‘Connected’ rising Titans star in second-row battle
Joel Gould |
New Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay has reinforced a simple mantra of “connection” in the initial stages of his tenure and last year’s club rookie of the year Josh Patston has embraced its true meaning.
The Titans were disconnected on many occasions last year on the field, finishing 16th, but that extended off it as well where the players never seemed at ease under the regime run by former coach Des Hasler.
Hannay has moved to rectify that situation.
The word “connection” is emblazoned in big letters in one of the club’s team meeting rooms.
Gold Coast have already been written off as likely wooden spooners by many pundits but Patston said the players had taken on board Hannay’s edict on accountability.
“We are all under the same connection piece and working together as one,” Patston said.
“Josh is really driving the culture of what we are doing here and we have got ‘connection’ on the wall.
“For me it is about turning up for your team, for yourself and your family. We are not only doing it for us. We connect with the players, the staff … everyone. We are one here at the Titans, from upstairs to the playing field. That is what we are trying to drive here.”
Patston, 27, is a late bloomer who had toiled away in the Queensland Cup and missed out on possible openings at Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Lismore product, who played all his footy from juniors to first grade at Marist Brothers Rams, arrived at the Titans last year on a train and trial deal.
The tough back-rower got an NRL debut, a two-year top squad contract until 2027 and was rookie of the year after being a shining light in a dark season.
“It was a great year for me,” he said.
“Now it’s about knuckling down and holding my spot in the 17 each week and learning as much as I can. I am very comfortable now, but you can never get too comfortable in rugby league.”
Earlier rejections did not daunt Patston.
“I never said never. I went to Melbourne, went to Brisbane and nothing really seemed to work,” he said.
“Rugby league has a funny way of you finding a home so I came here with zero expectations and just to work hard.
“I am glad third time around I could make something of it at the Gold Coast Titans and I can’t wait for 2026.”
Patston is a red-hot show of securing a starting back-row spot alongside Queensland forward Beau Fermor now that Chris Randall and Klese Haas have been earmarked as middle forwards.
“I wouldn’t say I am the front runner,” Patston said.
“There is Arama Hau and Adam Christensen who are pushing for the same spot that I am but Josh gives me a lot of belief by giving me a lot of time there and giving me the reps.
“We are all chasing the same thing so it is just creating very good competition. Whoever grabs that jersey round one will be more than ready.”
AAP
