They are based only a matter of kilometres apart, but Burleigh coach Rick Stone says ensuring everyone is speaking the same language will be key to the success of the affiliation agreement between the Gold Coast Titans, the Bears and Tweed Seagulls.
Stone, who takes the reins at Burleigh in 2020 in his second stint as Bears coach, says he is looking forward to working closely with the Titans coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition for players who move between the NRL with the Titans, and the Intrust Super Cup with Burleigh.
That is why Stone is keen to nail down the terminology used by Justin Holbrook, Jim Dymock and Jim Lenihan at Titans training, to ensure messages are not being lost in translation between Parkwood and Pizzey Park.
“I think initially it is just to understand how Justin and the boys do things,” Stone said of working with the Titans.
“The terminology to begin with – if we can transfer some terminology and jargon across to the Bears, that will be helpful for anyone coming back, so we will have a look at that.
“Possibly the style of play – whether it is offence or defence, and hopefully there is some good fluid flow about the way we both attack and defend.
“Hopefully the transition is fairly seamless, and the player can come back and be comfortable and not have too many excuses by the time he goes back and plays for a QCup team.”
