Prince to take on more predators in Darwin

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans will unleash a host of stars in Darwin for Saturday night’s pre-season trial match against Cronulla.

In what shapes as a full-scale dress rehearsal for the Jetstar Titans’ round one match against Newcastle at Skilled Park on March 15, coach John Cartwright today named co-captains Scott Prince and Luke Bailey in a strong 21-man squad.

Also included in the squad are Prince’s Australian World Cup teammate Anthony Laffranchi and experienced campaigners Preston Campbell and Mat Rogers.

For Prince, it will mark his second visit to Darwin in the past fortnight after he and other Titans players took part in the NRL’s One Community Carnival.

It was during his visit to Darwin that Prince took on a giant saltwater crocodile at an entertainment park called Crocosaurus Cove.

“If I get the opportunity to do that again, I’d be more than happy to step in the tank and go round two with it,’’ joked Prince of Burt the crocodile.

“I think it’s great that there’s some rugby league lovers up there. Even the Northern Territory team is called the Northern Territory Titans so it’s got a good feel about it already.

“Speaking to a few of the locals up there, they are looking forward to it. There’s a heap of people even flying in from Nhulunbuy Gove and Groote Eylandt as well.

“There’s so many league supporters who are excited and can’t wait for the match.’’

Cartwright said Saturday night’s clash against the Sharks would be an important part of the Titans’ build-up before kick-off for season 2009.

“It will be a dress rehearsal for the Newcastle game. We want to get as much out of this game as we can,’’ said Cartwright.

“It’ll be tough conditions up there in Darwin, I’d imagine it’ll be hot and greasy and it’ll be a good arena for us to experience big match game time before the Newcastle game.’’

Cartwright said the Jetstar Titans were exciting to be taking the game of rugby league to the Northern Territory.

“I’m not sure what to expect but I’d imagine there will be a big crowd. I played up there a few years ago, it’s a great town and whatever we can do to promote the game up there we’re more than happy to do,’’ he said.

A handful of senior players will also travel to Rockhampton to play with the Jetstar Titans’ under-20s NYC team against the Central Comets Queensland Cup side.