Why an old Shark is in Shire straits

LUKE Douglas was sitting in his Burleigh Heads loungeroom thinking he had made the biggest mistake of his career.

LUKE Douglas was sitting in his Burleigh Heads loungeroom thinking he had made the biggest mistake of his career.

After six years in the Sutherland Shire, Douglas had just watched the Sharks notch another victory to move into the top four, while his new team - the Gold Coast Titans - were languishing at the bottom of the ladder.

Most of his possessions were still in boxes back in Cronulla, and for a fleeting moment, he wished he was there, too.

"We had recruited really well (at the Titans) and at the start of the season we were looking really good," Douglas said. "And then the competition started and we weren't getting the wins on the board.

"On the other hand, the Sharks were pretty much leading the comp and I really did find that a bit hard to take."

Douglas returns to Toyota Stadium today for the first time since his departure north.

He admits he still retains a soft spot for the Sharks.

"I have watched all their games this year and I would have to say I still support the Sharks," Douglas said.

"I watch them every week and cheer them on and it was very hard watching them on their roll and knowing I was not part of it."

While most players claim that coming up against their former club means nothing, Douglas played 146 consecutive matches in the black, white and blue and he never wanted to leave.

So it's understandable that the 110kg prop is feeling slightly uncomfortable about his return "home".

"I am nervous," Douglas said. "I don't know how the fans are going to react and it will be strange. I am also looking forward to it, catching up with the boys and the fans.

"My brother (Kane) still has a unit just down the road from Shark Park and I always grew up supporting them, so it will be weird going there to play against them.

"I still miss a lot of things about the Sharks

"The coach, the boys, the staff and the fans. I was living with a friend for about four months when I moved to the Gold Coast and all my stuff was still back at Cronulla and it was tough for a while."

Douglas may have had his doubts, but he is finally happy with his move and has vowed to step up in the absence of the Titans missing Origin stars Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Nate Myles, and the injured Luke Bailey.

"The three guys we are missing are massive losses and me and the other guys are going to have to step up to fill the void," Douglas said.

"This week is my turn to help out a bit more."

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