Coach's Last Word: Fermor to fill Fifita's boots

They're big shoes to fill, but Titans coach Justin Holbrook is confident that Beau Fermor will slot straight into the hole created by suspended second-rower David Fifita.

After an unsuccessful trip to the judiciary this week, Fifita will miss the Magic Round clash against the Panthers.

Fermor, who has impressed through the pre-season, gets his chance to show what he can do in his preferred position after playing last week in the centres.

"Obviously with Dave being out, Beau Fermor will come in for him and Esan (Marsters) will get to start in the centres," Holbrook said.

"That'll be really good for him (Fermor) and we will be ready to go."

Holbrook says Marsters has quickly fitted in to the Titans setup and expects a strong performance from the new recruit in his first starting appearance for the club.

"He only came in mid-week last week and didn't get on the field, so it's been good for him to have a full week with us," Holbrook said.

"He's got enough experience and has played enough NRL to be able to come into our side, so it is good timing."

Despite no team being able to topple the Panthers so far in 2021, Holbrook says the focus this week has been on the Titans own game rather than getting caught up in the hype around the opposition.

"I think just our performance and putting an 80 minute performance together and if we can do that we can win," Holbrook said.

"We know that they will play the full 80 minutes so we've got to work as hard as we can.

"It'll be a tough game, they're obviously undefeated for a reason and they play the full 80 minutes and they're a strong side all across the park so we've got to play at our best to beat them."