Gold Coast Titans 2009 preview
February 10th 2009 08:02
The Lowdown
Although they won their first seven home games of the 2008 NRL season to storm to the top of the ladder, injuries once again derailed the Gold Coast Titans, and with their depth severely tested, the newest edition to the Telstra Premiership simply fell into a big hole that plunged them to finish 13th in the competition.
Despite the pessimistic end to season 2008, the Titans held their heads very high in some performances, most notably their great upset win against the Sydney Roosters away from home that gave coach John Cartwright tremendous belief in the future.
2009 prospects
Although their away victory against the Roosters was one of the most courageous performances by any team in season 2008, it was only one of three wins out of 12 away games last year, which placed the Titans as the third worst side in the NRL playing on the road.
Now approaching their third season in the NRL, the Titans should have developed the necessary strategies to now perform away from home. It is critical that they find form on the road if they are to compete with the best teams in the competition in 2009.
Despite the Titans away record not being all that flash, the side has had to contend with plenty of injuries to some of their most important players, including leading men Luke Bailey and Scott Prince.
Without Prince and Bailey, a unit as new as the Titans will no doubt struggle for consistency and structure in their football.
It is critical for the Gold Coast to keep these two players injury free for the entirety of season 2009 if they are to make the finals.
Even though Prince and Bailey form the backbone of the Titans, fullback Preston Campbell performed out of his skin last season to remind all league fans why the NRL is one of the most entertaining sporting competitions in the world.
It was Campbell on most occasions that lit the spark for the Titans to produce their early season drive up the NRL ladder, and he continued to be the leading light when things started to dim late on in season 2008.
Despite not getting any younger, Campbell showed Titans fans last season that he is still a match winner of the highest order.
Another Titan that took the limelight in 2008 was Mark Minichiello, who arguably had his best year last season to nearly notch up a spot in the NSW Origin side.
A repeat performance by Minichiello should see him in the sky blue in 2009, and it will also make the Titans that little bit more competitive against the big guns of the NRL.
Prediction
No doubt if the Gold Coast can make do with Bailey, Prince and Campbell for the majority of season 2009, they will severely challenge for a place in the NRL finals.
After two seasons of first grade football under their belts, one feels the Gold Coast are ready to step up to finals action in season 2009.
If injury avoids them, the Titans really are a great chance of making the eight.
Finish - 7th
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