Round 08 vs Sharks Coach's Last Words

Coach Justin Holbrook spoke to the media this morning at Cbus Super Stadium before the Titans’ much-anticipated return home in tomorrow’s clash with the Sharks. Here are the five big issues Holbrook touched on in the countdown to kick-off.

1. Returning to Cbus Super Stadium

“We are excited to be back playing at home, and coming off a good win last week against the Broncos,” Holbrook said. “Hopefully the fans that are able to come really enjoy the game and we play well for them tomorrow.”

2. NRL debut for Beau Fermor, and injuries to Kevin Proctor and Phil Sami

“We’ve picked up a couple of injuries mid-week, which isn’t ideal,” Holbrook said. “Kevin Proctor picked up a bicep injury, and Phil Sami hurt his shoulder also. It’s not ideal, but we will be ok.

“We have to finalise (the make-up of the squad) today. We have Tyrone Roberts to come in, and move Corey Thompson and young Beau Fermor (to debut).

“It will be great to give (Fermor) a game. He has been exceptional with his rehab, and got a good scrimmage game in against the Broncos last weekend. He will be good to go.”

3. Tyrone Roberts returns to the team

“(Roberts) is (ready) He had a good hit out last weekend in that scrimmage game with the Broncos as well.

“(He will probably be) fullback. He has trained enough in that position. He has enough experience there. We haven’t completely decided yet, but that (swapping Thompson to wing) seems likely.”

4. Corey Thompson’s late shift to the wing

When asked if Thompson had trained much on the wing, Holbrook was frank: “Not at all. We haven’t had the chance. We picked the injuries up on Wednesday, and had the day off (yesterday) so we haven’t had the chance.

“He is a fantastic character.  We knew that before we got him here, and that was why he was such an important addition to our squad.

“He plays wing or fullback just as good. He is a great guy to have come to our club and at an important time for us.

5. Tyrone Peachey with the chance to nail down a starting position at centre

“He has a good chance for us in the centres at the moment. But he can play anywhere, and that is a strength that we’ve got,” Holbrook said.

“I know (being a utility player) can be hard for Tyrone himself, but it is a great asset to have with his versatility.

“He can play a number of positions – and you need that. So we are the ones that are lucky there.”