There is a sense of anticipation around the Gold Coast Titans as they get ready for the 2020 NRL season under new Head Coach Justin Holbrook.
But for Titans fans who can’t wait until March to see their team back in action, there is way to keep the hunger for footy action and Gold Coast stars satisfied this weekend in Newcastle with the Legends of League tournament at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A host of former Titans and Gold Coast players of the past will be taking part, dispersed between the competing teams from Brisbane, Newcastle, Penrith, Canterbury, Parramatta and a Barbarians outfit.
Current Titans staff member Luke Burt will be one of the former greats pulling on the boots again in the name of charity, turning out for his former club the Eels, with funds raised going to support the Mark Hughes Foundation and brain cancer research.
“It is great fun, and awesome to be back out on the field again, playing with and against some of the best players we have seen in the game over the past 20 years,” Burt said.
“Some of these guys have still got all the skills, so keeping up with some of them is a bit tough – but not as tough as trying to get out of bed the morning after.
“It is a great cause to support, and awesome that the rugby league community can come together on occasions like this to give back to the communities that supported the players and clubs during our playing days.”
Joining Burt in the Eels team will be former Titans lower-grade player Chris Sandow, while the Newcastle squad features former Titans Matt Hilder (2007) and Brad Tighe (2014-2015).
Another Titans foundation player, Luke Swain (2007-2008) will turn out for Penrith, while Chris Walker (2007-2009) will play for the Barbarians side.
The Broncos team is littered with former Gold Coasters, led by current Titans ambassador Gorden Tallis and inaugural Titans co-captain Scott Prince (2007-2012).
Also in the Broncos team are a couple of former Gold Coast Seagulls, in Kevin Campion (1993-1995) and Stu Kelly (1995).
The matches kick-off at noon (Qld time) on Saturday 16 November, and will be live-streamed through the NRL Facebook page, legendsofleague.com.au, and through Kayo.
