BLOW FOR TITANS

ARTHARS HEADS OFF

THE Broncos have continued their raid on the Gold Coast, with Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold poaching boom Titans utility back Jesse Arthars.

Adding further spice to their Queensland rivalry, the “Big Brother” Broncos have sneaked under the guard of the struggling Titans to steal one of their most promising outside backs.

Incredibly, at a time when Titans culture and performance chief Mal Meninga is trying to retain the region’s best talents, Auckland-born Arthars is the sixth player with Gold Coast links to be snapped up by rich rivals the Broncos.

Brisbane have previously lured several talents including Alex Glenn, Payne Haas, David Fifita, Tom Dearden, Alex Glenn and 18-year-old sensation Xavier Coates, who scored in his NRL debut against the Sharks on Sunday.

The Titans are bitterly disappointed to lose 20-year-old Arthars, who will join the Broncos for two years.

Brisbane recruitment chiefs declined to comment yesterday but confirmed Arthars has signed a contract.

Former Maroons lock Scott Sattler, Channel 9’s expert analyst on the Intrust Super Cup, has watched Arthars closely this season for Burleigh and likens him to a former NSW Origin centre.

“Jesse reminds me a lot of Matt Gidley, the former Newcastle and Australian player,” said Sattler, who was the Titans’ foundation football manager in 2007.

“Gidley had beautiful skill, great feet and that classic flick pass and Jesse moves across the ground superbly.

“It’s a very smart signing by the Broncos and a real blow for the Titans.

“Once again, the Broncos have poached one of the Titans’ best kids and I don’t know why it keeps happening.”