Titans spread festive cheer across Gold Coast

Giant Jetstar Gold Coast Titan Jamal Idris tackled some tricky questions from kids at a QRL Summer Camp while other teammates put their Christmas present wrapping skills to the test to raise funds for Lifeline this week.

Taking time out from their hectic pre-season training schedule, Idris joined teammates David Mead and Brenton Lawrence to spend time with 90 kids attending a Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Summer Camp at the Runaway Bay Sports Centre this week.

Elsewhere on the Gold Coast, Jetstar Titans quartet Ben Ridge, Dominic Peyroux, Aidan Sezer and Jamie Dowling were busy wrapping Christmas presents for customers at The Pines Shopping Centre, Elanora as part of a fund raising initiative for the Lifeline charity.

While the delicate nuances of Christmas present wrapping provided a fresh physical challenge for the Jetstar Titans players, Idris was forced to think on his feet when put on the spot with a question from one aspiring rugby league player: “So what’s it like to tackle Manu Vatuvei?’’

“Basically it’s the equivalent of standing in front of a bull dozer,’’ quipped Idris. “It’s never fun but you try to slow him down at least until you’re mates come and help you.’’

Idris said he enjoyed talking to the group of youngsters at the QRL Summer Camp not just about football but also the importance of education and simply having fun.

“It’s good they’re all willing to learn and willing to listen as well so hopefully when they grow up they can be some Grade A NRL players,’’ he said.

“One of the main things I try to tell them is just to make sure you have fun while you’re playing and also to go to school as well to get a HSC and get a good education.’’

QRL Development Officer Jamie McCormack said the kids attending the camp, some from as far west as Roma, were thrilled to have an opportunity to meet the Jetstar Titans players.

“It’s fantastic to get some players with a great profile like Jamal coming along,’’ he said.

“The kids have been talking about seeing NRL players all week and some of these kids from out west wouldn’t get an opportunity to ever see some of these players, so it’s great.’’

Meanwhile, Ridge got into the Christmas spirit by proving one of the most talented of the Jetstar Titans quartet at wrapping Christmas presents.

“The funny shaped presents were the hardest to wrap, along with the bigger presents. It’s something different that’s for sure, we don’t do this at training,’’ said Ridge.

“I’ve taken a bit in today so I’ll have to do the wrapping of the presents at home this year. “It’s been good to come down and help raise some money for Lifeline.’’

The Jetstar Titans have been slogging it out at training six days per week since pre-season training commenced in the first week of November and will train up right until next Wednesday before receiving a break over the Christmas and New Years period.

The National Rugby League has announced the formation of a Competition Committee that will look at the 2012 Telstra Premiership Finals series structure, extra time in finals series games, player safety issues arising from new playing trends and further rules suggestions put forward by the clubs.

The Competition Committee announced on the second and final day of the NRL Annual Conference will conduct an on-going review of the way the game is played and trends within the game.

The Committee will include two current NRL coaches who will be elected by the other NRL clubs (each club will nominate a coach other than their own) as well as: Ricky Stuart,

Mal Meninga, Daniel Anderson, John Lang, Andrew Ryan, Trent Barrett and NRL Director of Football Operations, Nathan McGuirk. NRL Referees’ Coaches Bill Harrigan and Stuart Raper will provide technical advice on rules.

“One of the key reasons that Rugby League is the most exciting sport in the country is its capacity to evolve,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.

“There is little doubt that we are seeing the closest and the most skillful competitions in the game’s history and we want to ensure that we are constantly monitoring and evaluating the way the game is played.

“The Committee will report to management and their recommendations will be discussed by clubs and in future the Commission.

“Issues such as the final series format, extra-time in finals matches and tackling trends are on the agenda from the outset but the scope of the committee will be very wide.”

Mr McGuirk also flagged the outcomes of the annual judiciary review.

The review showed a dramatic fall in the number of charges overall and particularly the number of wrestling charges.

“The review shows that the players and the clubs deserve recognition for the way they are approaching the game,” Mr McGuirk said.

