Star Titans recruit Lauren Brown wants to shake off her versatility tag and cement a spot in the halves after leaving the Broncos to join the cross-town rivals this season.
Brown has floated in all spots across the backline, off the bench and at hooker at both the club and Origin level since she returned to rugby league in 2020.
She was first picked up by the Broncos after starring for Burleigh at five-eighth, a position she now wants to take head on under new coach Karyn Murphy.
Born and bred on the Gold Coast, Brown was also swayed by the marquee contract offer that included working with the club’s commercial team moving forward.
“It was honestly such a tough decision to leave the Broncos because they’ve been very supportive and gave me my opportunity in the NRLW so I owe a lot to them,” Brown told NRL.com.
“The opportunity to represent my hometown and the Titans offering me a commercial role in the partnerships team was massive for me.
“I’m starting to think about life after footy and forging a career down that path as well.
“The marquee contracts are offering girls things within the club or more money, it’s really cool and a good opportunity for girls to do what they can to better themselves either on or off the field.”
NRLW Match Highlights: Titans v Broncos
The Titans had a solid inaugural season earlier this year, beaten by the Dragons in the semi-final, but their woes came from the boot, averaging just 259 kick metres per game to rank sixth in 2021.
Brown had an average of 88 kick metres per game alone from dummy half at the Broncos while fellow new recruit Emily Curtain ranked second in the NRLW on average with 173 metres per outing.
The Titans have re-signed Kimi Breayley-Nati and between the trio the club will be looking to improve in that area.
“I’ve only played a little bit of half at the Burleigh Bears and to have the opportunity to learn more in the halves under Karyn Murphy, the best women’s halfback to ever play, is really cool,” Brown said.
“Murph is nice and calm and everything she says you just listen to. I’ll give it a crack and see how it all goes.
“The Titans did awesome last season. We have retained our power through the middle and some weapons on the edge.
“If I can add some value in the team through the halves of wherever they find room for me hopefully I can help build on what those girls did last year.”
Curtain arrived to the Gold Coast this week fresh off guiding the Wests Tigers to a title in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final over Cronulla.
“Coming up [here], it gives me the opportunity to be able to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and meet new friends," Curtain said.
“Obviously I'll be living away from home so that's something that I'm looking forward to, starting a new journey and hopefully going well in this competition.”