Arthars ’humbled’ to share in magic
JESSE Arthars hopes his debut display has secured him a maiden NRL match at Cbus Super Stadium next Saturday.
Arthars came off the bench to play 53 minutes on the left wing in Gold Coast’s 26-18 loss to Cronulla on Thursday night, running the ball for 98m and nearly scoring twice in the first half.
The 20-year-old in fact almost had a try with his very first NRL touch, only being denied after the video referee found Sharks winger Aaron Gray had a foot on the sideline when the ball brushed his shorts, just before Arthars gained possession.
“I was a little bit unlucky … it would have been an awesome start,” he smiled.
Although the result was far from what the Titans needed to kickstart their stuttering campaign, it won’t be a night that Arthars forgets any time soon.
“It’s something that I will always remember and will keep close to my heart,” he said.
“It’s been a long time coming and I have worked really hard to get where I am.
“I am really grateful for the staff on the Gold Coast for allowing me to come home and be back with my family.
“I think it has been really good for my footy as well, I have been playing my best footy I believe.
“Just to be able to make my debut and especially at Suncorp (Stadium) and for the occasion of Magic Round, it’s unreal and I’m just so grateful and humbled to be here.”
Arthars’ call-up came the same week the Titans rookie was rewarded for his Burleigh Intrust Super Cup form with selection in the Queensland Residents team – an honour that had to be forgone when Garth Brennan came calling. It appears he has done enough to hold his place for the Round 10 home match against Canterbury, if Brennan’s reaction is anything to go by.
“He showed some class didn’t he?” Brennan said.
“You have got some rollercoasters as a coach and at the moment there’s some downs for me but that is certainly a high when you can give a young kid who has worked really hard and made lots of sacrifices an opportunity to fulfil his dream.”
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