GOLD Coast are firming to head west next year in a bid to inspire the next Ash Taylor.

The Titans will take two NRL home games to regional Queensland towns in the opening six rounds of the 2018 season, due to the Commonwealth Games restricting Cbus Super Stadium’s availability.

Toowoomba is a leading contender, given the city’s relative proximity which would minimise cost and hassle for Titans players, staff and supporters.

Gold Coast also has a budding affiliation with Toowoomba’s Western Mustangs club – the evolution of the Clydesdales brand that used to compete in the Queensland Cup – plus gun halfback Taylor grew up in the Garden City.

Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Cairns are among other possible hosting options. All are NRL-approved facilities.

The State Government will have a major stake in the decision-making process, given they will pay the Titans a relocation fee as reimbursement for loss of revenue.

What local governments and regions are willing to contribute may also come into play and there is no doubting Toowoomba’s desire to land a main season NRL fixture.

media_camera Toowoomba product Ash Taylor is now a star of the game in Titans colours. Picture: Adam Head

Clive Berghofer Stadium has been home to pre-season trials in previous years but never a season proper match, according to Councillor Geoff McDonald.

Cr McDonald said taking a game to Toowoomba would hold benefits for everyone.

He believes fans would travel from far and wide to create a memorable atmosphere.

“People from the west, they’re happy to drive three or four hours to go and watch a footy match if not six, so to have this opportunity for them would be great,” he said.

“A catchment of around 300,000 people to the west and north and south should draw a pretty healthy crowd I would imagine. You have got a capacity of around 11,000 in the Clive Berghofer Stadium.

“When you consider some of the NRL fixtures, they are struggling to get double digits (10,000-plus). To have a packed regional stadium overflowing with people … there’s a level of excitement that is equivalent to probably Suncorp Stadium when it’s full, to a degree.

“It would be good for us here but it would actually be good for the Titans too.”

Cr McDonald says Toowoomba residents would likely become Titans members, especially with the presence of hometown hero Taylor, who is keen to give back to the region.

A decision on the ground selection is expected to be finalised in the next three weeks. The Titans are also hoping to come to an agreement with Taylor on a rich deal extension securing him beyond 2018 within a similar timeframe.