Gold Coast urged to blood some youngsters

FORMER Gold Coast captain Nathan Friend has called on the Titans to look to the future in the final month of their disappointing NRL campaign.

Friend, a respected figure who retired last year after 15 seasons in first grade, including six on the Coast, admitted to feeling “uneasy” watching the side’s 54-0 thrashing at the hands of Brisbane.

The 36-year-old knows an upturn in performance is critical, with fans disheartened and the futures of coach Neil Henry and various players on the line, but believes the club should now set up its 2018 season.

“It might be time for Neil to give a couple of young guys a go,” Friend said.

“Some of the senior guys that probably don’t look like they are putting their hand up, drop them down and give some of the young guys a chance because they’re not a chance for the eight.

“On one hand I guess the coach probably doesn’t want to do that because he is worried about win-loss but you have got to move forward and look ahead. I think it is an ideal time to put some kids up in positions that may need filling in the future.”

The Titans, who face the Dragons at UOW Jubilee Oval today, have enjoyed success with boom rookies such as Max King and Morgan Boyle this year proving themselves to be NRL quality.

With the club’s backline depth already fragile and regulars Tyrone Roberts and William Zillman off-contract, exciting under-20s Phillip Sami and Alexander “AJ” Brimson could stake a claim to show their worth.

“At the end of the day, we’ve got a big backyard here. Brisbane use it wisely and it’s something that we need to work on I reckon,” Friend said.