Last word: Holbrook expecting strike weapons to be a big test
Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook knows the strike weapons his North Queensland counterparts have as they prepare to face off in Townsville.
Led by captain Jason Taumalolo who ran for over 200 metres last week against Canberra, the mentor is wary of his opposition's impressive start, knowing it'll be a tough challenge.
"They've got some some strike players. Obviously Taumalolo, but they'll also have (Valentine) Holmes, (Scott) Drinkwater and they have some big back rowers now," Holbrook said.
"They've got a really athletic, powerful side who are playing really well, so it'll be a real good test for us."
Match: Cowboys v Titans
Round 7 -
home Team
Cowboys
5th Position
away Team
Titans
12th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
With an emphasis on playing the full 80 minutes, there has been a particular focus this week at training on starting well after strong second halves in the past fortnight.
"We've been training great all year and what's letting us down is not being able to do it for 80 minutes in games," Holbrook said.
"There's plenty of fight in the side and we showed that again last week, not conceding a try in the second half again, but there are periods that we are not doing well enough that we've got to get right."
Especially when the flow of the game goes against his side.
"I think when when momentum is not going our way, hopefully we can turn it quicker," Holbrook said.
"Unfortunately for us, when we concede one, we're conceding three or four tries and then we're getting our act together and scoring three or four ourselves.
"It's probably when we're on the back foot, being able to handle a lot better than what we have done so far this year, because for large periods, we've been terrific, but for the full 80 minutes, we haven't and we know that's what we've got to get better at."
'It gives me goosebumps': Liu reflects on ANZAC Round
Adding extra motivation to the must-win Queensland derby is playing on ANZAC Round and for the Cameron Baird VC Trophy - recognising a much-loved Titans fan who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
"It's a special weekend for us through Doug and Cameron Baird and what Cameron has done for our country and obviously being Titans fans which is terrific," Holbrook said.
"Throughout the whole NRL weekend and throughout the whole country, ANZAC weekend is special for everybody and we're lucky with we're living the lives we're living because of those guys.
"It is a special weekend and it's one that we'd love to win a game of footy just to play a little contribution to the weekend."
