Gold Coast Titans: Round 1 Team Comparison

Twelve months is a long time in rugby league and the Gold Coast Titans are the best example of that.

Heavily favoured for the wooden spoon in 2016, the club defied the odds on the back of some smart mid-season signings and snuck into the finals in eighth spot.

2016 Round 1 Team

1. David Mead
2. Anthony Don
3. Josh Hoffman
4. Nathan Davis
5. John Olive
6. Tyrone Roberts
7. Ashley Taylor
8. David Shillington
9. Nathan Friend
10. Agnatius Paasi
11. Zeb Taia
12. Chris McQueen
13. Greg Bird
14. Eddy Pettybourne
15. Ryan James
16. Leivaha Pulu
17. Daniel Mortimer

Comparing the two lineups, it's hard to even know where to start. David Mead and Josh Hoffman have both moved to new clubs but Konrad Hurrell, Dan Sarginson and Daniel Vidot are more than capable replacements.

Young gun Kane Elgey will return after missing 2016 due to injury and will look to form a long-term partnership with Ashley Taylor after his breakout year.

Jarryd Hayne may have made his return to rugby league and the NRL at the end of last season but his return to the No. 1 jersey full time will give the Titans a whole new edge to their attack.

The loss of Greg Bird can't be understated but the smart signings of Kevin Proctor and Jarrod Wallace bolster an already strong forward pack led by Ryan James.

2017 Possible Round 1 Team

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Anthony Don
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Dan Sarginson
5. Daniel Vidot
6. Kane Elgey
7. Ashley Taylor
8. Ryan James
9. Nathan Peats
10. Jarrod Wallace
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Chris McQueen
13. Agnatius Paasi
14. Zeb Taia
15. Tyrone Roberts
16. David Shillington
17. Leivaha Pulu

PICK YOUR NRL TEAM: Not a fan of the above team? Then take over as the coach and pick your line-up!