Former Lion tourist Andy Titterrell still has what it takes

Former Lion Andy Titterrell insists he hasn’t given up hope on his playing career despite finding himself without a club in pre-season.
The 31-year-old captained Leeds last season in their first season back in the Championship, but after the Headingley outfit failed to reach the play-off semi-finals, Titterrell was one of a host of players released at the end of the campaign.
Since then Titterrell has switched codes to take a job as a conditioning coach with the North Wales Crusaders.
However, he revealed he is still eager to find a Union club to continue his playing career, adamant that he still has what it takes.
“It was a difficult season with Leeds, but unfortunately I only found out they wouldn’t be able to keep me when pre-season was about to start,” said Titterrell.
“I’m still desperate to get another contract in Union but the problem at the moment is that most clubs have got their squads together and everyone is fit.
“I’m still on good terms with the guys in charge at Leeds but it was frustrating. I pushed to find out earlier one way or the other because in the end it’s about paying a mortgage and looking after your family.
“I was obviously very disappointed not to stay on but I know I still have what it takes.
“When I got the opportunity to work with the North Wales Crusaders it was something I couldn’t turn down.
“Clive Griffiths is in charge there, and he is someone I know well, having worked with the Canadians at RGC 1404 with him.
“Conditioning is definitely something I want to go into once I finish playing, so it was a great opportunity for me.
“Clive and everyone at the Crusaders are well aware that I’d like to get another contract but it’s a really practical set-up for me at the moment with them training in St Helens.”
While pre-season is almost universally despised in professional and amateur ranks alike, Titterrell is a man who clearly relishes the physical demands each summer.
However he admits that keeping himself fit without a club is a tougher challenge than the usual pre-season grind.
He added: “I know a lot of people who can help me with fitness and training in the North West. But it’s difficult doing it on your own, you can’t really train in the same way.
“It helps that I am a conditioner myself and I’ve always been happy to do the early mornings to keep fit. I want to make sure that if an opportunity comes along, I am ready to go straightaway to a new club.”
PAUL EDDISON