Gold Coast Titans to throw bigger packs at opposition teams
GOLD Coast second rower Will Matthews says NRL rivals will be met with a bigger and more mobile pack in 2019 as the club looks to add steel while running both ways.
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GOLD Coast second rower Will Matthews says NRL rivals will be met with a bigger and more mobile pack in 2019 as the club looks to add steel while running both ways.
Matthews is part of a group of Titans big men who have spent the preseason stacking on weight in order to mix it with the NRL’s big boppers.
It hasn’t been easy given head trainer Dan Ferris has simultaneously upped the run-load but Matthews, who has already added 2kg to his now 98kg frame, said both attributes will make the Titans a force next season.
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Gold Coast had the third lowest number of tackle breaks (677) and missed the fourth most tackles (839) in 2018.
“If you can carry the weight and be effective at it then it’s more ideal,” Matthews said.
“It’s easier to break tackles if you have a bit more weight behind you.
“If you have a big pack that is mobile and fit as well then it helps.
“I’ve been working on putting on a few kilograms because I was a bit too light last year. It’s always hard to do it when you’re running as well in the summer heat.”
Matthews played 15 games in his return season with Gold Coast in 2018 after spending the previous six years at St George Illawarra where he played 61 games.
It followed four years with the Titans.
Matthews said he was happy to play a utility role again for Gold Coast in 2019.
“It’s always a bit hard at this tim
e of the year because everyone is fit and ready to go,” Matthews said.
“There are always spots up for grabs, no matter who you are, so if I’m anywhere in the team then I’ll be pleased. I’ll just play my role.”
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