Titans won’t let another Payne Haas slip through their fingers

Titans boss Steve Mitchell knows exactly where the club’s next superstar is set to come from, with the club making moves to ensure he joins Gold Coast. READ THE FULL REPORT

Payne Haas when he was signed with the Titans

The Gold Coast Titans and Keebra Park State High School have formalised a partnership that will see the NRL Club score first dibs on emerging NRL talent from the Gold Coast nursery.

While players already on NRL contracts with rival clubs will not be forced into participating in Titans programs, students currently unattached to clubs will reap the benefits of Titans development opportunities.

Payne Haas when he was signed with the Titans

The club hopes their partnership will ensure the next Payne Haas and David Fifita choose the Titans instead.

The partnership between the NRL side and one of Australia’s leading sporting schools will also include development opportunities for coaching and teaching staff.

Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said this is landmark agreement, following in the footsteps of a similar deal with Palm Beach Currumbin earlier in the week, would give Gold Coast students a local pathway to NRL and NRLW competitions.

“We’ve already got some wonderful Keebra Park State High products as part of our NRL squad in AJ Brimson, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tanah Boyd and David Fifita,” Mitchell said.

EARLIER

The Gold Coast Titans have formalised their partnership with schoolboy rugby league powerhouse Palm Beach Currumbin State High to help streamline the pathway for talented students to join the Titans.

The decision to take an informal relationship into a defined ‘feeder’-style program aims will see Titans coaches take a more active approach in mentoring PBC juniors to strengthen the bond between the school and the local NRL club.

“It’s a really big opportunity for the Titans to partner with Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, which as we all know is one of the leading schools in sports excellence in the country,” Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said.

BURLEIGH LAND JAMAL FOGARTY REPLACEMENT

CAPTAIN’S RUN CHAOS: MAROON DOWN IN FREAK TRAINING MISHAP

MIAMI TAKES HOME THE DOUBLE AT STATE RUGBY 7S CHAMPIONSHIP

“They have a great history of rugby league talent that comes out of here, including our current captain Jamal Fogarty and Kevin Proctor.

“It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that one of our next superstars is currently wearing the Palm Beach Currumbin jersey today.

“We want them playing for the Titans and we want our club represented by kids out of this nursery.”

3rd November 2020, Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Gold Coast Titans announce a formal partnership with PBC High School. Gold Coast Titans player Jamal Fogarty with PBC student Tom Weaver Photo: Scott Powick

Palm Beach Currumbin principal Chris Capras said students would benefit from greater access to Titans coaches and facilities.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to keep our students local as they transition into the NRL,” Capras said.

“Students generally are more successful when they’re surrounded by friends and family.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Titans and the school but most importantly four our students.”

Fogarty and Proctor headline a strong core of PBC talent at the Titans which also included Ryan James, Keegan Hipgrave, Juwan Compain and Toby Sexton in 2020.

3rd November 2020, Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Gold Coast Titans announce a formal partnership with PBC High School. L-R, PBC Students Jack Cullen, Oscar Bryant and Tom Weaver with Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, Titans player Jamal Fogarty and PBC principal Chris Capra. Photo: Scott Powick

Even more talent has slipped the local net to stardom at rival clubs.

Melbourne Storm premiership-winner Jahrome Hughes (Class of 2011), New South Wales utility Cody Walker (2008), Jordan Rapana (2007) and Darius Boyd (2005) are among the brightest PBC stars to have found success away from the Coast.

With a formal partnership in place the Titans hope the next PBC superstar will don the blue and gold of the Titans and not be turned against them.