Mat Rogers Back in Action
The recently un-retired Mat Rogers is back in training with the Gold Coast Titans and the former dual international is confident he will be fit to play against the Warriors on Friday night.
Rogers called it quits at the end of last season, however after a dreadful start to the season, Titans coach John Cartwright sent an SOS to the man they call ‘rat’.
“To be honest, I feel like I can play,” Rogers said.
“But it’d be ridiculous to think that I haven’t done anything for nine months now and now I’m going to come, do three training sessions and play on Friday night.
“It’s the NRL. I’m not playing reserve grade with the Burleigh Bears, it’s the NRL, so we’ve got a bit to work on.”
The Titans sit rooted to the bottom of the ladder, and Rogers, who admits that his best football is behind him, knows that he is not going to be a miracle cure. However the veteran has decided that his come back to football is purely about helping his mates.
“If I can help them out on the field by playing with them, I will. if it means just being here at training every day to push the guys and build their spirits, I’ll do that too.
“I’m not here to be a saviour or anything other than just a mate to my friends and try and help out if I can.”
The Titans have really struggled on the field since the retirement of Rogers. They had finished in the top four in each of the last two years, however since Rogers pulled the pin they have been able to win just four games in 15 weeks.
Rogers said the motivation for his comeback was sparked when he was in the Titans dressing room shortly after they had been belted by Cronulla 36-12 at Skilled Stadium.
“Afterwards I just went down and saw the boys in the dressing room and there was a lot of hurt,” Rogers said.
“I chatted to Carty after the game to say g’day and I could just see that there was a lot of pain in his voice. He cares so much.
“When I saw that and then I had the meeting with him on Monday it definitely flicked a switch inside me. I thought if he thinks I’ve got something to offer and that I can help, then I’d be more than happy to.”
On his first day back at training, Rogers was confronted with a beep test, however the 35 year old showed he still has great aerobic fitness, beating half of the Titans roster.
