Aquis Gold Coast Titans Coach Neil Henry has spoken ahead of the clash with the Sydney Roosters tonight at Cbus Super Stadium.
Henry admitted earlier in the week that a few of his players may be a little ‘underdone’ but also said that can’t be an excuse when the sides run out this evening.
“It’s been a short preparation for a few, (Jarryd) Hayne and (Dan) Sarginson but they’re ready to go and haven’t missed a beat this week,” Henry said. “(Agnatius) Paasi is another one but he’s come along well and done a fair bit of contact work.”
Whilst he has prepared his side for battle, there is no substitution for game time and Henry believes he’ll have a fair idea of how his side will perform quite early in the piece.
“The start of the season is about consistency and ball control. That’s something that is easy to say and hard to do sometimes.
“We can’t afford to turn the ball over against a big forward pack and skilful outside backs. We need to stop momentum and it starts with those outside backs coming out of their own end. We struggled with that against the Warriors in that last trial.”
After a disappointing season in 2016, it will be the Roosters who will be looking to turn things around in 2017. And with many expecting the men from Bondi to push for the Premiership this year, there’s no better time to take them on.
“They obviously had a tough year last year but that is all behind them now. They’ve got some new players and Luke Keary is one who will add another dimension.
“We need to improve our home record and it starts now. It’s the ultimate test.”
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