Brennan unveils a jobs reality check
THE Gold Coast Titans are going back to work.
Titans coach Garth Brennan has thrown an NRL preseason curveball by sending his entire 31-man squad to work this week.
The Titans will become “Averages Joes”, working on job sites, car washes and restaurants to experience what life is like for most people.
About $10 million of NRL talent will be digging holes, landscaping gardens and washing dishes for Gold Coast businesses as Brennan gives his team a reality check.
The players will work four full days and train three of those nights, much like semiprofessional athletes in lower grades.
Brennan said he hoped the players would emerge from the project grateful for what they have and more engaged with the community.
“We started pre-season training early and it has been something I have been thinking about for a while,” Brennan said.
“I know some other clubs do similar things but for us this about so much more.
“Our entire squad will be supporting locals in our community and supporting local businesses that support us.
“A lot of our players come through the grades and straight into full-time training.
“I want them to experience what it’s like for our corporates, members and fans – what it’s like to have a full day of work and then go to training, or the gym.
“It’s also about the players being out in the community. I want the people of the Gold Coast to know our players and feel like they can approach them for a chat wherever they are.
“I can only see the positives in doing something like this. I know the entire playing group are keen to get out and get their hands dirty.
“Hopefully this short period spent out with these businesses will give them a taste of what it’s like but will also help them show some gratitude and to be thankful for the job that they do have as professional sportspeople.”
Captain Ryan James will wash cars alongside Bryce Cartwright at Hoppy’s, a business owned by club owners Brett and Rebecca Frizelle.
Queensland Origin stars Jai Arrow (labouring) and Jarrod Wallace (landscaping) will be out in the sun while recruit Tyrone Roberts will work in the kitchen at QT Hotel.
Halfback Ash Taylor will be on the tools with carpenters, Nathan Peats will lay bricks and NSW Origin gun Tyrone Peachey will work in a steel fabrication business.
Titans player education manager Jen Cross said the project would help players get a better understanding of what awaited them in life after football.
“All of our players take part in a range of different education but some on the job training will only be of benefit, as we all know that a rugby league career doesn’t last forever,” she said.