What day one of Titans’ pre-season training looked like under new coach Justin Holbrook
PLAYERS mingle and laugh as the Post Malone hit Sunflower reverberates around the Titans’ Parkwood training headquarters. This is the start of a new era on the Gold Coast. The Justin Holbrook era.
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PLAYERS mingle and laugh as the Post Malone hit Sunflower reverberates around the Titans’ Parkwood training headquarters.
This is the start of a new era on the Gold Coast. The Justin Holbrook era.
The new coach’s mission to turn this year’s NRL wooden-spooners into a premiership force began today not with a typical fitness slog, but a 45-minute session focusing predominantly on ball work.
TITANS SECURE SON OF CLUB GREAT
There were no signs of the drama that engulfed the club’s 2019 campaign as the entire playing group - headlined by Jai Arrow, AJ Brimson, Ash Taylor and on-the-mend captain Ryan James - fronted for the opening day of pre-season.
Even performance and culture chief Mal Meninga was on hand to cast his eye over the session.
When the players hit the field under the eye of strength and conditioning staff, Holbrook looked relaxed in his new surroundings, joking and kicking a footy with new assistant Jim Dymock.
HOLBROOK ARRIVAL A ‘KICK IN THE ARSE’ FOR TITANS
When it came time to take charge during a succession of passing drills, Holbrook’s instructions were simple and concise – and the players took in every word.
A down-to-earth nature and crucial ability to build a strong rapport with his troops - as he did during a premiership-winning Super League season with St Helens - shone through.
In some ways, the 43-year-old has nothing to lose after walking into a role vacated following Garth Brennan’s mid-season sacking.
In others, he is the most under-pressure man at the club.
TEST DEBUT A CAREER KICK-STARTER FOR COAST STAR
While the only way is up after the Titans won just four games this year, many fans are looking at Holbrook as the messiah who can – and will - take the club to the NRL promised land.
Today appeared a positive start but time will tell.
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