Finding positive in 2020

THEY are on course for the worst season in club history but as 2019 nears an end, the Bulletin looks at five positives the Titans can take into next year.

BAD AS IT GETS

FOUR wins in 20 games. A second wooden spoon looming. Coach sacked. Players wanting out. The loss of captain Ryan James to injury. Star halfback Ash Taylor taking personal leave. Calls to relocate the club. If the Titans haven’t hit rock bottom already, they’re an inch away. The positive? Things can only get better.

A NEW COACH

WHILE he remains unproved at NRL level, the reception to Justin Holbrook’s coaching appointment late last month has generally been positive. A former assistant at the Sydney Roosters, the 43-year-old has enjoyed a successful two-year stint with English Super League club St Helens and could be the breath of fresh air the Titans need.

FORM OF AJ

IN a team that is on track to fare worse than the six-win season of 2011, the 20-yearold AJ Brimson has been a shining light. Playing at fullback in the Titans’ 40-28 loss to the Dragons on Saturday, Brimson ran for 202m, had two try assists and made two line breaks.

RETURN OF RYAN

RYAN James’ leadership has been sorely missing since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Round 6, with the 28year-old (below) looming as a key figure in a revival next year.

HELP IS AT HAND

IN addition to respected administrator Dennis Watt (chairman) and Immortal Mal Meninga (head of culture and performance), the Titans have also had club greats including Mat Rogers and Nathan Friend offer to help rebuild the club. They could do worse.