A MAD MONDAY
PLUS: HALVES KNIGHTMARE
Titans coach calls for big turnout to greet Manly next week with angry fans to treat Daly Cherry-Evans to...
Hodkinson spurns Gold Coast offer to sign with Newcastle
TITANS coach Neil Henry has called on the Gold Coast to pack Cbus Super Stadium on Monday night when Daly Cherry-Evans rolls into town.
Cherry-Evans became Titans fans’ most despised opponent after he last month backflipped on his signed fouryear contract with the club to stay at Manly.
The Sea Eagles halfback was dropped from the Queensland Origin team for tomorrow’s decider at Suncorp Stadium and is now certain to play for Manly in the Round 18 fixture on the Gold Coast.
Cherry-Evans was booed at Suncorp Stadium in his first game following the backflip and is certain to be taunted by Titans fans at their home ground.
But just how many are actually there remains to be seen given Monday night games have been horrible for attracting crowds on the Gold Coast.
The Titans’ worst home crowd in their nine-year history was against Melbourne on a Monday night last year with just 6497 coming through the gates of the 27,500-seat stadium.
Cherry-Evans reneged on his Titans deal more than a month ago and the hysteria over the decision has somewhat cooled.
But Henry said he hoped a large contingent of fans turned out for the clash which the Titans need to win to stay in touch with the top eight.
“There’ll be a bit of banter from the crowd and hopefully we get a few more people turning up,” he said.
“Monday night is a great night to watch footy sitting at home but hopefully the local community embraces it and supports us for that game.”
The Titans have moved on from Cherry-Evans’ decision and are chasing a number of possible replacements, including Brisbane Broncos young gun Ashley Taylor.
Some Titans players were privately fuming at CherryEvans but Henry said he didn’t expect his players to target the No. 7. “It’s not personal between the players,” he said.
“We’ve talked about it. He’s made his decision and the rules enabled that to happen.
“We’ve moved on and we’re desperate for two points.”
The Titans had a muchneeded bye last weekend and could welcome back halfback Kane Elgey (ankle), hooker Beau Falloon (wrist) and forward Ryan James (shoulder).
Elgey, who was being courted by Manly before re-signing with the Titans, trained with the rehabilitation squad yesterday but could come into calculations later in the week.
“He’s pain-free at the moment,” Henry said.
“It’s a matter of building up his confidence and power around being able to run on it.
“He needs to be out there for 80 minutes if he’s going to take the field.
“Hopefully he’s right to go. If not, it will be the week after.”
Titans forward Luke Douglas said the team was weary of Manly’s all-star halves pairing of Kieran Foran and CherryEvans.
“They’re playing good footy,” he said.
“They’re a great combination and we’ve got to be on our toes.”