Titans’ glass is half-full
New combination impresses club great Rogers
TITANS great Mat Rogers believes the club has found the halves combination in Jamal Fogarty and Ash Taylor that it has searched for since he and Scott Prince last ruled over Robina.
Fogarty’s virtuoso halfback play on Friday night orchestrated a 16-point swing to stun the Warriors, who had led 12-0 after 10 minutes.
His man-of-the-match performance was particularly impressive because the Titans lost million-dollar five-eighth Taylor to concussion with 15 minutes to play.
In Taylor’s absence the 26year-old NRL rookie put the team on his shoulders to land the knockout blow, finding Beau Fermor with a millimetre-perfect grubber kick to score the matchwinner in the 76th minute.
Bringing the reigning Intrust Super Cup MVP into the starting team was a gamble that is starting to pay dividends for coach Justin Holbrook, according to Rogers.
“Jamal has shown he can handle the pressure of NRL football,” he said.
“One of the most important things when playing is to keep your composure and not overplay your hand and Jamal did that really well.
“It’s a real sign of maturity because it takes years to develop skill.
“Down 12-0, he steered the ship and when we lost Ash he went to another level.”
Rogers, who partnered Prince in the halves on 30 occasions for 19 wins between 2008 and 2010, said he saw in Fogarty and Taylor the potential for a halves combination clubs would dream of.
“I think we’re starting to see it open up now,” the former dual international said. “Ash made some decisions he wouldn’t be happy with on the weekend but he’s playing some of the best I’ve seen him play.
“I think that’s come down to Jamal relieving pressure and not leaving everything on his shoulders.
“If they can form a great combination it’s what clubs dream of, a six and seven they can count on. They need the full season (together), no question, and if Justin is happy with those two he’ll understand some teething problems.
“Princey and I lived in each other’s pocket, we had lunch together and went to the movies every other day and you need that relationship to build that trust and understanding.
“I’m sure they’re forging that and I’m confident in their ability to go to another level.
“With some new forwards, alongside others who are really pulling their weight in that pack, I’m excited for the future given the tenacity and grit they’ve showed.”