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The Bulletin looks at five positives the Gold Coast Titans can take into 2020 NRL season

THEY are on course for the worst season in club history but with the 2019 campaign nearing an end, the Bulletin looks at five positives the Gold Coast Titans can take into next year.

THEY are on course for the worst season in club history but with the 2019 campaign nearing an end, the Bulletin looks at five positives the Gold Coast Titans can take into next year.

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THINGS CAN’T GET MUCH WORSE

Four wins in 20 games. A second wooden spoon looming. Coach sacked. Players wanting out. The loss of captain Ryan James to injury. Star halfback Ash Taylor taking personal leave. Calls to relocate the club.

If the Titans haven’t hit rock bottom already, they’re an inch away.

The positive? Things can only get better.

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It’s been a nightmare year for halfback Ash Taylor. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
It’s been a nightmare year for halfback Ash Taylor. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

RETURN OF RYAN JAMES

The skipper’s leadership has been sorely missing since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Round 6, with the 28-year-old looming as a vital figure in their revival next year.

APPROACH, NOT RESULTS, IMPRESSING TSS COACH

Ryan James, on the comeback from knee surgery, at Titans training on July 30. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Ryan James, on the comeback from knee surgery, at Titans training on July 30. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A NEW COACH

While he remains unproven at NRL level, the reception to Justin Holbrook’s coaching appointment late last month has generally been positive.

A former assistance at the Sydney Roosters, the 43-year-old has enjoyed a successful two-year stint with English Super League club St Helens and could be the breath of fresh air the Titans need.

SURFERS’ SEASON A SUCCESS DESPITE FINALS EXIT

Incoming Titans coach Justin Holbrook. Picture: Dave Howarth/PA Images via Getty Images
Incoming Titans coach Justin Holbrook. Picture: Dave Howarth/PA Images via Getty Images

THE FORM OF AJ BRIMSON

In a team that is on track to fare worse than the six-win season of 2011, the 20-year-old has been a shining light.

Playing at fullback in Saturday’s 40-28 loss to the Dragons, Brimson ran for 202m, had two try assists and made two line breaks.

BEARS UNLEASH TEEN DEBUTANT AGAINST PNG

AJ Brimson en route to 202m against the Dragons on Saturday. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images
AJ Brimson en route to 202m against the Dragons on Saturday. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

HELP IS AT HAND

In addition to respected administrator Dennis Watt (chairman) and Immortal Mal Meninga (head of culture and performance), the Titans have also had club greats including Mat Rogers and Nathan Friend offer to help rebuild the club.

They could do worse.

INJURY ADVERSITY THE MAKING OF YOUNG SHARK

Foundation Titan and former backs coach Mat Rogers at training in 2013.
Foundation Titan and former backs coach Mat Rogers at training in 2013.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/the-bulletin-looks-at-five-positives-the-gold-coast-titans-can-take-into-2020-nrl-season/news-story/55420eae31afad3439d24c3d8ad90ee9