Titans get first win
By Peter Badel
February 25, 2007 12:00
Article from: The Sunday Telegraph
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THE Titans last night gave the Gold Coast a winning football team again - their first since July 11, 1998, some 3150 days ago.
Former Wallaby utility Mat Rogers returned to football after six years as the Titans celebrated a gutsy victory over Parramatta.
The Eels suffered an early injury blow, NSW Origin winger Eric Grothe not appearing for the second quarter after damaging ankle ligaments. He will be assessed today.
Gold Coast also had a setback in the 35th minute when former Queensland and Test forward Brad Meyers limped off with what appeared a serious ankle complaint.
After losing their opening trial 32-6 to Melbourne last week, the Titans rolled out their big guns. With Rogers, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Preston Campbell and Jake Webster on deck, the Titans looked set for defeat as Parramatta led 10-4 with 10 minutes to play.
But three tries in nine minutes - two to back-rower Gavin Cooper - clinched a watershed 12-point triumph. Co-captain Prince led a superb fightback, setting up Cooper's first try in the 71st minute before crossing himself three minutes later.
Gold Coast coach John Cartwright revealed that Prince refused to come off midway through the second half, underscoring the side's determination to win.
"We tried to treat it as more than a trial, you don't want to go into a competition at any level not winning a game,'' Cartwright said.
"We fielded two sides but I'm very proud of both of them. They went out there and aimed up.
"I was really happy with Prince. That's the reason we got him here, he was the best on the market. We brought him here to lead us and he was fantastic.
"The plan was to play him for 60 minutes but when the time came he didn't want to come off. That said it was more than a trial to us.''
Playing his first NRL match in six years, Rogers played the opening 40 minutes but saw little action in the centres.
While the Titans will yearn for more cohesion in attack for their season opener against the Dragons on March 18, their defence needs no refinement.
The Eels dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to penetrate a desperate Gold Coast defensive line inspired by warhorse Luke Bailey.
Parramatta coach Michael Hagan said the Titans - listed as equal favourites for the wooden spoon with Canberra - would be a threat.
"They've got some very good players,'' Hagan said.
"I don't know if their depth is as good as some clubs but if they stay healthy they will be more than competitive and that is the beauty of this competition.''
GOLD COAST 22 (G Cooper 2, S Prince, J Webster tries; C Walker 3 goals) PARRAMATTA 10 (J Hayne, J Reddy tries; L Burt goal). Referee: Ben Cummins. Crowd: 8612.