“In 2004 there were 196 weeks lost through suspension. In 2011 it was 54 weeks and 16 of those came from matches in one round (rd 25).

“Wrestling charges have gone from 26 in 2009 to three in 2011 as the two referees system and the judiciary system continues to remain vigilant in this area.

“That doesn’t mean we think those issues have gone away, we hope that it means there is a greater understanding of the requirements of the judiciary code and an awareness that we will continue take action where it is warranted.

“Seventy two percent of the charges in the game are now grade one.

“In some ways this is a reward for the way the players are approaching the game.”

The Judiciary review has put forward a number of recommendations:

• Reduction of the ‘loading period’ for grade 1 charges from two years to twelve months
• A commitment to maximum scrutiny of any incidence relating to ‘spearing at the legs’
• A review for 2013 season of the principle of suspensions being served in trial matches
• A reduction number of judiciary panelists used each year to ensure even greater consistency (Three panelists will continue to be used in each hearing).

“It’s a fundamental deterrent of the system that a repeat offender will get an additional loading on future charges,” Mr McGuirk said.

“Currently every offence stays on the player’s record for two years.

“Looking at the trends in the game we believe a two year loading period for a grade one is becoming harsh and that by reducing it to one year we will provide both an incentive for lesser offences and a deterrent for the more serious charges.

“In 2011 this would have led to nine fewer weeks of players being suspended.

“Combined with the changes we have made in reducing the impact of carry over points to those players who maintain clean records we believe the system is keeping the game clean while keeping more players on the field.”

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The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans today recognised the contribution of nine players that will depart the club at season’s end, headlined by the retirement of inaugural Titan and favourite son Preston Campbell.

After a glittering 14-year career, Campbell will play his 267^th and final NRL match at Saturday night’s final home game against the Parramatta Eels at Skilled Park.

In what is set to be an emotional day for the club, the Jetstar Titans are also preparing to farewell inaugural players Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Nathan Friend (NZ Warriors) and Brad Meyers (retirement) as well as departing players Clinton Toopi (retiring from NRL), Will Matthews (Dragons), Esi Tonga (Parramatta), Riley Brown (Newcastle, local) and Luke Capewell (Brisbane Broncos).

With 80 minutes remaining before he hangs up the boots to take up an off-field role with the Titans working in the community and as a Learn. Earn. Legend! ambassador, Campbell said he would leave the playing ranks with no regrets.

“I feel satisfied with what I’ve done and I think that’s the main thing with anybody retiring,’’ said Campbell, who started out with the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998 before going on to win a Premiership with Penrith in 2003 and a host of awards including the Dally M Medal and Ken Stephen Medal.

“I feel really proud to be able to finish where I started (on the Gold Coast). A lot of guys play at the same club for 10 years or even more, and even though I’ve gone full circle I’ve been able to finish where I started so I’m really happy about that.

“It kind of hasn’t hit me yet that I’ll be finishing up this year. I think once the game is finished the emotion will start to hit.

“I’ve been privileged to represent all four clubs and I remember them fondly.’’

To celebrate Campbell’s career, special limited edition t-shirts featuring a characterture of Campbell  and listing his career achievements are on sale at the Titans Merchandise Store at Robina and will also be available at the game for just $20 each.

The club has also set-up a special tributes page at www.titans.com.au where fans can leave personalised messages and tributes for any of the departing players.

Campbell said he and his teammates were eager to not only go out on a winning note for themselves but for everyone involved with the club.

“I think we’re a better team than what we’ve been showing and we need to do it for everyone involved at the club – the coaching staff, the staff that work hard in the office each week and obviously for the supporters and fans that buy our merchandise and come and watch us play to cheer for us.’’

