The Titans started 2015 in great fashion with big wins over the Tigers and eventual minor premiers Penrith. It proved to be a false dawn, as the club would win just one of their next 12 games, a televised game win over Parramatta the only highlight. The final 10 games of the season proved more fruitful for the Gold Coast boys, as the side managed six wins, five against top eight teams. The Titans finished the season as the only side to beat each of the top four sides.
The stretch of losses from Round 3 to Round 15 severely dented the Titans chance of a top eight finish. Jed Cartwright, son of former Titans coach John, made a promising start to his NYC career before injury ended his season. Karl Lawton, Anthony Colman and the Schwass twins, Daniel and Hayden, spent time in the Intrust Super Cup throughout 2015. A number of talented young players were introduced in the later stages of the season, including exciting outside backs Greg Leleisiuao and Tyronne Roberts-Davis. With a host of returning players and a bright finish to the season, the Titans will be confident of their chances of returning to finals football in 2016.
Standout Players
The Titans three Under 20s Origin representatives (Brian Kelly, Karl Lawton, Oshae Tuiasau) were strong throughout the season. Kelly, who scored 11 tries, ran for 2,942 metres at an average of 147 per game. Lawton, who switched between five-eighth and hooker, was a constant attacking threat, scoring 10 tries himself. Front rower Tuiasau led the Gold Coast from the front, getting through a mountain of work in attack and defence. His best efforts against Brisbane in Round 20, where he ran for 211 metres and made 29 tackles. All three players re-signed with the Titans in 2015.
Top Pointscorer and Tryscorer
Fullback Shaun Hudson topped the point and try scoring lists for the Titans in 2015, scoring 12 tries and kicking 26 goals for 100 points. The Burleigh Bears junior will join the North Queensland Cowboys in 2016.
Best Win
Round 16 – defeated Sydney Roosters 40-35.
It was perhaps the most incredible NYC game of the season. Jackson Hastings was a late inclusion for the Roosters but it didn’t matter early as the Titans looked like grabbing an easy victory as they lead 34-16 with 10 to play. Hastings then led a remarkable comeback in which the Roosters lead 35-34 after he kicked a field goal with two minutes on the clock. From the ensuing restart, Hayden Schwass caught the short kick-off on the full and raced to within five metres of the try line. Greg Leleisiuao then barged over from dummy half to seal an unbelievable victory for the Gold Coast.
Graduates
Kane Elgey (2012-2014 – 59 games, 33 tries, 65 goals, 262 points)
The NYC Player of the Year in 2014, Elgey was a revelation for the Titans after making his NRL debut in Round 4. With Elgey in the side the Titans went 8-8. Without him? 1 win and 7 losses.
Luke Page (2009-2011 – 59 games, 11 tries, 44 points)
The Titans NYC Player of the Year in 2011, Page left the club in 2013 and joined Canberra midway through 2014. He joined the Dragons in 2015, making his NRL debut in Round 17.
Player to Watch in 2016
Making his NYC debut in Round 12, Greg Leleisiuao proved a handful for opposition defences in each game he played. The fullback/winger broke 78 tackles, averaged 188 metres a game and finished his debut season with 10 tries in 12 games. In six of his 12 games he ran for over 200 metres. With a full season of Holden Cup, his statistics could be record breaking.
Representative Honours
Brian Kelly – New South Wales under-20s (4 tries, 16 points)
Karl Lawton – Queensland under-20s
Tyronne Roberts-Davis – Australian Schoolboys
Oshae Tuiasau – Queensland under-20s
18TH MAN 