A GOOD SIGN:
HOMING IN ON LOCAL NRL TALENT TO BOLSTER STOCKS IN BACKS
GOLD Coast are closing in on another homegrown product in versatile back Brendan Elliot, as the pressure rises on English flyer Dan Sarginson to lift his game.
Keen to freshen up their roster, the Titans have identified improving depth in the outside backs as a must and Elliot is looming as a prime target.
The 23-year-old grew up playing junior footy for the Runaway Bay Seagulls.
After making his NRL debut at the Sydney Roosters, he switched to Newcastle but has found success hard to come by. His only win in 22 starts for the Knights came against the Titans in Round 2 this year and his time with the rebuilding club has now come to an abrupt end.
Gold Coast have confirmed their interest in Elliot and while he has other offers available, it is understood he is close to finalising a deal to move back to the Glitter Strip.
The Titans’ backline depth was exposed in their last round match against the Roosters when forward Leivaha Pulu was forced to start in the centres.
Elliot has covered fullback,
wing and centre in his 37game NRL career and wants to return to his hometown, giving the Titans some bonus leverage at the negotiating table.
There is a growing contingent of homegrown footballers at the Parkwood club with Jarrod Wallace, Kevin Proctor, Keegan Hipgrave and Jai Arrow all inking deals in the past 15 months.
Elliot’s potential arrival – with the club still open to recruiting more speedsters – heaps pressure on Sarginson’s shoulders after a dismal first season on the Coast.
Sarginson is off-contract at the end of 2018 with the Titans holding a one-year extension option in their favour, meaning he will next year be playing for his future Down Under.
Titans chief operating officer Tony Mestrov though is sure the Perth-born Pom “can make a real difference”.
“His workrate is unbelievable,” Mestrov said.
“He has got an opportunity to show his worth.
“He wants to repay the club, he said, because of his injuries and he has got a great training ethic and work ethic so I expect him to have a really good year.”
The three-time Test representative battled ongoing knee injuries before shoulder surgery ended his season. The five NRL games he did manage to play were met with blunt criticism from fans.