A nine day turnaround, a full-strength roster and a good week at training... life has been good for Justin Holbrook ahead of Saturday night's Parramatta Eels clash.
The Titans are back at Parkwood, feeling fresh after an extended break from last Thursday's gritty 8-6 victory and are only missing Brian Kelly (COVID protocols) from the top 17, which has provided plenty of joy for the coach as he prepares to face off against the red-hot Parramatta Eels.
Match: Titans v Eels
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
10th Position
away Team
Eels
4th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
"We've had a normal week which is great and that's all we can ask for," Holbrook said.
"It's great to have Isaac Liu, Phil Sami and Beau Fermor all back and we've had a good, long week which we needed.
"We get judged on how we play tomorrow night and I understand that.
"We know the class of Parramatta, but we've had a good week and ready to perform at our best and I'm looking forward to playing at home tomorrow night."
With vivid memories of how the contest played out the last time the two sides met - which happened to only be a month ago where the Eels just pipped the Titans - the Titans coach knows his side will need to lift if they want to keep in arm's reach of the competition favourites.
Match Highlights: Eels and Titans in 10-try thriller
"If you want to stay in touch with the top sides, you've got to beat them and that's what we're working towards," Holbrook said.
"We've got to play as good as we can tomorrow night to give ourselves a chance.
"It is weird playing them a second time four weeks later, but the one thing we know is they'll play better themselves and know that we have to play better.
"We came close down at Parramatta. It's a a tough place to go and play and we were nearly good enough to win, so we've got to be good enough at home tomorrow night."
The clash will also be a special milestone for the Gold Coast mentor as he celebrates 50 games as a head coach in the NRL - all for the Titans.
"We always say the players have to play 50 games to be a first grade player, so I guess you have to coach 50 to be a first grade coach... so I've now made that category," Holbrook joked.
"I got asked to reflect on it, but it's all happened so quick. We're in Round 5 already.
"For me, it's just head down and it'll be great to get a win over Parramatta.
"Not for me, but for the boys and the club."
The Titans are out for revenge this Saturday night against the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium. Secure your seat now.