TITANS DEPARTING PLAYERS

Preston Campbell

Years with Titans: 2007 – 2011

NRL games: 267* (* including Saturday night’s match against Eels)

Titans games: 103*

Anthony Laffranchi

Years with Titans: 2007 – 2011

NRL games: 204*

Titans games: 102*

Nathan Friend

Years with Titans: 2007 – 2011

NRL games: 135

Titans games: 100

Brad Meyers

Years with Titans: 2007 – 2011

NRL games: 177

Titans games: 75

Will Matthews

Years with Titans: 2008 – 2011

NRL games: 33*

Titans games: 33*

Esi Tonga

Years with Titans: 2008 – 2011

NRL games: 37*

Titans games: 37*

Clinton Toopi

Years with Titans: 2010 – 2011

NRL games: 156*

Titans games: 27*

Riley Brown

Years with Titans: 2010 – 2011

NRL games: 77

Titans games: 10

Luke Capewell

Years with Titans: 2011

NRL games: 35

Titans games: 7

Gold Coast codes come together to mark 50 days until Armor All Gold Coast 600

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Inspirational Jetstar Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Bailey has been named to return from injury for Monday night’s clash against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

With the benefit of a further six days before their next assignment against the Tigers, Jetstar Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright today named Bailey to make his return from a neck injury which ruled him out of last Saturday’s 26-18 victory over Canberra at Skilled Park.

Cartwright said Bailey’s fitness would be monitored throughout the week before a firm decision is made on whether he will travel with the team to Sydney on Sunday.

“He’ll have a fitness test a bit later in the week, we’ve got until Monday,’’ said Cartwright.

“He’s feeling okay today but he’s desperate to play in the last game so we’ll make sure he’s 100 per cent right before we run him out on the field.

“He was pretty close to playing last week but I just don’t want it to flare up. We’ll give him a bit of a searching hit-out later in the week and if he gets through that, we’ll play him.’’

In other team changes, centre Clinton Toopi has been named in the centres in place of Dominic Peyroux, who has been ruled out after suffering a suspected broken hand against the Raiders.

Toopi was included on the interchange bench against the Raiders but did not take the field, with Cartwright erring on the side of caution after Toopi suffered from symptoms of vertigo in the club’s previous match against the Storm.

Cartwright said Toopi had been medically cleared to play prior to the Raiders game but he had elected not to use him in the match as the situation did not call for it. He said the former New Zealand international would benefit from a full week of training in the lead-up to the Tigers clash.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the loss of hard-hitting centre Peyroux, Cartwright said his four-game stint in the NRL had proven he could make the step-up from Queensland Cup level.

“It’s a tragedy for Dom and the team,’’ said Cartwright. “He’s been one of our better players over the last three rounds and has certainly made a difference defensively for us out there.

“He was really establishing himself but it’s nice to know he can compete at that level. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and after another good off-season, he’s going to be a good player for us.’’

JETSTAR TITANS v WESTS TIGERS

7pm, Campbelltown Stadium

Monday, August 29

1          Jordan Rankin

2          Steve Michaels

3          Esi Tonga

4          Clinton Toopi

5          David Mead

6          William Zillman

7          Preston Campbell (c)

8          Luke Bailey

9          Matt Srama

10        Matthew White

11        Anthony Laffranchi

12        Mark Minichiello

13        Greg Bird

INTERCHANGE

14        Brenton Lawrence

15        Will Matthews

16        Bodene Thompson

17        Luke O’Dwyer

NYC TITANS v TIGERS

1          Shaun Carney

2          Lausii Taliauli

3          Japeth Vaoa

4          Hymel Hunt

5          Jackson Springer

6          Alec Jones

7          Matt Beddow

8          Luke Page

9          Sam Meskell

10        Lain Windley

11        Sam Saville

12        Blake Anderson

13        Dylan Hartin

INTERCHANGE

14        Sam Ross

15        Ed Murphy

16        Tom Dawney

17        Sam Irwin

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans will wear special edition orange socks in tomorrow’s clash against Canberra at Skilled Park in support of this weekend’s ‘Exercise Your Mood’ Round aimed at tackling mental health issues.

The NRL has dedicated Round 24 to raising awareness of the positive effects of exercise on mood disorders such as depression and bi-polar as part of their partnership with the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian and international authority on mood disorders.

The Titans will support the cause by donning fluoro orange socks while The Legion, the club’s loyal supporters group, will be cheering on their team at Skilled Park tomorrow night with large foam orange hands.

