Smith words hurt, but Titans skipper committed to changing them

There's no denying the start of the season hasn't been the most ideal for the Gold Coast Titans.

Sitting two wins from six with four nail-biting losses in that mix, it has been a frustrating opening to the campaign, especially given how much the side knows they have the potential to knock over any team in the NRL if they put together an 80-minute performance.

There's no doubt plenty of lessons have been learned by the young squad with much improvement seen week-on-week as the team continues to grow, but the need for competition points has come to ensure the season doesn't fade into the sunset.

The beginning has also drawn criticism from some rugby league media with one of the game's legends in Cameron Smith labelling the side his most disappointing so far. 

Responding to his former teammate and captain, current Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui valued what the 400-game champion had to say and wants to lead the charge in getting the club's season back on track.

"It's not the style that we wanted and I know we can be better. I think that's why it's more disappointing than anything," Fa'asuamaleaui said.

"We're definitely going to keep improving, it's only six rounds in, but we got to get started this weekend against the Cowboys and keep building from that.

"Hearing comments like that from Smithy, it hurts a bit. He's someone with an opinion that really matters to me.

"Hopefully he can change his words and he say something differently in the future [when we turn the season around]."

Knowing his side isn't far off with all four defeats by eight points or less, it's crucial the side starts well against the Cowboys, and keep the momentum going for the full 80 minutes.

"I think we've just got to start well and have that mentality that we're not gonna to let any tries in," Fa'asuamaleaui said.

"As a team we need to make sure that we're running hard and tackling harder and then back it up in the second half."

If a must-win Queensland derby on ANZAC weekend wasn't enough motivation to leave nothing on the field for the win, the Gold Coast will also play for the Corporal Cameron Baird VC trophy.

A proud Titans member, Corporal Baird was killed in the line of duty whilst tasked to a Second Commando Regiment raid on a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan.

Renowned for always being the first among his unit to run towards the enemy fire and the first through the doorway of any stronghold, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during the raid and his father Doug shared the story of his son's bravery at training this week.

“It means so much (to play for this trophy),” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“I wish I had met Cam.

“Doug (Baird) comes in and gives us Cam’s story and we want to be like him out on the field.

“We want to do the little things right and work hard and be the team-mate that everyone wants to play with.

"All of us, we want to be like 17 Cam's out there and hopefully we do the little things right.

“It (the award) is massive for us and it is another motivation for me and all of the boys.”