The Gold Coast Titans will head to North Ipswich Reserve for an opposed session and open training event alongside the Ipswich Jets tomorrow night.
Rugby league fans will have the chance to watch the NRL squad up close on Wednesday afternoon/evening, with the Titans using the hit-out against their Hostplus Cup affiliate as an important step in their pre-season preparations.
But the session is about more than just football.
It’s another opportunity to bring the club into the heart of the community and further strengthen a relationship that continues to grow between the Titans and the Jets.
Ipswich Jets CEO Richard Hughes said the club was proud to welcome the Titans back to town and excited for the chance to test his squad against NRL opposition.
“It’s fantastic to have the Titans coming to Ipswich,” Hughes said.
“Our players don’t often get the opportunity to measure themselves against an NRL side in this sort of environment, so it’s a great challenge for the group and something they’re really looking forward to.
“It’s also a great day for our local fans to see the Titans up close and feel connected to the club as well.”
The partnership between the two organisations has strengthened in recent seasons, with close collaboration between programs and coaching staff.
Jets head coach Tye Ingebrigtsen spending time alongside the Titans staff most weeks at pre-season training.
That alignment, Hughes says, is helping both clubs.
“We’ve built a really strong working relationship,” he said.
“Our coaches are constantly communicating and learning from each other, and having Tye working closely with Josh has been invaluable. Days like this just add another layer to that connection.”
For the Titans, the opposed session provides valuable match-style preparation ahead of their opening pre-season trial, while also giving supporters a rare behind-the-scenes look at the squad.
Following the on-field session, fans will be invited to stick around for a meet and greet, with autographs and photos available with Titans players.
The free community event kicks off from 5pm, with the opposed session followed by the player meet and greet from approximately 6.30pm.
The Ipswich visit continues a busy pre-season schedule on the road for the Titans, who will also head south to Lismore for a Northern Rivers fan day on February 7 as the club connects with communities across the region ahead of the new season.
