The Titans will add more significant threads to the fabric of rugby league’s rich history on the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers on Saturday with a special jersey presentation to current and former Titans players who have achieved significant milestones with the club.
As part of the Titans’ ongoing mission to properly recognise the roots of the game in the region and the people that contributed to its story, current players Ryan James and Anthony Don will join another seven former Titans in being presented with milestone jerseys before the Titans’ clash with the Bulldogs at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
James, Don, Nathan Friend, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell, William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Matt White and Anthony Laffranchi will all receive special commemorative jerseys from Titans Head of Performance and Culture Mal Meninga honouring their achievement of playing 100 NRL games for the Titans.
As well, Zillman will also receive another jersey to mark his 150th game for the club – which he played against the Panthers in Sydney in July, 2017.
The Titans’ other milestone players – including Mark Minichiello, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Ash Harrison, David Mead, Greg Bird and Luke Douglas – were unavailable to attend this weekend’s game and will be presented with their commemorative jerseys at a later date.
The commemorative jerseys, produce in conjunction with the Titans apparel partners Dynasty, all feature a special badge with the milestone game number, as well as the player’s name, Titans club number and the date of their milestone match.
For active players like James and Don, the milestone badge will be carried on their playing jerseys in every game they play this season.
Every player who reaches a milestone game will also have the badge placed beside their names on the club’s honour boards and dressing room name plates, and will be awarded with life membership of the Titans.
The special jerseys are colour-matched in Titans club colours according to the milestone reached.
Players who reach 100 games will receive a white jersey, a sky blue jersey for 150 games, navy jersey for 200 games and gold for 250 games.
Meninga said the club’s recognition of significant milestones was another step in the Titans maturation as a club and an acknowledgement of the importance of paying tribute to history to build a better future.
“Despite being a relatively young club, the Titans already have a rich history with some wonderful achievements from individuals that helped to create this club,” Meninga said.
“It is important for our club to recognise the special efforts of these players in reaching these milestone matches, so that we as a club and as fans can thank them for the contribution to the club, and so the players know they are and will remain cherished members of the Titans family.”
Laffranchi, who remains with the Titans as the club’s football manager, said being officially recognised by the club for their achievements was a special occasion for all of the players involved.
“To have reached one of these milestone games means that you have spent a significant part of your career at the Titans, and for the club to recognise that and thank the players involved is a very special thing,” Laffranchi said.
“All of the players share a great affection for the club, and share a special bond as Titans. To be formally recognised for playing our part in the club’s history, and to be made life members because of it, is a terrific honour of which we are all very proud.”