Jetstar Titans captain Preston Campbell is an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute, having suffered from depression in the past. He said raising awareness of the benefits of exercise on mental health was an important message to get across to everyone.

“The Black Dog Institute is pretty important. One in five people could be having a bout with depression or something similar so I think it’s really important to be aware of those sorts of things,’’ said Campbell.

“I’m fine to talk about it, it’s something I’ve dealt with. Every now and then I do exercise my mood because I need to. Every now and then I have a bout with depression but obviously these days I know how to handle it.

“It is just about exercising your mood. It’s so important to be aware, so people may not even know that they’re depressed or they’re feeling like that and it’s just something that I think is really important that we should get out there.’’

The Black Dog Institute has undertaken research into the benefits of exercise and its relationship with mental health that shows that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to no treatment.

Exercise Your Mood’ Round activities will promote the mental health benefits from exercising including:

• Release of endorphins

• Interruption of the “inactivity cycle” of depression

• Distraction from worrying

• Changes in the brain’s chemistry

• Reduction in the levels of stress

• Improved sleep, fitness and energy

• Increased sense of control and self esteem

• Promoting social interaction.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can be involved, visit the Black Dog Institute website: www.blackdoginstitute.com.au.

Retiring Jetstar Gold Coast Titans crowd favourite Preston Campbell will wear Scott Prince’s vacant No.7 jersey in Saturday night’s clash against heavyweights Melbourne Storm at Skilled Park.

Campbell, who has just four matches remaining in Titans colours before he retires at the end of the season, will switch from the interchange bench to halfback for the clash against the competition front runners,with prop Luke Bailey to captain the side in Prince’s absence.

Prince will miss the rest of the season after having successful surgery on his broken arm yesterday.

Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright today named a similar side to that which produced a spirited 20-16 win over Cronulla last weekend, with Campbell’s positional switch and the naming of Greg Bird and Clinton Toopi on an extended interchange bench as the only team changes in an 18-man squad.

Assistant Coach Steve Murphy said while it was disappointing to lose Prince, the club was fortunate to have a former Dally M Medal winning playmaker in Campbell to step up in his absence.

“He’ll leave a hole, like any class player leaves a hole, but we’re very fortunate to have a man of Preston Campbell’s ability just to step straight into the void there and fill that hole,’’ said Murphy.

“We’re very excited about Preston playing halfback but obviously disappointed for Scott.’’

With Bird and Toopi both named on an extended interchange bench and backrower Anthony Laffranchi in some doubt for the match with a cork, Murphy said a decision on the final make-up of the side would be made later in the week.

Despite not being in finals contention, Murphy said he was confident the Titans would rise to the occasion against Melbourne, who have won 10 matches in a row to lead the competition by two wins.

“Words like benchmark of the competition, premiership favourites – they are all those things and they deserve to be,’’ said Murphy.

“To play Melbourne this week is exciting. They’re going for a club record, we haven’t been happy with our form at home and if you don’t want to play against the best teams in the competition you probably should be playing something else.

“I’m sure our players will rise to the occasion this week, I’m looking forward to it.’’

