into gear

The Jetstar Titans rev up for the 2008 season with new young blood, accolades and continued good form

Luke Bailey rounds up
his co-captainship with
a Best and Fairest INSET

WORDS JASON SINTOME

Deserving glory

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans chairman Paul Broughton has been officially recognised for his contributions to the Titans and to the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Gold Coasters immortalising their founding father in titanium and naming the club’s best and fairest medal the “Paul Broughton medal”.

Co-captain Luke Bailey and work horse second rower Anthony Laffranchi, saw themselves enter Titans’ history when they were both awarded the inaugural Paul Broughton medal following a tie in scores after 25 rounds of the NRL premiership.

Broughton has been instrumental in rugby league’s development in Australia. After starting as a player, Broughton quickly established himself as a successful coach before joining the ARL administration team. In an administrative career, which spanned more than 50 years, Broughton was responsible for writing the Codes’ inaugural operations manual and overseeing the Codes’ metric conversion; he also implemented the NRL’s Neck Safe program.

“To actually have a medal named after you is quite an experience and I am delighted and absolutely humbled by the decision of my peers,” says Broughton. “In 100 years’ time when celebrating our centenary, my name will still be there – it’s an amazing feeling.”

Grab ’em young

It was hot and sweaty action at the
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s
XIII

The Jetstar Titans are assembling an exciting young squad to represent the club in the new National Under-20s competition. As a direct feeder system for the top squad, the Under-20s will provide exciting youngsters – like Shannon Walker and Will Mathews who are current junior Kangaroo representatives – with invaluable experience as it will operate under the same terms and conditions as the open side.

Back to work

There’s plenty happening with the top squad as well. The Jetstar Titans have signed one of Parramatta’s best in front rower Aaron Cannings, Penrith workhorse forward Matt Cross, and flyers Brenton Bowen from the NQ Cowboys and Ben Jeffery from the Wests Tigers.

A number of players are also back in training after suffering end-season injuries in 2007: former test forward Brad Meyers is back from a knee injury, front rower Michael Henderson’s broken leg is on the mend and former England fullback Richie Mathers has recovered after knee surgery. There’s certainly going to be serious competition for those jerseys!

The tough get going

Jetstar Titans assistant coach Trevor Gillmeister is tough. In fact, when talk turns to the toughest ever to lace up a boot, “The Axe” will always figure prominently no matter what state you’re cheering for.

Last month, Gillmeister travelled south for the annual Men of League ball in Sydney where he was officially named in Rugby League’s “Dirty Dozen” as one of 12 toughest players to ever play the game.

Alongside Gillmeister in the final 12 – selected from players from a hundred year period – were Shane Webcke, Noel Kelly, Kevin Ryan, John Sattler, Ray Price, Mal Meninga, Geoff Toovey, Terry Randall, Malcolm Reilly, John O’Neill and Tom Raudonikis.

We asked Scott Prince some questions about playing in Papua New Guinea for the Prime Minister’s XIII

It must have been a real thrill to be back in the green and gold and representing Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII.
It was great! Any time you get the chance to play for your country is a huge honour and I was especially glad to see a player like Brett Delaney rewarded for a great year with the Jetstar Titans.

What was it like playing over there?
It was a fantastic experience for everyone on tour. Working with legends like Brad Fittler and Mal Meninga was a fantastic experience and can only improve your game. It was so hot and humid and the second half was played in torrential rain. The locals absolutely loved it and they ended up fighting back for a 24-all draw.

Did it re-ignite your passion to play more representative football?
You never stop wanting to play for your state or country; it’s the highest honour that you can achieve and to wear the number 7 jumper for the Australian Kangaroos again would be a dream come true. All I can do is play my best for the Jetstar Titans and hope they’ll consider me when selections are being made.

What are you doing in the off-season?
Over Christmas I’m flying Jetstar up to Townsville for a few days with my family up there. I can’t wait.

Tell us about 2008.
We’re going to be a much better side in 2008. We’ve signed some very exciting players and week in, week out there will be pressure on everyone to retain their spots in the top team, so it’s going to be a really interesting year.

GET THE LOOK
Show your colours by buying a Jetstar Titans jersey

Why not check out the great range of Jetstar Gold Coast Titans merchandise, like these official jerseys RRP AU$150 (adult mens only). To see the full range, and to purchase Jetstar Titans’ merchandise online, visit www.jetstar.com/titans

All prices are in Australian Dollars. Prices do not include postage and handling and are subject to change without notification.

Jetstar Titans radio
On every Jetstar domestic and international flight, tune in to Channel 4 or Channel 6 respectively for the latest chart-topping hits. It also features news and updates about the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans team, interviews with Jetstar Titans players and reviews of games the Titans have played.

Membership Renewal
A reminder to all Jetstar Titans members that the renewal process has begun! We look forward to sharing another exciting year of rugby league action with you. With next year’s games set to be held at the all-new Skilled Park, 2008 is going to be the Year of the Titans! Call the Titans’ hotline on +61 (7) 5581 0190 or email membersinfo@titans.com.au