Gold Coast Titans coach Neil Henry promises David Mead chance at fullback spot for 2015 By TODD BALYM Gold Coast Bulletin SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 GOLD Coast winger David Mead has reaffirmed his commitment to the Titans, but has sought an assurance from new coach Neil Henry he will get a chance to prove himself as the club’s long term No.1. Henry has spent the first two weeks of the off-season meeting with players as part of an end-of-year review, delivering honest feedback of where each player sits in future plans as he rebuilds the club after a 14th-place finish. Mead was considering his Titans future midway through the 2014 season, with rival clubs Canberra and Wests Tigers gauging his interest for a move south with the offer of a permanent position at his preferred fullback role. Frustrated at being stuck on the wing after starring for NSW Country in the No.1 jersey, Mead became a target for rival clubs desperate to find some X-factor for next season. Mead was given eight games in the No.1 jersey for the Titans replacing injured William Zillman, but shifted between wing and centre once the vice-captain returned. Henry said Mead had again voiced his desire to play fullback during their review and confirmed he would be given every chance to replace Zillman next year when preseason training resumes in November. David Mead dreams of wearing the No. 1. Source: News Corp Australia “I did a review with Meady and he is quite keen to stay at the club,” Henry said. “He never requested a release. “He is still quite keen to play fullback and he will get a crack at that in the preseason. “He knows the areas he needs to work on and Zilly knows there is a bit of pressure for his spot. That is healthy.” The Titans were said to be keen on Newcastle fullback Darius Boyd or Broncos custodian Josh Hoffman if they were released from their contracts, but a lack of salary cap space next year means the Titans unlikely to pursue either. Henry has met with Broncos front rower Ben Hannant, but the Gold Coast believe they will only secure the former Test star if he has exhausted all options elsewhere. With Brad Takairaingi accepting a move to Wests Tigers next season, Henry said Anthony Don was likely to get more opportunities in the centres while the club could add a young Intrust Super Cup player to boost backline depth. “We probably have one spot in our cap we haven’t done yet, that will depend on what funds we’ve got and who is available,” Henry said.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 22:02:06 +0000
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