Titans making right moves

A few weeks ago I wrote the Gold Coast Titans were an old team not getting better. I mentioned they didn’t really have anyone in their mid-20’s hitting peak form consistently. The squad was full of players heading towards the ‘veteran’ stage – the same group who failed in big match Finals more than once. Well, over the past week the Titans have made moves to rectify this in a clear sign 2011 will be the last chance for this inaugural squad.

Club overhaul

The Titans have made two great signings in my opinion and could make at least one more. The big one of course was Jamal Idris. This guy is a superstar already and will only get better. He gives the Titans a serious attacking weapon out wide which will strike a bit of fear into opponents.

Last night it was reported they made perhaps an even better signing (in my opinion). They’ve picked up Cronulla prop Luke Douglas from next season. You might wonder who the heck that is? Well he’s a guy who would have played for Queensland already if he was eligible. He’s played something close to 130 games IN A ROW which is unheard of in the modern game – especially for a forward.

Douglas is in his mid-20s and only going to get better. He’s got a great attitude and huge heart, as his stats suggest. I think he will be a great signing for the club and someone they can build their forward pack around. He’s got the ability to be the Shane Webcke of that club, especially with Luke Bailey nearing the end of his career.

The other whisper is former Rabbitoh and current Storm centre Beau Champion. He is another guy on the rise and went close to representative selection last year. He’s not in the Idris class but presents another genuine attacking option and is a safe defender as well. If this signing does happen it will be another boost for the club.

Too late for 2011?

I still stand by what I’ve said all year so far – the Gold Coast Titans won’t play Finals in 2011. Assuming most teams stay reasonably fit, the Titans do not have one of the best eight squads in the competition. Scott Prince is still not at his best, the backline is unspectacular and the forwards are decent without being overly threatening.

The Titans did beat Wests Tigers last week but honestly, any team should have. The Tigers were awful in the second half and Gold Coast had so many opportunities – they should have won by at least another try or two.

Gold Coast will have their moments in 2011 and beat a few good sides, but it won’t be enough.

Todd Carney

It’s clear Todd Carney has his problems but fair dinkum – what he did the other night was the act of a dickhead. If I was a Roosters fan, or even a player, I would be wondering why the hell this guy was out on the piss while my team was getting flogged in the rain. Why wasn’t he there supporting them?

A few days later it was reported Carney wanted the weekend off to go home. So why didn’t he do it then?

I don’t care what Carney does from a football perspective – he doesn’t play for my team or my state and when he’s at his best, he’ll only put points on a team I’m cheering.

But it’s clear the guy needs help – it was only two weeks ago a judge threatened to put him in jail for crying out loud! It seems the Roosters and the NRL are at least making steps to get him the help he needs and that is good to see.

It looks like Carney will get ONE MORE chance, another last chance ... but how many more does he need, seriously? Maybe, sometimes, being so talented just isn’t enough to make it in the NRL.
As for Anthony Watts, the less said about that the better as far as I’m concerned. How a guy, out with injury at a NEW CLUB, can misbehave so many times is beyond me. As I write this the outcome of his court case is unknown, however it seems inevitable Watts won’t play NRL this year. And possibly never again.

TIPPING
Tips – Brisbane, Manly, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Canberra, Parramatta, Dragons, Melbourne
Last Week – 7/8
Total – 29/48 (60%)

I’m off for a working holiday so will catch you all later. Email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment below to share your thoughts.

Happy Easter,
Keyto