The Gold Coast Titans playing group are just as disappointed as coach Justin Holbrook after letting a 22-0 lead slip to eventually fall short of the Raiders in the nation's capital.
The visitors were well on top in the opening half, but Canberra were a completely different side in the final 40, overpowering the Titans in the dying stages to win 24-22, which the Gold Coast mentor feels was a result of the new and youthful squad.
"The Raiders came out really hard in the second half and we just didn't match them which was the disappointing thing. It would've been great to just hang on and win that one, that's for sure, and it’s disappointing that we didn't," Holbrook said.
"We’d like to handle those situations a bit better and that obviously comes through a little bit of lack of experience, which we're going to get during the year, but in the end, we should have done enough to hang on and win the game.
"We need to learn from that and get better and bounce back this week."
Match Highlights: Rd 3 Raiders v Titans
With a short five-day turnaround, the Titans side has quickly changed focus to Round 4, facing the Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium.
Although there is plenty of talk about this week's opposition - starting the season with three straight losses - Holbrook has wanted to keep all the attention on his side and staying in the contest for the entire game.
"We can't waste too much time worrying about [the opposition]. I think we just got to make sure we get ourselves ready and put 80 minutes together," Holbrook said.
"The first two games we didn't concede a try in the second half and then on the weekend, we conceded four and weren't in control of it at all at any stage.
"We are getting ready to put 80 minutes together and we'll just make sure we get our game right rather than worrying about the West Tigers.
"We need to freshen up as quick as we can and get ready for Thursday night, which we'll do so. We're looking forward to playing back at home against the West Tigers."
Match: Titans v Wests Tigers
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
9th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
16th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The heavens may be open right now on the Gold Coast and although more rain is forecast over the next few days, Thursday is looking like a fine evening to bring the whole family along to the footy.
"The rain will be here for the next few days but by Thursday, it'll be fine," Holbrook said.
"Hopefully we can get a big crowd and it's school holidays the day after, so hopefully everyone can bring their kids out for Thursday night footy at home.
"We need a big crowd. It was a good win for us at the last home game and we need all the support we can get."
Be there at Cbus Super Stadium on March 31 as the Titans take on the Wests Tigers in a Thursday Thriller. Click here to secure your seat now!
