Unwanted record driving Stockwell
THE threat of an unwanted NRL record is driving Titans prop Jack Stockwell towards a maiden finals appearance on the Coast next season.
Now in his seventh NRL campaign after making his debut for St George Illawarra in 2012, the 26-year-old has racked up 77 games for the Dragons, Newcastle and Titans but is yet to taste playoff action.
Another fruitless season in 2019 would likely take him past the 100-game mark and edge him closer towards a list of current players who have played the most games but no finals, headlined by the Sharks’ Joseph Paulo (165).
Wests Tigers forward Sauaso Sue (113) sits fifth after making his debut a year after Stockwell, who collected three wooden spoons in as many seasons with the Knights.
“Obviously I wish I was playing finals footy, I think that’s what everyone wants to do and then obviously make it to the grand final. I haven’t played in the semis yet so it’s definitely a motivating factor,” the western Sydney product said.
“It’s a bit disappointing we didn’t get there this year. We’re just building for next year now, we want to finish
the year off strong and do as well as we can in the back end of the year.
“(Avoiding the wooden spoon) is not something we’ve spoken about but it’s very important. I certainly don’t want to get a wooden spoon, I had a couple at Newcastle and don’t want to get one here so I think it’s a big motivation for all the boys.
“We’re really motivated to not come last (so) I want to get three (wins) from three in the back end of the year.”
After missing the first five rounds with a shoulder injury, Stockwell has emerged as one of the Titans’ most consistent performers, playing 14 of their past 16 games to earn a one-year extension.
He will again come off the bench against Manly tomorrow night, as the players look to put the disappointment of their golden-point loss to Penrith behind them.
“I think I’ve stayed consistent most of the year and tried to put my best foot forward when I can and when I’ve gotten the opportunity. I’ve really been enjoying my time on the Gold Coast and hopefully it continues,” he said.
“I think we showed (we can match teams) for most of the game last week. We were right in it for the 80 minutes, it was just key moments that let us down.
“Whenever I’ve played down at Brooky (Brookvale Oval), it’s always a good, tough game so I’m looking forward to it. The Manly crowd are very vocal … a bit of banter but it’ll be a good, tough game, I’m expecting.”