The Gold Coast Bulletin

LOCK IT DOWN

Straight-shooting Arrow targets time in the middle for Titans

- EMMA GREENWOOD emma.greenwood@news.com.au

OPPORTUNIT­Y.

IT’s the single word that sums up why Jai Arrow made the move from the successful Brisbane program to join the Titans this season. A Gold Coast product, Arrow came through the successful Keebra Park nursery to link with the Broncos. But after watching former Brisbane teammate Jarrod Wallace return to the Gold Coast to nab a starting place in the pack and parlay his club form into an Origin jersey, Arrow is keen to follow suit.

“For me, it was more about opportunit­y,” Arrow said.

“I consider Brisbane a second home to me but I just thought it was best for me to come down here to prove myself and try and become a week-in, week-out NRL player. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Arrow (pictured) said he had no second thoughts about his move despite changes since his signing, including the axing of Neil Henry, the coach that lured him to the Gold Coast.

“There’s no regrets. I came down here to prove myself and that’s (still) my main goal,” Arrow said.

The 22-year-old is in the running for the starting lock position, a battle made easier by the departure of Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu, who have both linked with the Warriors.

But he will not be without challenger­s, with the Titans having a wealth of middle players, including Keegan Hipgrave, Max King and Morgan Boyle, who could all start in the No.13.

“There’s a few players that have come to the club that can fill that spot,” Arrow said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. My goal is to have a good pre-season and to do the best I can and hopefully, come Round 1, I’m in the team.

“But that will all come down to how I go in pre-season and how I go in the trials.”

Incoming coach Garth Brennan outlined his expectatio­ns to the team on Monday, including how commitment will be one of his markers.

“He said if we don’t give it our all we won’t be in the team,” Arrow said.

“It’s a good opportunit­y for everyone to prove themselves and show what they’ve got.

“It’s going to be a good challenge.

“I’ve been in Brisbane for quite a while now but I can’t wait to work with all the boys and the coaching staff here.”

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