Gold Coast Old Boys gather to support Titans against Storm

THE Titans’ attempt to knock off Melbourne is bringing back memories for members of the inaugural Gold Coast Giants side.

THE Titans’ attempt to knock off defending premiers Melbourne is bringing back memories for inaugural Gold Coast Giants halfback Geoff Bagnall.

The Titans Old Boys will honour the city’s original national league team tomorrow, with members of the Giants to form a guard of honour ahead of the Storm clash.

The Giants, who are having a 30-year reunion of their 1988 foundation team, celebrated their most significant win against big brother Brisbane in front of 13,423 fans at their home ground at Tweed Heads.

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Geoff Bagnall (L) receiving pass from Ron Gibbs during St George v Gold Coast first grade game at Jubilee Oval Kogarah in Sydney in 1988.

The 25-22 victory was one of just four wins for the Giants that season and remains Bagnall’s favourite memory.

“That was our first win,” Bagnall said.

“They were always the (heavyweights). Right from the start they got in and signed all the superstars like Wally Lewis and Allan Langer and Gene Miles and we knocked them off down at Seagulls in front of a packed stadium.”

The Giants side included some greats of their own including captain Billy Johnstone, Chris Close, Ronny Gibbs and future Titans owner Michael Searle.

“The Old Boys, because there have been a lot of different franchises over the years, it’s been a challenge but the Gold Coast Titans have embraced the history from 1988,” Bagnall said.

“It includes all the franchises from the Giants to the Seagulls, Chargers and Titans. It’s 30 years since the ARL then, put a side on the Gold Coast.”

Most members of that team will be at a reunion at the Tallebudgera Surf Club tomorrow before heading to Cbus Super Stadium for the Titans’ clash against the Storm.

“It’s a good day to look back and a good day to support the Titans as well,” Bagnall said.