LOCAL SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO GOLD COAST FOOTY STARS

By Emma Devlin - Bond University Journalism Student

Varsity Lakes residents are enjoying the benefits of living near the Gold Coast Titans’ home ground as the 2010 NRL season kicks off. 

CBD sports bar manager Wade Trost said the number of Varsity Lakes supporters at the bar had increased since the club’s inception in 2007.

He said the bar was always busy with fans before Titans’ home games.

“The atmosphere’s good here before a game,” he said.

“There’s always people around, having a few drinks and talking about their team.”

Mr Trost said CBD’s proximity to Skilled Park at Robina was convenient for Varsity Lakes NRL fans.

“A lot of people come here first, then get a taxi down to the stadium to watch the game,” he said.

Titans hooker Kayne Lawton said the support of locals was important to the team.

“We get heaps of support at home,” he said.

“Because we’ve only been established in the NRL for a few years, there’s not as many fan bases around Australia, but when we’re on the Gold Coast, [the support] is really good.”

Mr Lawton said he was confident the Titans would do well this season.
“There’s a good aura at the club and the boys are training really well ... everyone’s really excited,” he said.

Mr Lawton said the team’s loss in last year’s semi-final had made them hungry for a 2010 premiership.