CHOCOLATE SOLDIER SAYS
Newcastle Herald
Thursday March 31, 2011
THIS WEEK‚„S TIPS: SEA EAGLES, BRONCOS, RAIDERS,EELS, SHARKS, DRAGONS, ROOSTERS, STORM. TALLY: 11THERE is no doubt that the Gold Coast Titans have beenone of the great success stories of the NRL in their firstfew seasons. They have built a strong supporter base onthe back of their consistent performances, with that touchof brilliance from the likes of Prince and Campbell too often gettingthem across the line in tight games.They made Skilled Park a graveyard for visiting teams, whichmeant taking the Titans at home an easy option for punters, nomatter who they were playing. But after three straight losses,including two at home, the danger signs are emerging forthe Titans this year.Their ageing team have not been replenished withnew blood in any of the vital positions, which is arecipe for disaster in the modern NRL. Presto, asgreat as he has been for the game, looks like he hasplayed one season too long; Scotty Prince is certainly not gettingquicker or taking on the line as he gets older; they have no real game-breakersin their outside backs; and their tradesmanlike pack lacksthat intimidation factor which separates the men from the boys.The NRL needs the Titans to be successful with the loomingchallenge from the AFL, but Carty will have his work cut out this yearto get them anywhere near the final eight.MAN OF THE WEEKHe has announced that season2011 will be his last as a player,but Darren Lockyer has achievedeverything the game has to offerand will become an Immortalin years to come. And it was allachieved without a massive ego,major scandal or sleeve tatts. Let‚„shope he can avoid major injury andfinish his career in the manner hedeserves ‚€œ as the most-cappedplayer in NRL history.
© 2011 Newcastle Herald