Last word: 'It's the toughest test we can get'
Justin Holbrook knows the gravity of the challenge ahead of tomorrow's season opener against Parramatta.
He feels the Gold Coast have probably been drawn the toughest match of Round 1; up against a fully-fit Eels side, brimming with confidence after strong performances in the recent pre-season fixtures, especially up against the defending premiers in the major trial a fortnight ago.
"It's the toughest test we can get. If you just look at how well they played against Penrith (in the trial) and the history of how well they play for the first half of the year... we’re under no illusions," Holbrook said.
"I think we’ve got the toughest game in Round 1. I know a lot of the other 'big four' are playing, but they’re missing a lot of troops up against those other sides whereas Parramatta are flying and start well.
"We're expecting as hard a game as we’ll get all year first up tomorrow."
Match: Eels v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
7th Position
away Team
Titans
10th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
With it being even more challenging to pick a final 17 due to being denied the chance of a final trial with the fully-fledged squad after the recent flooding situation, the Titans coach said he had to make some tough calls around who was in and out; although is happy of the depth the club has, especially within the forward pack.
"Our 24 players I just can’t fit into 17, but I can’t make apologies. We know we’re going to need that depth this year. I think every club does," Holbrook said.
"Those top five or six sides, they don’t miss a beat and they’re the sides we need to catch, so we’re going to need everyone during the year.
"Parramatta said they have 12 players playing New South Wales Cup that have played NRL, so those types of sides have the depth and the Roosters showed it last year.
"We’ve had to leave some great players out... Jarrod Wallace, Herman has had his best pre-season. Tanah Boyd is unlucky, Esan Marsters is flying and Greg Marzhew has also been great."
"We’ve made tough calls this week and that’s got to happen."
Coach's Last Word: Round 1
Having the breadth of talent on the pine and in the reserves has come in handy with the injury cloud surrounding AJ Brimson this week, although the coaching staff are planning for him to run out for the Round 1 blockbuster and have done everything they can for him to be good to go.
"We’ve been taking it easy with AJ this week, and we’re still hoping he’ll be 100 percent by Sunday," Holbrook said.
"He’s probably had his best pre-season in the last few years, but tends to pick up a few niggling injuries. He just picked up some soreness last week, so we had the chance to back off with him and then ramp it up at the end of the week, so he’s right for Sunday.
"We’re still planning on him being fully fit."
