The iSelect Gold Coast Titans may be on the road, but there were plenty of friendly faces to greet them when they met with rugby league fans in Toowoomba today ahead of Saturday night’s trial clash with the Cowboys.
More than 200 people swarmed Toowoomba’s Gold’s Park to mix with all 24 Titans involved in the pre-season clash.
The many fans from the rugby league stronghold chatted, had photos taken and sourced autographs during the lengthy 'meet and greet' session.
Gold Coast veteran Ash Harrison said he was always amazed at the enjoyment the game’s faithful received when given the opportunity to mix with the game’s top tier players.
“I played a bit of football here growing up so it is good to get back here and mix with some Titans fans,’’ Harrison said.
“Toowoomba is a real league town. Rugby league is the number one sport here and it is great to see so many people wearing Titans colours. You would think that the Broncos would dominate up here, but it is good to see that we have made some inroads.
“If we perform well this year we will get even more fans on board.
“But I still get surprised by days like this. It never ceases to amaze me how much enjoyment people get out of our game and that makes all the training and the hard games worthwhile.”
Titans newcomer Brad Tighe is expecting some family sideline support on Saturday night.
“Toowoomba is not too far from where I come from – the Moree and Boggabilla area – which are only about three hours away so I will hopefully will see some family at the trail,” Tighe said.
“Hopefully it will be a sell-out and plenty of Titans fans turn up and support us.”
Tighe said he understood the passion from fans, especially from country areas.
“I am a country boy and I know how important rugby league is and what an impact it has on young kids so I’m not surprised by the turnout today.
“I really enjoy days like this. I did some junior development work when I was at Newcastle and that is what I would like to do when I retire – give something back to the country communities.”
Saturday night’s game against the Cowboys kicks off at 6.30pm at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba.
