the Broncos have landed another blow to Gold Coast by snaring Jesse Arthars on a two-year deal.
The loss of the promising centre adds to a frustratingly long list of Gold Coast talent to have headed north to ‘Big Brother’.
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Coast products such as Alex Glenn (chased for the Titans’ 2007 season), David Fifita, Payne Haas (contracted to the Titans as a 16-year-old before being granted a release), Tom Dearden (recommended to the Titans by Tweed scouts) and Xavier Coates have made the move in recent memory.
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But what about the players who spent time at the Broncos and went other way?
Sure, there have been some major hits.
Scott Prince emerged from several horror, injury-ruined campaigns at the Broncos to become a Titans icon.
Nathan Friend became a mainstay, and Ash Harrison stopped over at two clubs before establishing himself at the Gold Coast and for the Maroons.
Jarrod Wallace is a glowing example of what can happen when you chase more opportunities, as is Jai Arrow and, to a lesser extent, Dale Copley.
But then there are the ones who didn’t work out.
DAVE TAYLOR: 4/10
Was tipped to finally live up to his immense potential and made the Bulletin list of our greatest unfulfilled talents. Fair to say that his 58 games across three seasons were rich on promise but light on results.
ASH TAYLOR: 7/10
Still has time on his side but things have slipped significantly after the initial joy of his recruitment coup. Would have been laughable two seasons ago to think he is being challenged by Ryley Jacks who, while a good player, has floated between systems as a fringe NRL talent.
BRAD MEYERS: 5/10
Developed a cult following thanks to his big red beard but it’s fair to say his best footy was during his days at the Broncos.
STEVE MICHAELS: 3/10
Another to have failed to live up to early career hype and found himself in off-field trouble.
JOSH HOFFMAN: 5/10
Left Brisbane wanting to play fullback was always looked a career winger. Had his moments but failed to answer any big problems at Gold Coast.
CHRIS WALKER: 4/10
The Titans bought the injury-prone outside back, not the tryscoring Origin flyer. Scored 40 of his 81 NRL tries while at Brisbane. Ten while at Gold Coast.
DAVID HALA: 2/10
After 37 games spread across six seasons at Brisbane, prop Hala came chasing new opportunities. Sadly the only one to benefit was the Titans physio, with Hala playing two games in 2015 before leaving.