There's a thousand reasons why coach Justin Holbrook wants to see a full house at today's Titans home game at Cbus Super Stadium.
The first match of the year at the fortress, the first NRLW / NRL double header and the event is a huge fundraiser for the club's flood relief efforts, helping devastated communities in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
The last premiership match of the season in 2021 at Cbus was against the Warriors, to which the Titans lit it up, winning 44-0 in front of a very parochial home crowd, roaring the club to their first finals appearance is 2016.
The match was also one to remember for the fireworks and heated theatrics on field, but the Gold Coast coach's most vivid memories of that outing was the sound at full-time walking out to the boisterous stadium, buzzing from the record win.
Match: Titans v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Titans
8th Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
"One thing regardless of the spiteful contest, it was a fantastic atmosphere and that’s what we want to create every home game," Holbrook said.
"There will be a lot of Warriors fans, and in particular with us raising money for the floods, hopefully that encourages more people to come. $20 from every ticket goes to it and we’ve got our NRLW side playing their derby game before us.
"It’s all leading towards what we want. We want a massive crowd and we want it to be very noisy because when you’re away from home, you notice the difference from the opposition crowd.
"We want to be the same. We want to be very loud and get behind our side in our first home game."
The Titans are at full-strength for today's clash against the Warriors, after flashy playmaker AJ Brimson was given the all clear at Thursday's training session.
"We will be confidently saying we are 1-17 which is great for us," Holbrook said.
"He’s right to play. As he said, he’s probably not 100 percent and it’ll take him a little bit to get there, but 90 percent is better than him not being there and we’re looking forward to him being there."
The fullback turned five-eighth will face off against the club's former No. 6 Ash Taylor, who has been named in the halves against his former club.
"As a club, we’re all happy for Ash to get another opportunity. We all like him and he’s a very good NRL player," Holbrook said.
"It’s tough because we know what he’s capable of and that’s the danger of him playing his old club. He’s got a great kicking game, a great passing game and he defends well.
"He’ll be a key figure in their side, that’s for sure so we have to make sure we do a good job.
"I wish him all the best and obviously he’s in the opposition side so hopefully he plays well the week after, not today."
Another key weapon Holbrook will be keeping a close eye on in the Warriors' outfit is gun fullback Reece Walsh, who returns from suspension to face the Titans.
Match: Titans v Warriors
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
9th Position
away Team
Warriors
14th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
"I would’ve liked for him to keep the two-game ban if I’m honest but that wasn’t the case," Holbrook admitted.
"He’s a massive player in terms of leading their line breaks and try-assists. He’s a big player and we did a really good job on him last year and we’re going to have to do the same.
"The fact he’s fresh probably makes it even more dangerous. Obviously once you play one game, the bumps and bruises come out. He doesn’t have that, but it's similar for us with AJ. He’s a big strike player for them.
Coming off a narrow loss to competition favourites Parramatta in the season opener, the Titans coach will be hoping to start the home record with a win, but knows they'll have to be on their game considering the Warriors' free-flowing footy.
"That’s their strength. They can play that unstructured type of rugby league that they’re very good at. If you’re off your game, they can hurt you. If you’re on your game, they can be your strength as well. They’re a difficult team to play against.
Gates open from 11.30am for the NRLW derby at 11.50am against the Broncos, before the NRL Round 2 clash between the Titans and Warriors at 2pm.
Be there at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, March 19 for the Gold Coast Titans' first home game of the year. A double header with the NRL and NRLW Titans in action. $20 from every ticket goes directly to the club's flood recovery initiative.