HOW TO RUIN A GOOD FRIDAY
Big brother Broncos crash the party for brave Titans
WHEN Neil Henry was appointed Gold Coast Titans coach he claimed the rebirth of the club would take every bit of his three-year tenure.
No magic wand could turn around years of mediocrity and while the building blocks are there, Henry’s prediction looks to be on the money.
The Titans weren’t bad in last night’s 26-16 loss to the Broncos in front of 15,432 fans at Cbus Super Stadium.
They tried hard like usual and did the best with the personnel they possess.
But turning around four years of poor results isn’t going to happen overnight.
The problem the Titans are facing is their supporters are growing tired of losing.
The Titans beat the Broncos in the corresponding game on April 11 last year – which was played in front of 5000 more supporters – but since then they have won just one match at home.
The game started at a cracking pace and the Titans were up for the battle.
The Titans did everything right in the opening 20 minutes – except score points.
Aidan Sezer took control, forcing multiple repeat sets, but the Titans couldn’t find the killer blow despite many opportunities. Their inability to capitalise hurt once the possession count started to even up.
Brisbane pivot Anthony Milford scored his first try in Broncos colours in the 25th minute and Mitchell Dodds followed soon after when the video referee gave him the green light.
The Titans found themselves in serious trouble when a James Roberts knock-on put Jack Reed into space, allowing Milford to score his second and give Brisbane an 18-0 lead.
A fortunate spill by Daniel Vidot gifted Anthony Don the Gold Coast’s first points but Brisbane’s line never looked like being penetrated in the first half.
When Dodds strolled through some poor defence early in the second half the game was as good as over.
David Mead crossed on the back of a nice backline movement but some poor decision making from the Gold Coast’s inexperienced players saw them squander some prime opportunities.
Ryan James was rewarded for his efforts with a consolation try late in the game.
While Brisbane didn’t blow the Titans away, the Wayne Bennett-coached Broncos showed you must make the most of the rare opportunities you are given in the modern-day game.
The Titans aren’t an easy team for the Gold Coast to support.
The rollercoaster ride has more downs than ups but what was rarely wavered is the desire of the players.
If Henry can keep that commitment and effort and gradually find improvement from his developing squad, the Titans will become an NRL premiership contender again.
The only problem is it may take a few years.