The Bryce is right? Is former Panthers star Cartwright the Titans’ best signing for 2018?
IN the complex puzzle that is NRL football, the Titans were missing a vital piece from their 2018 mix.
Sure, they made signings after letting players like Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Tyrone Roberts and William Zillman go last year. And the likes of Michael Gordon can hardly be called a toiler.
But they were missing a player with that X-factor – especially after the departure of Jarryd Hayne.
Hayne’s tenure on the Coast won’t be remembered fondly. But few could argue he had the ability to turn a game on his own. Bryce Cartwright is among just a handful of players in the comp that could be included in that category. Hopefully, he won’t have to do that in a team boasting talents such as Ashley Taylor and Konrad Hurrell.
But his addition is undoubtedly a boon for the Titans, who have suddenly gone from likely strugglers, to genuine contenders for a spot in the eight if they can pull together. Coach Garth Brennan has staked his reputation on being able to get the best out of Cartwright.
But if it pays off, it is a double win for the Titans. The Gold Coast will not only benefit on the field but suddenly become a more attractive option for players if Cartwright is able to regain his best form. It could be seen as a burden for the young man. And it’s a risk he and the Titans have taken. But with risk comes reward – and the Titans are hoping they reap the benefits of their association with Cartwright for years to come. LET’S look at Bryce Cartwright’s career.
Ability? Check. Versatility? Check.
An X-factor? Check.
A bankable matchwinner? Um, not quite.
No one will question if Cartwright can bring a lot to the Titans.
It was only a handful of matches ago he was an Origin player-inwaiting and was tagged, perhaps cursedly by Blues fans, as “the next big thing”.
Yet footy is all about timing and what the Gold Coast’s NRL franchise needs now is players more trusted than your grandma.
For too many seasons fans have asked for celery and been served caviar.
Call it the hangover from Jarryd Hayne’s ugly tenure, but the push towards local talent has appeased a lot of the rusted-on fans and won back many of the disenchanted.
If Michael Gordon was any more solid he’d be sold at Bunnings.
The Tweed junior is my pick as the best recruit for the Titans in 2018. For every Cartwright in your side you need a handful of Gordons, those no-frills, all-business sorts who will give 100 per cent and then ask if they can pick up the rubbish from the stands.
For what it’s worth, I think the addition of Cartwright is a good one.
History will ultimately tell but, on paper at least, he isn’t the first name I go to when I talk about the Titans thriving in 2018.
Let’s hope we’re both right and Carty and Gordon kill it this season.