Michael Gordon didn't get to finish season 2018 on the field due to a wrist injury but there was still reason to smile, with the continued development of a number of the young Titans pleasing the veteran fullback.
Gordon's season came to an end after a training mishap just prior to round 22 ended with him sustaining a dislocated wrist, missing the final four games of the regular season. With the injury, Coach Garth Brennan shifted young gun AJ Brimson to fullback, with the 20-year-old flourishing in each match to finish the year.
"Everyone can see how good AJ is going to be," Gordon said. "He was outstanding in the majority of games that he played."
Another who impressed Gordon and maybe even more so than Brimson, was 18-year-old prop forward, Moeaki Fotuaika. The New Zealand born forward started season 2018 in the development squad but as soon as Brennan elevated him into the NRL squad, he had no hesitation in handing him his first grade debut, against the Canberra Raiders in the nation's capital.
"We saw how good both of them were but especially with Moe and the work he did in the middle," Gordon added.
"On debut I think he was one of our best against a much bigger Raiders pack.
"He was always doing extras (through pre-season), swimming on his days off and just making sure he ticked every box.
"He's got a level head on his shoulders so I've got a fair amount of praise for Moey.
"There is a fair amount of experience here as well so I think things are looking good for the next five to 10 years here at the Titans."
