Gold Coast Titans’ new elite development squad providing solution to keeping homegrown talent

IN a week of good news where star Gold Coast recruit Tyrone Peachey arrived and the NRL club announced the signing of Brian Kelly and appointment of rugby league icon Mal Meninga, this trumps all.

IN a week of good news where star Gold Coast recruit Tyrone Peachey arrived and the NRL club announced the signing of Brian Kelly and appointment of rugby league icon Mal Meninga, this trumps all.

The new Titans Elite Development Squad officially got off the ground this week, providing a long-awaited solution to a problem that has plagued the club for the past 12 years.

It’s what figureheads hope and believe will make the Titans a true powerhouse.

Over the years, fans have often winced upon seeing countless promising Gold Coast up-and-comers sign for rival clubs, with many going on to enjoy stellar careers at the top level.

The time for that stops now.

The club’s new ownership spearheaded by the Frizelle and Kelly families have spoken of their determination to better engage with the city’s community and talent. Here’s the proof they mean business: A seven-figure investment into ensuring the best and brightest kids have a pathway to playing NRL in their hometown.

Titans chairman Dennis Watt, co-owner Rebecca Frizelle, head of football Phil Moss and player Anthony Don with members of their TEDS squad. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“There’s a good chunk of money that actually came from renegotiating the stadium deal, so that was put straight into this program plus some extra as well,” Titans chairman Dennis Watt revealed.

“We have got an obligation, a responsibility to develop this territory as part of our licence. It is about giving back and making the game stronger from grassroots through to the elite level.”

After years of Jamie McCormack virtually flying solo on the development front, he now has a fleet of respected coaches to work with rising young guns.

Among them are long-time Palm Beach Currumbin supercoach Rod Patison, Titans fan favourite Anthony Don and former stalwart players-turned-coaches Ali Brown, Brad Davis and Matt Srama.

TEDS players in action. Picture: Tertius Pickard

And then there’s the players themselves.

Previously, the Titans might have had 20 or so teens on their books. Now it’s about 55 in their TEDS program, which incorporates under-16, under-18 and “rookie” (18-plus) groups. That’s not to mention their academy headed by Srama for those who have not yet turned 15, when a player can first be contracted.

The group will spend three months through the pre-season training as Titans before returning to their respective clubs, where they will continue to be monitored.

Later in the year, it is hoped they will have the chance to play together in NRL curtain-raisers at Cbus Super Stadium. By the time players reach the rookie stage, the plan is for them to be at a point where they are ready to join Garth Brennan’s top squad and compete for full-time development contracts.

It’s all part of providing a complete pathway, as is offered at renowned development clubs such as Penrith.

Rod Patison addresses the TEDS group. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“It’s really building the foundations of the club and owning our territory and putting a bit of a flag up too to other clubs saying ‘we’re investing here and creating these opportunities’.”

The acquisition of Patison as TEDS pathways co-ordinator is a particular win.

A former Gold Coast under-20 coach, Patison retired from teaching two years ago but had little hesitation at getting involved upon hearing the vision masterminded by Titans head of football Phil Moss and McCormack.

“It’s always been very difficult to have the resources to put the development program in place that we would see as optimal for the club but the board and the owners have committed to the fact that we are going to be a development club,” he said.

“I’m excited. This is my tribe and if they think I can contribute, I’m going to contribute as best I can.

“It’s about specifically giving every kid here the tools and attitudes to have the best shot possible.”

“There has been a positive response to the program and already some kids have made decisions that they want to come back here and be part of it.

“The head coach says he wants a team full of people from the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers and our job is to build a team of them for him.”