The Titans surprised the overwhelming majority of NRL fans by qualifying for the finals last season, when most had them in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Some brilliant recruitment decisions and the unearthing of yet another young halves star in Ash Taylor, sees the Titans enter 2017 at short odds to play finals footy for the second straight year.
Jarryd Hayne continues in his foray back into rugby league, and should be far more comfortable following an offseason and a nines campaign.
The return from injury of Kane Elgey, who didn’t play a single minute in 2016, makes the Titans an even stronger unit as they look to improve on their 2016 exploits.
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Weakness: Untried and untested backline
Forgetting Jarryd Hayne, who despite being under pressure as he continues his return to the game is a megastar, the Titans backline has some a little worried.
Konrad Hurrell has a brilliant time on the Gold Coast following his move from the Warriors, but has hardly been the model of consistency throughout his career.
Dan Sarginson arrives with plenty of wraps, but may take some time to adjust to the pace and rigors of the Australian game.
Daniel Vidot returns to the game, and much like Hayne and Sarginson, must be allowed some time to refind his footing. Anthony Don is an enigma.
Strength: Forward aggression and talent
Ryan James announced himself as one of the game’s premier forwards last season. He controlled his aggression and set try scoring records in a career making year.
Kevin Proctor’s signing went somewhat under the radar, but his presence and importance cannot be understated.
Jarrod Wallace looks set to step into the role vacated by the departed Greg Bird, while Chris McQueen had a far improved 2016 season and looks like the player who earned Origin selection not that long ago.
Agnatius Paasi had a massive 2016 and will look to continue his rise, as will Eddy Pettybourne. Nathan Peats is the most underrated number nine in the game.
Best (Most Important) Player: Ash Taylor
In terms of their biggest name, or player most capable of tearing sides to shreds, Jarryd Hayne is the Titans number one, but right now Ash Taylor is the man on the holiday strip.
His kicking game and ability to guide his side around, despite only being 21 years old was a sight to behold, and his efforts in the All Star game have Titans fans grinning from ear to ear.
If he can produce a year anything like his 2016 season, he will be in the frame to guide the Titans to something special in the years to come.
Off contract at the end of the season, he’s likely to be in the sights of former club the Broncos, but must remain completely focused and continue to improve to fulfil his limitless potential.
Pressure On: Jarryd Hayne
Hayne has the name, ability, and is on the money, to be expected to be the Titans main man in 2017, and I expect him to be just that.
You’d be silly to judge Hayne purely on the backend of 2016 given the differences in training, fitness, and build, than his previous NRL days, but the signs were good.
Reports say he has been pushed hard in pre-season training as he readjusts his body and mind to a full time role in the numbers one jersey.
He had a starring role in day one of the Auckland Nines tournament and given his natural abilities, there is no reason he can’t return to his very best.
Unlike most players in the competition, Hayne’s every single move will be closely watched and scrutinised. No one attracts attention quite like Hayne, and pressure always follows.
Prediction: 6th
The Titans have more than enough in terms of roster strength to worry any side on any given day in 2017, and should be finals bound.
Their young halves combination is extremely exciting and capable of anything, while Tyrone Roberts is ready and able should either suffer a form slump or injury.
There is a lot to like about this side from 1 through 17. Kevin Proctor’s arrival is a game changer, and the signing of Jarrod Wallace further strengthens an already talented forward pack.
Anything less than a comfortable top eight finish would be somewhat of a disaster given the talent available.
