The Gold Coast Titans last week launched the Titans Elite Development System (TEDS), with sessions kicking off at the High Performance Centre, in Parkwood.
The TEDS program has been a work in progress for a number of months, with Head of Football, Phil Moss, Head Coach, Garth Brennan and Elite Player Development Manager, Jamie McCormack the masterminds behind the structure.
To many the club may have looked as though it was taking a back seat in relation to development and recruitment but with a new structure, a new system and increased funding, the club will no longer be seen to be behind the eight ball.
TEDS will see a full pre-season training program put into place, with all local talent training at the Titans High Performance Centre, just like their NRL idols.
"We have got an obligation, a responsibility to develop this territory as part of our licence. It is about giving back and making the game stronger from grassroots through to the elite level," Executive Chairman Dennis Watt said.
"It's really building the foundations of the club and owning our territory and putting a bit of a flag up too to other clubs saying 'we're investing here and creating these opportunities'."
McCormack, who has been involved at the club for a number of years, believes this is the best state the program has been in since his arrival at the club.
"It's something that has been put together over a number of months and to see it come together is great," he said.
"We want the kids to know that there is a pathway and that they don't need to move away from home.
"We don't have those junior rep sides but the kids will have a full pre-season with us and then spend time with Burleigh or Tweed.
"The guys are kitted up and have specialist coaching on a week to week basis.
"They are using the same facility as the NRL squad which helps them and gives them something to strive for. They're crossing paths with their idols regularly.
"Having those past and current players around (Anthony Don, Brenton Lawrence and Matt Srama) definitely helps as they can pass on their knowledge from their own experiences. They have been involved in the game for a long time."
The group train twice a week at Parkwood and will be put through similar training programs and sessions that the NRL squad have.
