Titans visit inspiresnext generation of junior rugby league talent

HUNDREDS of children from across the Northern Rivers had the chance to meet their NRL heroes when the Gold Coast Titans held an open training session at Crozier Field in Lismore.

The visit formed part of a broader community engagement tour, with the Titans visiting schools and local clubs across the region.

Almost 300 children registered for the coming rugby league season during the visit, highlighting the strong local interest in the game.

The open training session featured the club’s top stars, including Lismore product Josh Patston

He made his debut last season and is expected to play an important role in the Titans’ forward pack this year.

“It is really good to come home, really good to see a few fresh faces and all the people that were supporting me through my career,” he said.

“Being here gives the team a bit of perspective of what Lismore actually went through a few years ago, and just seeing the resilience this town has shown to get to where it is today.

“I learnt a lot last year and got everything I wanted out of my first year. Now it’s just time to knuckle down and try to hold my spot in the 17 each week.”

The 27-year-old also made club history as part of the Titans’ first brother-sister combination, with his sister Lily Patston a member of the NRLW squad.

He is set to reach another milestone when he represents the Indigenous All Stars against the New Zealand Māori All Stars in a pre-season clash.

“It was a really good feeling, not only for me but also for the family,” he said.

“It’s a chance for me to learn more about my culture and rub shoulders with some of those boys. Mum and Dad are pretty happy for both of us.”

During their time in the region, the Titans also attended a sports dinner at the Northern Rivers Hotel and delivered their Try Time Tales community engagement program in local schools.

Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said regional communities such as the Northern Rivers were a vital part of the club’s catchment.

“If you disconnect with your communities and the people that actually come to your games and play your game, you become just a retail shop front, which we’re not,” Mitchell said.

“We need to be in our regions. The only reason the game is here is because of the people who follow it, play it, volunteer, buy tickets and come to our games.”