TITANS TO FIND WAY FORWARD

JUST 10 weeks ago, there was a buzz of optimism around Titans headquarters not felt in a decade.

Players and staff frequently declared anything less than a top eight finish would be a disappointment, such was the air of confidence.

And yet, Gold Coast’s NRL season is already in tatters to the point where the board has ordered an all-encompassing review to be carried out by respected head of performance and culture Mal Meninga.

Their 3-8 situation, even after a much-needed 36-18 win over Manly last night that afforded some shortterm breathing space, has left powerbrokers scratching their heads as to where it has all gone so wrong.

They had diligently assembled a more than competitive roster on paper; financially and administratively, they are now stable; gone are the days of players making headlines for off-field indiscretions; and they finally have a handle on developing the region’s rich junior talent.

But that has not translated into on-field results and it’s clear that fans aren’t the only ones losing patience.

“Mal, as part of this review, will assess every aspect of the operation including the roster and all the ways we do things,” said Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt.

“He will work very closely with the coaches, with the staff and with the players in coming up with a blueprint for a way forward.”

For the most part, the Titans have been saying all the right things. They’ve backed it up with an impressive level of community engagement, often having players mix with junior clubs, and have won support for their popular Physical Disability Rugby League program.

Few cracks show on the training track. Players have continued to crack a smile at Parkwood as they work to turn their season around.

But the toll of an increasingly intense spotlight is showing on million-dollar man Ash Taylor and coach Garth Brennan.

Taylor right now is a shadow of the player who burst on to the scene in 2016 and has been copping it from all angles.

Brennan should be lauded for his friendly demeanour but behind that smile, elements of pressure and defensiveness have started to appear – which is fair enough, given that he is fighting for his career.

Some have questioned