It was all happening on the Gold Coast this week!
The Titans were opening their incredible 27,000 seat stadium and there was a betting plunge on the Cowboys when it was revealed Jonathan Thurston was making an early comback from shoulder surgery.
Many felt that with Thurston in the side, the Cowboys were sure things, but the Titans had other ideas.
The Titans played great football, they looked sharp right from the kickoff and just overwhelmed the Cowboys.
The Cowboys in contrast looked sluggish, short of a run and seemed to stand back and wait for Bowen and Thurston to make something happen….not good a good sign in the first game of the season.
The Titans mobility and speed across the park was very reminicant of the West Tigers in 2005. This was mentiuoned during the Channel 9 telecast. One major diffrence however is that the Tigers have a bigger pack that provides more punch, and with Luke Bailey playing for extended periods at such an amazing level, the Titans have a true leading prop who can handle any sort of game.
Scott Prince played very well in the halves however Matt Rogers once again failed at five-eight. He semmed to get in his own, and everyone elses way, and you have to wonder how long John Cartwright will persist with him in the halves when Campbell plays better in the number 6 jersey and Rogers is better suited to fullback.
The night will be remembered for a 4 try performance by 25 year old Jordan Atkins who was making his debut in first grade. The last time a players scored 4 tries in his first match in first grade was back in 1942, a remarkable effort.
On their performance, you would have to think the Titans have a great shot of making the finals in just their second years in the competition. They looked as sharp as any side thats played for far this week and I just really like the way they played and the general makeup of their side.
Is it too early to think about what the last expansion club did in just their second season (Melbourne in 1999)?
