Kurtis Morrin is settling quickly into life on the Gold Coast, with the new forward enjoying both the environment and the opportunity that comes with pulling on the jersey for the Gold Coast Titans.
After arriving in search of a fresh start, the hard-working middle says the move has delivered exactly what he was hoping for.
“I was looking for an opportunity early on last year and they (Titans) reached out and I was happy to take that opportunity up,” Morrin said.
The former Bulldog has wasted little time finding his feet, playing a role in the Titans’ solid opening trial win last week, in a performance that provided the first real gauge after a demanding pre-season.
“Obviously, you don’t know where you’re at. We’ve had a tough pre-season," he said.
"Everyone’s worked hard and to go out there and give it a crack and put in place what we’ve been training on the whole pre-season, I think we came away pretty good."
And the feedback from head coach Josh Hannay was simple but encouraging.
“He was just happy with a few key areas that we’ve been working on. Obviously it’s just the start, but he’s happy with how hard we worked.”
While injuries across the middle have opened the door for greater opportunity, Morrin is staying grounded in his approach, focused on earning his place rather than looking too far ahead.
“I haven’t spoken to Josh specifically, but I’m always trying to cement a spot in the team. That’s footy,” he said.
“It’s sad to see what happened to Jimmy Jolliffe. It would have been nice to play alongside him because he’s a good bloke and a good player.”
Having come from a highly structured system previously, Morrin believes the transition has been smooth, with similar values underpinning the Titans’ culture.
“Every club’s different, but they’re different in their own ways. They’ve always had a hard work and attitude there at the Bulldogs and so does it here, so it’s pretty similar in a way.”
Now, attention turns to a tougher assignment this Saturday night when the Titans face the Melbourne Storm in their second trial.
With more NRL stars returning it is a clash that will provide a sterner test ahead of the season proper.
It’s exactly the kind of challenge Morrin is eager for as he continues to build combinations and stake his claim for a round one role.