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans inaugural signing and favourite son Preston Campbell has made the decision to retire at the end of the season. Campbell had previously agreed to play on in season 2012 but has opted to hang up the boots at the end of this year, closing the curtain on a stellar 14-year career in which he has played more than 260 NRL matches, won a premiership, Dally M Medal, Paul Broughton Medal and Ken Stephen Medal. The 34-year-old, who made his first grade debut for the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998, said he had made the difficult decision to retire because he wanted to focus on his community work and life after football. “I feel like it’s time for me to start the next phase of my life off the field,’’ said Campbell. “I could have gone another year but I want to concentrate more on what I’m going to be doing after footy here at the Titans and as a Learn Earn Legend! ambassador. “I’m still going to be employed by the club off the field and I’ll still be around to help some of the new guys settle in next year.’’ Jetstar Titans Managing Director Michael Searle said Campbell should be immensely proud of what he has been able to achieve throughout his career. “Preston has had a wonderful career and has been an integral part of what we’ve been able to build here at the Titans both on and off the field,’’ said Searle. “He’s made such a positive contribution to the club in so many different ways and that’s the reason he’ll continue to be involved with the Titans for many years to come.’’ Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright said Campbell had been a key part of the make-up of the side right from day one. “Presto has been such an important contributor at the club since our very first game in 2007 to now,’’ said Cartwright. “He scored the match-winning try in our first ever win against Cronulla at Carrara in the club’s second game and has scored plenty more along the way. “There’s not many players that play with the courage that he does and the fact he’s been able to do it at an elite level for such a long time is testament to that. It’s been a pleasure to be able to coach a player of his talent. PRESTON CAMPBELL Birthplace: Inverell, NSW Junior Club: Inverell Hawks Position: Fullback/five-eighth Height: 167cm Weight: 76kg Rep Honours: Indigenous All Stars 2010-11, Country Origin (2005-07) Previous Clubs: Gold Coast Chargers (1998), Cronulla (1999-2002), Penrith (2003-06) First Grade Debut: Gold Coast Chargers v Balmain, Leichhardt Oval (14/3/1998) Club Debut: Titans v St George Illawarra (18/3/2007) Games: 263* Tries: 86 Goals: 270 Field Goals: 1 Points: 885

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have granted requests to release rugby union bound duo Shannon Walker (Australian Rugby Sevens) and Joseph Tomane (ACT Brumbies) from their existing contracts with the club.

The Jetstar Titans have opted to grant both players an immediate release from the final month of their respective contracts in order to allow them to commence preparations for their code switches to rugby union.

Walker will join the Australian Sevens Squad for training this weekend while Tomane will join the Brumbies through one of their affiliate clubs, Uni Norths, this weekend.

Walker has played four NRL matches since making his debut for the Titans in 2008 while Tomane has played 14 NRL games since joining the club from the Melbourne Storm in 2010.

Jetstar Titans General Manager of Football Scott Clark said the club was pleased to be able to accommodate both players’ wishes in providing an early release and wished them well for the future.

“Both Shannon and Joseph were approached to commence training early with their new teams or their affiliates so we didn’t want to stand in their way,’’ said Clark.

“Shannon was part of the Titans’ inaugural NYC Under-20s squad in 2008 and if not for an unfortunate run of injuries, may have played a lot more first grade than he has.

“Since joining the club Joseph has shown how skilful he can be and we can appreciate his interest in wanting to return to rugby union, having come from a rugby background.

“We wish them both well with their new challenges.’’

Walker said while he enjoyed his time at the Gold Coast based NRL club, the idea of playing Rugby Sevens for Australia was an opportunity too good to refuse.

“I really enjoyed my time at the Titans and I learnt a lot but when I looked at Sevens and looked at the opportunities it provides to tour the world and represent Australia at the Olympics I couldn’t really turn down the idea,” said Walker.

“The time was right for me to make a decision and I thank the Titans for their support and ARU and the Sevens coaching staff for showing faith in me and giving me an opportunity to prove I deserve a Gold jersey.

“I know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully realising the dream of securing that Gold jersey and hopefully in 2016 a Gold Medal.”

Tomane, who played rugby at Nudgee College in Brisbane, said he was thankful for the Titans’ understanding in allowing him to return to rugby union.

“It was a hard decision but I’m thankful for Carty (Coach John Cartwright) and the Titans for giving me an opportunity and also allowing me to leave early,’’ said Tomane.

“It was hard to leave early but I had to do what’s best for me. I’m now going to focus on getting my rugby career underway.’’

Inaugural Jetstar Gold Coast Titan Anthony Laffranchi says he’s proud to be reaching his 200^th game milestone with the club that he helped build, as the curtain begins to close on his esteemed 11-year career in the NRL.

The Murwillumbah junior, who was the Jetstar Titans’ fourth ever signing prior to the club’s start-up year in 2007, will reach the 200-game milestone against the Newcastle Knights at Ausgrid Stadium on Sunday.

