Lang adds punch to Titans coaching line up

Former Penrith Panthers and Queensland Origin player Martin Lang put Luke Bailey through his paces as he assumed his new role as assistant strength and conditioning coach at the iSelect Gold Coast Titans.

Previously working with Gold Coast United soccer team as a trainer, Lang has signed on with the Titans as assistant strength and conditioning coach beginning pre-season training with the team this week.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity, it’s something I’m looking forward to,” said Lang.

The former prop brings a wealth of experience to the club with a decade’s playing experience in the NRL including 176 1st grade games for Cronulla and Penrith, 8 games for Queensland and a premiership victory with the Panthers in 2003.

Coach John Cartwright is hoping Lang will impart plenty of knowledge to some of the younger players in the Titans squad.

“Carty’s looking for me to do a little of that, basically wherever I can help out, if a young front rower comes to me for advice I’m happy to help,” said Lang.

“If I can improve them in that manner then that’s good.”

Lang is so far impressed with the level of fitness the Titans have maintained over the off-season.

“They’ve all got a really good level of fitness, there’s not too many that came back overweight and out of nick.”

Lang will join a coaching staff that already contains another Queensland great in Trevor Gillmeister. He is looking forward to working with his old Origin team mate.

“He’s a great bloke and he’s been at the Titans a long time and he’s highly respected in the game so I’ll learn a few things off Gilly, that’ll be great.”

Lang said he’s happy to be back involved with rugby league and the Titans after some time away from the game.

“It’s exciting, I’ve been out of the game a few years now, apart from a few Masters matches, it’s going to be terrific to be back involved with a good group of guys that are very professional."

“It’s a great set up here at the Titans so I’m looking forward to it.”