KNIGHTMARE ENDS
Titan looks to find some enjoyment again after tough times at Newcastle
BRENDAN Elliot never lost his love of football during a grinding two seasons at Newcastle but says his decision to sign with hometown team Gold Coast was about proving to himself he could find success and enjoyment in the NRL.
Elliot has opened up about the tough two years he spent at the Knights across 2016-17 – where his only win in 23 games was against the Titans – after first bursting onto the scene at the Sydney Roosters.
“I never lost any love of football,” the 23-year-old outside back said.
“Down in Newcastle it was a very young squad. Some of the boys didn’t understand what it meant whereas coming from the Roosters if we had a big loss everyone would be down for the next couple of days.
“It was a tough 18 months down there. I only played in one winning game, that was really tough.
“Coming up (to the Gold Coast) it’s more so for myself to prove that I can do it and it is enjoyable at times.
“Whereas in Newcastle it was a tough 18 months and it was a hard slog at some points.”
The TSS graduate said he learnt a lot about himself and his game during the challenging experience that will help him forge a new path at the Titans.
“At the Roosters, I was always the youngest player out there,” Elliot said.
“Going to the Newcastle team I was one of the more experienced, older boys in the squad. I learnt a bit of leadership but also about controlling my attitude and controlling my thoughts when things don’t always go my way.
“It was more mentally … I learnt a lot which was really good for me.”
Elliot was 15 when he took up a scholarship with the Roosters but admitted his dream was to always play for the Gold Coast.
He still remembers attending a game in the club’s inaugural year in 2007 as a 12-yearold and said he has signed merchandise at his parent’s Gold Coast home.
“I actually had a friend of mine that got me into the sheds,” Elliot said.
“I had one of the Kmart jerseys with no sponsors and got it all signed up. I would have been about 12.
“I have got the jersey at home, and I have got a ball all signed up.
“The Gold Coast is our hometown and it burns the fire deep inside your belly that you want to play for the Gold Coast Titans and want to do well for the Gold Coast.
“That was a massive point for me to get back up here and play for the Titans.”
Former St George and Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Rein was training with the Titans amid speculation he is poised to sign a two-year deal with Gold Coast.