Titans inch towards their defence goal
GOLD Coast Titans players were outspoken last week about their mission to stiffen up their defence and the Cowboys trial at the weekend offered some promising signs for finals-ready fans.
The Titans took an understrength list into the Sunshine Coast Stadium clash on Saturday, while the Cowboys fielded Jason Taumalolo, Matt Scott and Jordan McLean.
Gold Coast’s middle three starting forwards of Moeaki Fotuaika, Max King and Jack Stockwell stepped up to the occasion nicely and the rest of the team followed suit with mostly good defensive reads.
North Queensland’s four tries originated from three one-on-one missed tackles – two by Dylan Phythian and one by Bryce Cartwright – and a kick.
“We have got to be better with our one-on-one tackles. That’s what cost us last year,” coach Garth Brennan said.
Keebra Park product Jesse Arthars, who has returned to the Coast after stints in the Melbourne and South Sydney systems, was relatively pleased with what he saw from fullback.
“The goal from the coach was to work on the things that we had done all preseason and make sure that we got those things down pat,” he said.
“Most of those things were revolved around defence so we thought that we did really good for our first hitout.”
Arthars, 20, played the full 80 minutes in the No.1 role and hopes he showed Brennan enough to be considered if an NRL backline vacancy appears this season.
“I was pretty happy to get a start with the boys and to be at the back was awesome as well,” the Helensvale and Runaway Bay junior said.
“It was a very good opportunity for myself … I thought I put my best foot forward.”
Arthars will start the season with Intrust Super Cup feeder club Burleigh, where he hopes to contend for the fullback responsibility.
The Titans will play a near full strength side in their final trial against Brisbane at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, with only Ryan James and Keegan Hipgrave expected to be unavailable for the contest.
WE HAVE GOT TO BE BETTER WITH OUR ONE-ON-ONE TACKLES TITANS COACH GARTH BRENNAN