Last word: We've got to give them an opportunity to gain experience

Justin Holbrook and the Titans have invested plenty into developing a young crop of incredible talent, who are full of energy and will flourish as they continue to grow in their fledgling careers.

The Gold Coast coach hasn't been backwards in coming forwards about the fact he's disappointed in where his side sits on the ladder at the present time and although the original blueprint may have cost his side a few wins in the short term - especially with a further setback due to Jayden Campbell's injury - he's not giving up on the club's plan to continue giving young players a chance to bloom in first grade.

"I'm disappointed with how we are going. I'm not going to sit here and say I feel terrific about things. I feel horrible and we're letting a lot of people down by sitting where we sit," Holbrook said.

"For a number of reasons [improvement on 2021] hasn't happened this year, so I'm disappointed absolutely and I'm not happy for a minute, but I feel secure of what I'm doing and confident of what I'm doing.

"As a collective, we went for the young guys and unfortunately, JC missed six games straight and now he's going to miss eight, so that's hurting us in that area where we've tried to just get those guys experience.

"If we left them in Q Cup... Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton were killing it for Tweed last year and they got them to a grand final qualifier.

"They need NRL experience. It's hurt us this year with some wins, but we've just got to stick at it, get on with it and move forward."

Staying true to his word, the Gold Coast mentor has turned to another young player on the rise who has been absolutely dominating for the Seagulls, with Paul Turner to become Titan #172 this weekend against the Rabbitohs.

Campbell's injury and Will Smith's recent release due to compassionate reasons has opened the door for the 22-year-old natural playmaker to get his start in Titans colours, previously making three NRL appearances for the Warriors.

"It's not ideal with JC being out but it gives Paul Turner an opportunity. He's played terrific for Tweed when he's played there, so I'm excited for him," Holbrook said.

"He's a very good footy player. It's just natural guy with the ball in his hands and he's going to add a bit of spark to us, which is what we need, so he'll do very well."

Despite playing seven games at mainly fullback and centre in the Hostplus Cup this season, Holbrook feels his best position is at No. 6 with AJ Brimson to return to fullback during Campbell's absence.

"AJ is probably our best fullback and six (when everyone is fully-fit), so it's about who's the best fullback and who's the best five-eighth now that JC is out injured," Holbrook said.

"I think AJ is the best No. 1 that we got there. Paul Turner's played a bit there for Tweed, but I think he's much more natural playing at six, and AJ, we know how good he is at one.

"It's been a matter of working out who we've got to pick and where to put them. I think a few weeks ago, we put AJ back there and we had the luxury of having Will Smith at six, but now it's a case of Pauly Turner going to be a better six and AJ at one."

Holbrook will be forced into a late reshuffle to fill the fullback role for the clash against South Sydney after Brimson was ruled out on Friday night through the COVID protocols; however, Turner is expected to remain in the halves.