gunning ahead

Jetstar Titans’ younger players are preparing for the big time

WORDS JASON SINTOME

Will Matthews applies the pressure Jetstar Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright has been keeping an eye on rookie Will Matthews since pre-season training commenced, with the baby-faced man-mountain impressing everyone with his performance so far.

Cartwright won’t be pressured into playing Matthews or the talented fullback Shannon Walker, but concedes both are placing immense pressure on the squad’s established players for a place in the Club’s pre-season trials.

“Will is a tough young bloke with a hardness that normally comes with years of experience and he’s certainly doing everything asked of him at training and more,” says Cartwright. “He’s already shown he can handle the demands expected of a full-time NRL player. We’ll just keep monitoring; he’ll get his turn when the time is right.”

From Kyogle, south of the Gold Coast, the big 19-year-old forward is a living example of what the Titans birth was all about – keeping talented young footballers close to home.

In typical country fashion, Matthews is taking everything in his stride.

“The fact that I’m near home is important,” says Matthews. “It’s great being so close to my family and their support. I just want to keep my head on and stay focused,” he says. “I want a big off-season, hopefully play a couple of the trials, maybe a first-grade game. We’ll see what happens.”

Criticised for being too small in their debut season, Jetstar Titans won’t have that problem for 2008 thanks to a bigger bunch of forwards, meaning Matthews has plenty of opposition for a spot in the pack.

Jetstar Titans radio
Tune in to Jetstar Gold Coast Titans radio, this month featuring an interview with Australian musical siblings Angus and Julia Stone, and music from their new album A Book Like This. There are also interviews with your favourite Jetstar Titans players, and you could win a Sony PlayStation Portable simply by tuning in.

STAR PLAYER

We grabbed centre and wing player Brett Delaney for a few questions.

Do you have a girlfriend?
No, but keen if you know anyone.

Do you surf?
All I will say is that it’s harder than it looks.

Are you a morning or night person?
Night, but I’m not too bad at any time.

Who was your childhood hero?
It was Bradley Clyde, he was just awesome. And of course John Cartwright (that should keep me in the team).

If you could star on any television show, what would it be?
Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

What did your final year high school teachers say to you?
“Brett, I think you will do better in the work force, go get yourself a trade.”

Is Billy Johnstone (Titans strength and conditioner) as tough as they say?
He’s tougher; I hate the sight of him and have nightmares.

Goals for 2008?
To stay fit, keep my place in first grade, contest in the final series and play some more representative footy.