TITANS SET SIGHTS ON ORIGIN DYNAMO – BUT FIFITA REMAINS ISSUE
TITANS coach Justin Holbrook has spoken about his desire to bring NSW Origin star Dale Finucane to the Gold Coast and defended his use of inconsistent David Fifita.
The Titans are one of six clubs in the race to sign Finucane as he weighs up leaving the Melbourne Storm for a lucrative contract elsewhere.
The Gold Coast already boast a host of quality young forwards in the likes of Queensland Origin stars Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Fifita, while New Zealand Test prop Isaac Liu will join the club next year.
But Holbrook thinks an experienced campaigner in Finucane could provide the leadership needed to mould the Titans into an NRL finals force.
Holbrook played down the Gold Coast’s pursuit of Finucane but said he would be a quality acquisition. “A player of his experience and professionalism, the way he plays ... is why so many clubs have shown interest.”
Holbrook has more pressing issues on his plate. The Titans are floundering in 11th spot on the ladder, now two wins out of the top eight after Canberra’s upset win against Parramatta on Thursday night.
They are desperate to beat the Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what shapes as a must-win clash. To do that, the Titans will need more from Fifita, who was benched after 30 minutes in last week’s loss to the Eels.
The Gold Coast’s highest-paid player on $1.1 million this season, Fifita has this week been accused of being “lazy” and not getting involved enough. Holbrook admitted the Titans needed Fifita to fire.