The Bulletin looks at five things we learned from Gold Coast Titans’ trial loss to Burleigh
The Bulletin looks at five things we learned from the Titans’ 18-16 trial loss to Burleigh on Friday night.
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THE Bulletin looks at five things we learned from the Titans’ 18-16 trial loss to Burleigh on Friday night.
BEARS PRIMED FOR SHOT AT BACK-TO-BACK CROWNS
Premierships aren’t won in February but Burleigh showed why they are the reigning Intrust Super Cup premiers at Pizzey Park, holding their composure in the key moments.
Having lost just a handful of players from last year’s squad, the Bears should be thereabouts when the whips are cracking come September.
DEFEAT AN IMPORTANT REALITY CHECK
Titans fans have been buoyed by the arrival of coach Justin Holbrook and Gold Coast’s NRL Nines run but they received a reality check against the Bears.
While last night’s side was vastly different from the one that will play in Round 1, Holbrook is stuck with largely the same playing group as 2019 and won’t be able to work miracles in his first season.
‘HE’S IMPOSSIBLE TO TACKLE’ - POWER-PACKED TITAN MAKING IMPACT
TITANS’ NEXT GEN BUILDING NICELY
While it wasn’t the result they were hoping for, the young Titans squad showed they have the potential to become important NRL contributors in the seasons ahead.
Teen halves Tanah Boyd and Toby Sexton showed glimpses of magic, while Jayden Campbell set up a try before pulling off an incredible trysaver on Burleigh winger Will Evans to prove he has the same never-say-die attitude as father Preston.
FOGARTY REMINDS TITANS WHAT THEY’RE MISSING OUT ON
The ISC’s reigning Player of the Year, Burleigh halfback Jamal Fogarty was again polished in the victory.
He may not have stood out with individual brilliance but the 26-year-old’s guile and composure guided the Bears around the park.
BOYD MAY NOT BE SPENT NRL FORCE
While the opposition may not have been NRL quality, Titans prop Shannon Boyd’s return from major shoulder surgery was a step in the right direction.
A disappointment in his first season on the Gold Coast in 2019, the former Test forward punched out 40 minutes and will be better for the run as he pushes for a Round 1 starting spot.
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