After this weekend’s Round 13 bye, which will mark the mid-point of the season, the Titans will turn for home in fifth spot on 16 points with seven wins to their credit.
Historically that will be their third-best result in seven years in the NRL.
They were placed fourth at the same point in 2008, but then plummeted to 13th, winning just one more game. In 2009 the Gold Coast team were third after the 13th round and went on to finish the year in the same position before exiting the finals series with two straight losses.
The Titans’ stellar year was in 2010 when they were sixth at the midway point with exactly the same record as 2013 – seven wins and one bye. In 2010 the Gold Coast finished the season in fourth place, won their first finals game against the Warriors, but then fell to the Roosters just one game shy of a grand final place.
What is exciting for coach John Cartwright and the legion of Titans fans hungry for success, is that the Gold Coast has plenty of room for improvement. While their form for the first half of this year has been solid, it has not yet reached the potential of their roster.
Key to this is their young ‘spine’, which has grown in confidence and combination with each outing.
Will Zillman (fullback), Aidan Sezer (five-eighth), Albert Kelly (halfback) and Matt Srama (hooker) have been among the club’s best for 2013. Considering the brief time they have been together their combination has been outstanding. Considering what they can conjure for the remainder of the year is mouth-watering.
Since debuting last season, Sezer has been earmarked as a future leader of the Titans and a representative certainty. The 21-year-old exudes composure and has lived up to expectation.
However it his halves partner Kelly who has stolen the majority of the limelight thus far. With a history at three previous NRL clubs Kelly came to the Gold Coast for this season with ‘last chance’ stamped across his CV. The 22-year-old has taken that chance with both hands.
His attacking flair has been brilliant on occasions, capped off by a club-leading eight touchdowns. It is his combination with Sezer, now in its infancy, which gives the Titans the most room for growth.
Zillman, 26, is in his fifth season with the Titans and is in career-best form. His scything runs down the centre of the park have become his trademark. Now club vice-captain ‘Zilly’ brings an added maturity to the Titans talented by young backline.
Srama has had injury issues this year, but continues to impress with his workaholic attitude and crisp passing game.
So, with a young ‘spine’ set to blossom further their are other key elements that stamp this Titans combination as one that can finish the year on a high:
Forward power:
The Titans have arguably the best forward pack in the competition. They boast current Origin stars Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Nate Myles, and former international Luke Bailey, who is back in great form after an Achilles injury. Add to this human sledgehammer Dave Taylor and Mr Indestructible Luke Douglas and you have a pack that is premiership quality.
Depth:
The Gold Coast boast greater depth than ever. Even with Origin stars absent and players of the calibre of Luke O’Dwyer, Ben Ridge and Beau Falloon injured, the Titans trounced the Cowboys last weekend with a line-up that would be the envy of most NRL clubs. With players of the quality of Mark Minichiello forced to bide their time in the Queensland Cup, this is an indication of the Titans roster depth. Winger Anthony Don, hooker Sam Irwin and forward Mark Ioane are just three of the ‘pinch-hitters’ who have come to the top grade because of injury and have shone.
The Idris Factor:
A leaner Jamal Idris is now being talked about in Origin terms following an outstanding start to the season. Both he and Dave Taylor are the aces Cartwright has up his sleeve come finals time if they can be anywhere near their best.
Following the bye the Titans face the Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights and Panthers before they again have a bye and farewell the Origin series. This period is shaping as crucial as any to Gold Coast for this season. Wins over the Rabbits and/or the Storm, even during Origin will be significant psychological boosts.
The stats - How the Titans have been placed at the mid-point and end of each season:
Season Midway After final Round
2007 7th - 6wins 12th - 10wins
2008 4th - 8wins 13th - 10wins
2009 3rd - 8wins 3rd - 16wins
2010 6th - 7wins 4th - 15wins
2011 15th - 3wins 16th - 6wins
2012 10th - 5wins 11trh - 10wins
2013 5th - 7wins
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