Neil Henry says the Titans are ready to prove people wrong in 2016

THEY’RE considered a lock for the wooden spoon but Neil Henry says that the Titans are ready to prove the pundits wrong in 2016.

Greg Bird. The Gold Coast Titans training session. Pic John Gass

THEY have been decimated by injury and controversy but Gold Coast coach Neil Henry says his “hungry” Titans are ready to prove many wrong in 2016.

While the Titans still hold out some hope that South Sydney releases centre Bryson Goodwin to them this season, it is likely the team Henry fields in Saturday’s trial against the Rabbitohs will be the strongest at his disposal.

Halfback Kane Elgey’s season-ending knee injury was a cruel blow after James Roberts’ controversial defection to Brisbane.

Ex-Maroons forward Chris McQueen is their highest-profile signing for the season and the bookmakers have ranked the Titans as the longest if premiership hopes ($151).

But Henry remains upbeat about his squad after they made the final four of the Auckland Nines and drew last weekend’s trial against Nines champions Parramatta.

A strong showing against a Rabbitohs team boasting Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis at Burleigh on Saturday would be another shot of confidence after a tough pre-season.

“We were very disappointed to lose Kane Elgey in particular,” Henry said.

“James Roberts (leaving) was a personal decision by him and his management. We can’t do much about that.

“The boys were disappointed he moved on but he’s gone ...

“Our aim is to be competitive every week and win games of footy. We’re capable of doing that.

“The squad we’ve got is hardworking and committed. We’ve got some hungry guys out there.”

Goodwin’s repeated requests for a release from the Rabbitohs have been denied but the return of football boss Shane Richardson could change that.

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The Gold Coast’s new chief operating officer, former Roosters boss Brian Canavan, has already begun working with recruitment chief Dave Hamilton and Henry to identify potential targets.

“It’s no secret we’ve got room to move on a couple of players if they become available,” Henry said.

“I’m confident there will be a little bit of movement.

‘There is still talk of clubs needing to shed a couple of players around the cap.”

Roberts’ move has opened the door for young trio Nathan Davis, Brian Kelly and Greg Leleisiuao to move up the pecking order while Josh Hoffman and Nene Macdonald will form a centre pairing.

Neil Henry has challenged the Titans to defy expectations in 2016.

Macdonald featured for the World All Stars last weekend on the wing and fullback and was one of the members of Queensland’s Emerging Origin squad that did not break curfew.

“It’s a confidence boost going into those camps,” Macdonald said.

“There’s a lot of good players from other clubs. You get to know all the top coaches.

“I happened to stay home and it turned out to be a good idea that I did.

“I actually enjoy being the underdogs. I’m pretty excited for the year.”

Greg Bird was yesterday cleared of serious damage to his cheek but the news was not as good for Luke Douglas, who is set to miss Round 1 through suspension.

Douglas was charged with a careless high tackle from the Eels game and faces a one-match ban unless he can successfully fight the charge at the judiciary.

Douglas will be free to face the Rabbitohs as NRL rules state his suspension must be served during a premiership game.

The workhorse prop holds the record for the most consecutive NRL games played (215) and has never been suspended before.

Originally published as Neil Henry says the Titans are ready to prove people wrong in 2016