REMEMBER WHEN

Saturday March 15, 2008

TITANS coach John Cartwright backed a Gold Coast rookie. Jordan Atkins repaid him with a four-try jackpot.

In an amazing rugby league fairytale the 25-year-old late bloomer made a dream NRL debut scoring a club record four tries as the Gold Coast team moved in to their new home with a rousing win on the back of their first-game flyer.

“I never dreamt of playing first grade let alone this,’’ a stunned Atkins said after the game, as he sat quietly alone soaking up what he had just achieved.

“Four tries, that is just ridiculous,’’ said Atkins.

“I don’t know what to say. I am just lucky to be in the position I am.

“Being at the end of Princey (Scott Prince), Matty (Mat Rogers) and Presto (Preston Campbell) and a great bunch of forwards.

“I just sit on the wing while they do all the work.”

The game could not have been much better for Atkins but it was a reward for months of hard work. Cartwright had gifted Atkins his first NRL jumper because he was the hardest worker in the club.

It was almost a miracle the Atkins was there at all.

Only three years earlier he was playing university football and impressed Burleigh Bears officials sufficiently to give him a run in their State League team in 2006.

In 2007 he attended university studying to be a teacher while training with the Titans for next to no money.

He earned a contract for 2008 and earned a place in the hearts of all Gold Coast fans.

“I just hope to keep playing well,” said Atkins.