The match is just one of a handful remaining in the NRL for the former Australian and NSW representative back rower before he finishes his rugby league career in the English Super League with St Helens from next season.

“I was proud to be an inaugural member of the Titans – the fourth signing at the club,’’ said Laffranchi.

“If I look back on my career at the Titans, it’s been a great five years – very successful.

“I’ve played all my rep footy here and some of my best footy here at the Titans under Carty (Coach John Cartwright) and the playing group here.

“It’s coming towards the end knowing that we can’t play semis and there’s six weeks to go so I’m just really trying to enjoy it, not only the games but just the week leading up at training and just being around the boys.

“It’s not as if I’m retiring from rugby league in general but it kind of feels like that a little bit because I’m leaving the NRL and leaving the Gold Coast as well.’’

In an impressive feat for a forward, Laffranchi is equal with point scoring wizard Mat Rogers as the highest ever try scorer for the Titans with 32 career tries to date.

The 31-year-old is also the next player in line to play 100 games for the Titans, behind Mark Minichiello (105 games), Scott Prince (100 games) and Nathan Friend (100 games). Laffranchi is set to play his 98^th match for the club this weekend.

While the club has not had a good winning record in matches where players have reached milestones in 2011, the former Wests Tigers premiership winning forward said he was hoping to break that trend against the Knights.

“As a personal achievement, you’re quite happy – you wouldn’t think you’d play one or 10 first grade games let alone 200,’’ he said.

“It’s a great achievement but the focus is on getting the win against Newcastle on Sunday.

The departure of Laffranchi will also bring an end to his off-field combination with Titans captain Scott Prince, with the pair forming a strong bond as roommates for the past eight years stretching back to their stint with the Wests Tigers.

“I won’t know what to do – I’ll have to Skype him I suppose when I’m staying away,’’ he joked.

“I’m sure he’ll be alright, he’ll get someone else to babysit him.’’

ANTHONY LAFFRANCHI

Date of Birth: 18/11/1980

Birthplace: Murwillumbah, NSW

Junior Club: Murwillumbah Colts

Position: Second Row

Height: 185cm Weight: 102kg

Rep Honours: 5 Tests Australia (2008-09), 4 games NSW (2008-09), 4 games Country Origin (2006-08, 2010).

Clubs: Gold Coast Titans (2007-2011), Wests Tigers (2001-06)

NRL Debut: R26, 2001 - Wests Tigers v Cronulla, Leichhardt Oval (2/9/2001)

Club Debut: R1, 2007 – Titans v St George Illawarra, Suncorp Stadium (18/3/07)

Former Kiwi International Clinton Toopi will play his landmark 150^th NRL match against his old club when the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans travel across the Tasman for Friday night’s clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium.

Toopi, 31, was today named by Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright in an extended 18-man squad which also includes the club’s State of Origin representatives in Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird.

Dual International Mat Rogers was not included in the 18-man squad but Cartwright said the 35-year-old was still likely to travel to New Zealand to be involved with the team.

Reaching the 150 game milestone is a significant achievement for Toopi, who thought his professional rugby league career may have been over when he left the UK Super League in 2008 before being given a lifeline by the Jetstar Titans for the 2010 season.

Since then the Mt Wellington Warriors junior has revived his career to play 21 NRL games for the club and although he is unsure whether this year will be his last at the top, he is determined to make the most of every minute.

“So many players only get a limited opportunity and I’m just thankful. Playing back home playing against the Warriors, it’s kind of fitting in a way,’’ said Toopi as he and the rest of the Jetstar Titans squad joined 300 kids for a Kids 2 Kangaroos Coaching Clinic at Pizzey Park, Miami today.

“We’ve had a few boys that have had milestones this year and a lot of players look at it and think it’s not a big deal. But when you finish, it is something that means something, playing in the toughest game in the world and accomplishing something like that is definitely special.

“I just wish I had the mindset that I do now when I first started out.’’

Toopi, who played 22 Test for New Zealand from 2001-07, said it was nice feeling to be reaching the milestone in front of a huge contingent of family and friends ranging from his parents to childhood school mates.

