Rugby league-starved Gold Coast footy fans can today rest easy, with the Titans Elite Development System headlining a huge day of action tomorrow (Saturday) at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba.
Every member of the TEDS will take to the field tomorrow in matches against the Western Mustangs and Northern Rivers Titans, with action kicking off at 10am, all the way through until 6pm.
The TEDS program started in November, with the best young and aspiring Titans training twice a week in areas spread from Grafton in the south, through to Logan in the north and Ipswich in the west.
After the Under-18 and Under-20 trials against Newcastle in Coffs Harbour a few weeks ago, the lower age groups now have their opportunity to put their hard work into match situations against other quality opposition from across southeast Queensland.
Titans Elite Player Development Manager Jamie McCormack is excited about seeing all of the players in action.
“Footy season is here,” McCormack said. “We’ll have six games of footy at Mudgeeraba, incorporating all players from within our catchment area.
“It’s great to have the Mustangs as part of it against our teams. Hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot of future Titans in action.”
McCormack also explained the pathway put in place for players in the TEDS program to reach their goal of playing in the NRL for the Titans.
“Part of the academy program is to give them training and to upskill them,” he said. “But halfway through it, we love to put them in the uniform and give them a chance to play.
“There is a purpose for all of the kids. Some will now go back to school or club footy and the Uunder-18s guys will go into some high-level representative rugby league as well.
“The NRL squad is still a week or two away from playing, but I encourage all the locals to come down and see the next generation of young talent on display on what should be a great day of rugby league.”
A full run-down of games to be played is as follows:
10am - Titans U13s v Western Mustangs
11.15am - Titans U14s v Western Mustangs
12.30pm - Titans x 2 U15s v Western Mustangs ( 3 way game)
2.30pm - Vikings U16s v Western Mustangs
3.45pm - Vikings U16s v NRRRL Titans
5pm - Burleigh U18s v NRRRL Titans