THE FIVE BIG TITANS QUESTIONS
The first half of the Titans’ season didn’t entirely go to script, so the Bulletin looks at the five big questions that remain this NRL season
HOW DO THE TITANS GET THE BEST OUT OF BRYCE CARTWRIGHT?
It’s no secret the star recruit has not had the impact many wanted. So what’s next? Coach Garth Brennan has wavered between patience and tough love with about the same amount of success. It’s been mooted that a move to the right side of the field might kickstart things, but more than anything fans need to see heart.
CAN THEY PLUG THE HOLES IN DEFENCE?
Tellingly, only the Knights have leaked more points than the Titans this season. It’s no secret that the success of teams like Melbourne in the modern era has been built of rock solidness in defence. Coach Brennan knows his side is a work in progress so the second half of the campaign will be the perfect time to show some advancements.
CAN THEY CASH IN ON THE FIVE HOME GAMES TO COME?
Finals hopes may already be slim but there is a lot to be gained in finishing off the season strongly. The Titans play five of their remaining eight games at Cbus Super Stadium and, if recent history is anything to go by, the hype of a strong run can easily sprinkle into the following campaign. Hard to put a value on that feel-good vibe.
AT WHAT POINT DO THEY START LOOKING AT 2019?
Very soon. They have brought in plenty of reinforcements but if they think that AJ Brimson is the fullback for next season, they may as well start planning for it in the remainder of this season. Some tough calls might need to be made in the remaining rounds in order to hit the ground running in 2019. Fans will expect more come then.
WHO HAS TO LIFT IN ORDER TO GET A DEAL FOR NEXT SEASON?
Anthony Don is a bankable option. Keegan Hipgrave will get a contract somewhere, so that leaves Brenko Lee and Kane Elgey up in the air. Lee played his best Titans game against the Dogs recently and is said to have suitors. The chances of Elgey staying are slim but a strong finish and a shot in Europe looms.