“They’ve already started racking up tickets. I think it’ll be a bit of a battle with (fellow New Zealand born) Bodene Thompson so we’ll see what happens with the tickets.’’

Cartwright said he was happy for Toopi to be reaching the milestone on his former home turf and hoped that he would step up a notch against his old club.

“I’m glad to be able to do that for him, especially over in NZ. He’ll have a lot of family over there and it’s the club where it all started for him,’’ said Cartwright.

“You tend to get the guys that come out of the Warriors, they go back there and they go up a notch so we’re hoping Toops does that this week.’’

JETSTAR TITANS v NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Friday, July 8

8.30pm (NZ TIME), 6.30pm (AEST), Mount Smart Stadium

1          Jordan Rankin

2          Steve Michaels

3          Clinton Toopi

4          Esi Tonga

5          David Mead

6          William Zillman

7          Scott Prince

8          Luke Bailey

9          Matt Srama

10        Michael Henderson

11        Anthony Laffranchi

12        Mark Minichiello

13        Ashley Harrison

INTERCHANGE

14        Matthew White

15        Brenton Lawrence

16        Greg Bird

17        Bodene Thompson

18        Luke O’Dwyer

TITANS NYC TEAM v WARRIORS

1          Shaun Carney

2          Lausii Taliauli

3          Japeth Vaoa

4          Hymel Hunt

5          Blake Anderson

6          Alec Jones

7          Matt Beddow

8          Luke Page

9          Sam Irwin

10        Sam Ross

11        Nick Harold

12        Jackson Springer

13        Sam Martin

INTERCHANGE

14        Lain Windley

15        Dylan Hartin

16        Sam Saville

17        Sam Meskell

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have secured another coup for the future with Queensland State of Origin forward Ashley Harrison today extending his contract with the club.

The ultra-consistent Harrison, who has played 69 games with the Jetstar Titans since joining the club in 2008, has agreed to extend his existing contract by a further year which will see him remain on the Gold Coast until the end of the 2013 season.

The 30-year-old has been an integral member of Queensland’s successful Origin team since 2008 and said he was eager to remain a key part of what the Jetstar Titans are building as the squad takes on a new look from next season.

“I see a big future for the Titans and wanted to be part of what the club is building,’’ said Harrison, who currently leads the club’s Paul Broughton Medal standings after Round 16 before the voting goes behind close doors for the final 10 rounds.

“My agent told me I had interest from other clubs but my loyalty to the Titans and to Carty (Coach John Cartwright) is strong.

“I re-established my Origin career with the Titans and I know that moving forward the Titans will be a force in the competition which is why I am excited to be re-signing.’’

Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright said Harrison was the ultimate professional who led by example for the rest of the squad.

“It’s great to have ‘Harro’ staying with the club. Everyone within our organisation knows what he brings to the team and how tough he is,’’ said Cartwright.

“You really notice him in the tight situations and he’s always willing to do the hard work when it needs to be done.’’

Jetstar Titans Managing Director Michael Searle said Harrison was a tough competitor who would help the balance of the playing roster as it takes on a different look over the next two seasons with the arrival of several fresh faces in Jamal Idris (aged 20), Beau Champion (24), Nate Myles (25) and Luke Douglas (24).

“Ashley has been a key part of the club’s successful finals campaigns last year and in 2010 so it’s great that we’ve been able to keep him here on the Gold Coast for a further year,’’ said Searle.

“He’s very professional in everything he does and is one of our most consistent players.

“With some new players coming into the mix next year, his leadership and experience will be a valuable asset for the club moving forward.’’

Harrison, a Norths Aspley junior, has played 228 career NRL matches since making his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2000 and is set to play his 12^th Origin match in next Wednesday’s deciding Origin match at Suncorp Stadium.

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans can confirm the club has re-registered an NRL contract on behalf of retired Dual International Mat Rogers for the rest of this season. Rogers, who played with the Titans from 2007 until retiring at the end of last season, will return to training with the rest of the Jetstar Titans squad next Monday when the club returns to regular duties following this weekend’s bye.