Evolution of the Titans
August 2nd 2009 09:56
August 2009, and the Gold Coast Titans sit in third position on the NRL ladder. With only a handful of rounds to go, the Titans are poised to enter the first week of the finals in an unprecedented top 4 position. With the prospect of a home final at their formidable fortress at Skilled Park, the anticipation of great things from the Titans is on the tip of every one of their supporter’s tongues.
It was way back in 1988 that two of the competitions most formidable and successful clubs entered the fold. The Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights have enjoyed great success over the past two decades, winning eight premierships between them. But unfortunately for the third club to enter the then NSWRL premiership in 1988, success was something that was always left wanting.
Despite being a solidified rugby league heartland, the Gold Coast area saw little or no triumphs in their earliest conceptions. In 1988 the Gold Coast Tweed Giants finished at the back of the pack in second last place and only went one better in 1989. To add salt into the wounds, the team was forced to remould themselves after only two seasons when they became the Seagulls in 1990.
However, neither the name change or the acquiring of Wally Lewis as captain-coach in 1991 could dig the Gold Coast out of the doldrums. Being myself a Seagulls supporter back in the day, the Gold Coast fans would cheer each win like a grand final as they were certainly few and far between. The Seagulls rarely finished higher than second last, and in 1996 the club faced financial peril. Eventually they were dug out of trouble and entered their third phase of existence as the oddly coloured Chargers.
The exclusion of the Gold Coast from the newly formed NRL Premiership ruffled few feathers as their history had proved tumultuous in almost every aspect. Despite this however, the wilderness years always yielded hope that a Gold Coast side would re-emerge into the top flight premiership as the area itself experienced an economic and population boom.
So it was no real surprise when the Gold Coast Titans were formed to enter the 2007 NRL Premiership, with again a new name and new colours. But looming doubt over their potential success has hung over the Gold Coast since their inception, brought on by their lacklustre record, whether you regard it as the Titans’ history or not.
What is surprising for long time Gold Coast supporters is that the Titans have found success. The 2009 season has proved to be a genesis of sorts for the Titans, having achieved some important milestones throughout this year.
Not only consolidating a top 4 position of most of the year, the Titans have asserted themselves as a major force in the NRL.
In 2009 they have defeated the reigning premiers, Manly- Warringah. They are one of the few teams to have beaten the competition leaders, the Bulldogs and Dragons. They are the only team to have beaten Melbourne at home this year and have also accomplished the equally formidable task of defeating the Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium as well. Added to that, the Titans have developed a formidable reputation of their own by winning their first nine games at Skilled Park this year.
Despite all these accomplishments this year however, many fail to see the Titans as being a true premiership threat. In fact may people feel that the Titans will fade in the latter end of the year as they have done in their previous two seasons. Adding to this perception is the Titan’s recent form, which has been far below their best.
The last remaining rounds of the Telstra Premiership will prove to be a telling time for the Titans. For the Titans to secure a top 4 position and a home final this season would prove be a tremendous accomplishment for the Gold Coast. For an area that has had to put up with so much disappointment from their various incarnations in the last 20 years, this one effort from the Titans could prove to redefine their whole history.
If the Titans do make the top 4, then only one question will remain...can they win the premiership?
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