Coach's Last Word: Bounce back important says Holbrook

Titans coach Justin Holbrook says while the team will miss Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, he expects the rest of his forwards to stand up in his absence.

Moeaki Fotuaika will return to the starting side at prop, while Sam McIntyre will make his Titans debut from the bench.

“Moe's job doesn’t change whether he is starting or coming off the bench," Holbrook said.

"Obviously no Tino is a bit careless or reckless whatever you want to say from him last week and he has to pay the price for now and we move on.

“We give Sam McIntyre his first game and he has been brilliant for Tweed, he has been their best player the last couple of weeks so it’s good to reward players who work really hard.”

Holbrook says he expects the energy and effort to return from the Titans after a disappointing result in round six against Manly.

“We were disappointed last week but it’s all about how we bounce back," he said.

“Prior to that we played five decent games and we haven’t won every week I know that but I’ve been happy with everybody. It’s all about giving them a chance to bounce back.

“I think everybody does (need to lift) and I think collectively they do. They’ve got a pretty strike backline as well so we’ve just got to make sure we play to our strengths."

While the Titans will miss Fa'asuamaleaui, Souths are also without one of their key players with Latrell Mitchell to miss the game through suspension.

“Alex Johnston has played plenty of fullback and he is going to bring different strengths to them and he has got a lot more energy and involvement than Latrell but we know that Latrell when he gets involved he makes it count," Holbrook said.

“They’ve got plenty of strike players without Latrell playing so we have plenty to worry about still.”