Rutkin’s review: At home at halves

Gold Coast Titans fan club administrator James Rutkin has stepped up for a weekly column analysing the latest Titans performances from the fans perspective. THIS IS RUTKIN’S REVIEW

Kevin Proctor of the Titans is tackled during the round 13 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the North Queensland Cowboys. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Gold Coast Titans fan club administrator James Rutkin has stepped up for a weekly column analysing the latest Titans performances from the fans perspective.

This is Rutkin’s Review.

TITANS VS RAIDERS: AT HOME AT HALVES

Tanah Boyd’s clearly meant to be in the halves. He looked a lot more comfortable out there today than he has coming off the bench playing the nine. He had a nice grubber kick to set up our first try. He’s still getting used to first grade footy and wasn’t perfect- but I am confident this game was a big step forward for him. I imagine he would suit playing next to Fogarty more than he would Taylor but I’m interested to see the development of the titan’s halves over the next year

Tanah Boyd of the Titans passes the ball during the round 15 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium on August 22, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

The titans need to re-sign Jolliffe and Hipgrave immediately. Jolliffe has been an unsung hero all season and has quietly chipped away each week to be the most consistent member of the squad as well. He has been astronomical in every win we have had and its important the titans put pen to paper to resign him. Hipgrave is more of a loose cannon than Jolliffe and doesn’t put up amazing stats- but he emulates a recent titans captain in Greg bird. Titans have lacked aggression over the last few years and have sorely missed a “tough as nails” type of player. Hipgrave fits that mould perfectly. Out of all the players off contract this season none are more important to retain than these two.

What is going on with Tyrone Peachy? I was very patient with him in the first season- and was tolerating his performances early in the season but he seems to have taken a step back in recent months. He is a decent player when the team is on a roll up the field and has momentum behind them- but no player makes me pull my hair out more than peachy. I hope he plays with a chip on his shoulder over the next few weeks to make up for some lacklustre recent performances.

I ran a poll about a month ago on the Titan’s Fan club asking if they thought Jamal Fogarty should be captain for us next season. The result- to my surprise was overwhelmingly “No” I’d be interested if I redid that poll how drastically the results would change. He is ultimate leadership material. His first game as captain was strong too. If he had managed to run the full field- that would have been the try of the season. He kept his head up high and lead the team well- combining nicely to put ash over for a late second half try. He’s been getting better and better each game and I think he’s going to be the captain of the team next season.

EARLIER: PROCTOR EARNING HIS PLACE IN 2021

He makes me pull my hair out sometimes but Kevin Proctor is clearly desperate to re-sign with the titans. Proctor put on his best performance since joining the titans- not only scoring a try but producing two of the best try assists of the year. One to AJ Brimson- showing incredibly fast reflexes – the other a superhuman dive to keep a Jamal Fogarty kick in play. He can clearly see the direction the titans are building in and wants to be apart of it. I’m not too sure where he would play next season considering our big signings – but if he continues his form until the end of the season, I would sign him on a cheap contract for depth and leadership.

CURRUMBIN READY TO EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWS

Ashley Taylor. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

IMPROVING BY HALF

Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty’s combination continues to evolve each week. The team looks a different side when Ash runs the ball- and he again was pivotal in steering the team around the park. He definitely scored a try that should not have been disallowed due to proctor lightly grazing Jake Granville.

EXCLUSIVE: DON’S LOVE FOR FOOTY RETURNS

Gold Coast Titans player Tanah Boyd at training. Picture: Supplied.

BUOYED BY TANAH

The development of Tanah Boyd continues to be interesting. He’s not a natural 9 and looks like he would evolve into a speedy half. Holbrook seems unsure of how to use Boyd- as he comes on towards the end of games for about 15 minutes. I don’t think it’s really doing much for his confidence or growth as a player. It’s an understandable for Holbrook- as considering the form of his current halves he won’t want to mess with the development chemistry brewing.

EYE-POPPING STATS CONFIRM FOTUAIKA IS A TOP NRL PROP

Alexander Brimson. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

BRIMSON HITS TOP FORM

AJ Brimson is an absolute star. Two tries and an assist, he’s also a defensive beast and has a knack for saving tries. If he can stay injury free; he is undeniably going to be the titan’s fullback of the future. Corey Thompson will be his backup- although he has just as much tenacity and passion, AJ is just a step ahead in terms of speed, skill and footwork. Corey was allegedly promised a position in the titans plans over the next few seasons; and it will be interesting to see where he is put in the line-up- Perhaps in Tanah Boyd’s bench spot as Peats is definitely an 80 minute hooker.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: LANGER CUP KEEBRA V MARSDEN SHS