OK, WHO’S LOVING THEIR FOOTY?
Titans fan favourite Anthony Don says his love of footy had wavered in recent years but there was one thing he knew for certain, he wanted to play on in 2021.
Don has opened up about signing a new one-year deal with Gold Coast following a season that has included eight tries in 11 games.
THE Gold Coast Titans were never going to leave their club’s greatest ambassador on the scrap heap.
The one-year contract extension of fan favourite winger Anthony Don on Friday confirms the greatest tryscorer in the team’s history will retire a one-club man.
No one was happier to hear that news than The Don himself.
“I was really happy to get another contract,” the 138game veteran said.
“From the start of this year my goal was to be in the starting team and earn a new contract because I felt I wanted to play another year.
“I didn’t want to retire so I’m really happy I was able to earn another contract.”
Don, 32, said there was no secret to his career-best form in attack, which has yielded eight tries from his past 11 games.
Instead he praised the motivating influence of the Titans coaching staff.
“They really gave me a lot of confidence this year,” he said.
“They believe in the team and me and what I can do, really encouraging us to take opportunities and back ourselves.
“I’m loving footy again and in the last few years that had fallen away slightly.
“I feel young again and I’m happy to keep this going as long as I can.”
Whether Don can retain his starting wing berth in 2021 isn’t clear but serving as a mentor for the club’s junior backs is a responsibility he’s happy to take on.
If he does feature in next year’s team, a tryscoring milestone could be within reach.
Don has scored 83 career tries in 138 games. To reach the 100 try club he’ll need another 17 from a possible 33 games, finals notwithstanding.
Since his 30th birthday in September 2017, Don has scored 31 tries in 52 games at a strike rate of 60 per cent.
Playing behind a forward pack with David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika leading from the front should create the space he needs to at least draw closer.
No Titan has ever reached that milestone.