Training may have looked a little differently for the Gold Coast Titans today, but that hasn't dampened preparations for Thursday night's Round 4 homecoming against the Wests Tigers.
The change of venue due to flash flooding at Parkwood was much appreciated by Tugun locals, who braved the wet weather to cheer on their beloved club put in the hard yards at the Seahawks' local ground.
There were no complaints from the Titans playing group either - especially from edge forward Beau Fermor - who appreciated the spontaneous relocation after over 300 millimetres of rain fell across the Gold Coast in the past 24 hours.
"It was a bit sloppy with a few puddles around, but I can't complain too much. We're just lucky enough there's a field for us to train on," Fermor said.
Disappointed by the narrow 24-22 loss against the Raiders, the 23-year-old is wanting to make amends of the second half performance in Canberra, and despite the Gold Coast only having five days to prepare for the Wests Tigers, the elusive back rower feels it actually works in their favour.
"It was a disappointing loss, but the short turnaround means we can get back out on the field quicker and work on the things that we want to be good at," Fermor said.
"No one wants to lose like that and with it being short turnaround, we get to get back out on the field quickly and hopefully get a win, which means it's happy days again."
Match: Titans v Wests Tigers
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
9th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
16th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Up against the winless Tigers - who have begun their season 0-3 - many punters believe it'll be an easy victory to the home side, and whilst the Titans are quietly confident of getting the job done, that confidence is always there each week, no matter who they are drawn to play.
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!
"I think we're always confident that we can get the win. We back our team against anyone and are always confident that we can get the job done," Fermor said.
"Obviously, the Tigers haven't started too crash hot, but they're a desperate side and it's the NRL, so if you don't turn up on the day, anyone can beat anyone.
"We know that they're going to be coming and playing really well because they're desperate for a win as much as we are, so we're going to have to be on for Thursday night if we want to get the job done."
All out attack on the left
It was a heroic effort from young fullback Jayden Campbell to play on in the second half with damage to his rib cartilage and whilst the injury has ruled out the live-wire for the coming weeks, new recruit Jamayne Isaako will be a perfect replacement to wear the No. 1 jersey.
"Poor JC has a couple of broken ribs. He did well to battle through however long he did on the weekend. We're lucky that we've got Jamayne who can slot straight in there," Fermor said.
"He’s an International player and has played fullback for New Zealand before. I think he is really skilful and a great ball runner.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with him."
Flyer Phil Sami has also been ruled out of this Thursday night's clash with COVID, but experienced back Corey Thompson makes a timely return from a fractured hand.
But such is the depth of the Titans that incumbent winger Greg Marzhew will fill Sami's place until he given the green light to return under the health protocols.
"I think Corey’s hand is going alright, so to bring him back into the team again... we're not we're not missing much [with Phil Sami ruled out due to COVID]," Fermor said.
"It just shows the depth in our squad. If one person goes down, we've got obviously Jamayne to come in and then we've got Greg and to play on the wing, so it’s a good thing to have."
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!
