Titans gift no real fix
THE Queensland Government delivered the Titans an Easter gift but it may not be enough to keep Good Friday footy on the Gold Coast.
The Titans weren’t slugged with a hefty increase in hiring Cbus Super Stadium for last night’s Broncos blockbuster despite the match falling on a public holiday.
It’s normal for public holiday hiring fees to change due to staff salary increases and operating costs but the Titans struck a deal with Stadiums Queensland they were comfortable with.
The only problem was the crowd didn’t come to the party.
Dodgy weather and the Gold Coast’s poor recent record at home contributed to just 15,432 people turning out for what is supposed to be the club’s biggest home game of the season.
It is the first time the Titans have been given a Good Friday timeslot and it could be the last.
“We think the local derby is a good attraction for Easter and will take into account all the issues when drawing up the schedule next year,” an NRL spokesman said.
“We will take the club views into account as well when drawing up the schedule but, generally, this should be a good match-up for a public holiday.”
Three of the Gold Coast’s top five crowds at Robina – including the biggest ever – have involved the Broncos.
Last night’s disappointing attendance may be a one-off due to the experimental timeslot and it’s sure to be assessed by NRL powerbrokers.
But the Titans have a more pressing issue to deal with first.
While they were happy with last night’s stadium hiring arrangement, a more long-term contract is still being sought.
The club has been paying $1.8-$2 million a year to play 12 games at the venue which was a major factor in their financial struggles.
Titans chief executive Graham Annesley said the shortterm arrangement reached was helpful but he was determined to lock in a more costeffective agreement for the next few years.
“We’ve got no complaints about the arrangement in place (for last night’s game) even though it was agreed to at the 11th hour,” he said.
“But we need a long-term solution.”
The Titans will meet Stadiums Queensland and government officials next week to broker a new deal.
“The arrangements for the Titans is consistent with the commercial model applied at other venues and within other codes,” a SQ spokesman said.
“Discussions with the NRL and Titans continue.”
We need a long-term solution …
GRAHAM ANNESLEY