Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell hopes last season’s finals appearance is just the start for the club’s young squad.
With budding stars AJ Brimson, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton all younger than 23, Mitchell believes the foundations are being set to “bring a premiership to the Gold Coast”.
Despite those premiership ambitions, Mitchell says the club will take a pragmatic approach and simply look to improve and go better than their eighth placed finish in 2021.
“The view is that this year, with the playing squad that we had last year, we’re going to have to work really hard and learn from the lessons we were taught last year,” Mitchell said on SEN’s Pat and Heals.
“We’re going to have to apply ourselves, and we’re here ultimately to bring a premiership to the Gold Coast.
“This is one of those big years that we need to move back into that top eight and play finals footy.”
While external expectations around what the playing squad can deliver are building, Mitchell says coach Justin Holbrook understands exactly what must be done for his playing group to take the next step and contend for a permiership.
“Expectations are high, and week to week management of what’s ahead of you is paramount,” Mitchell added.
“The amount of work we’ve got ahead of us is not lost on us, so we’re not worried about that.”
“We’re very excited about the team.”
The Titans kick off their 2022 campaign against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium in Round 1.