Last word: We're not a million miles off, but we are on the ladder

Justin Holbrook is hoping last weekend's Representative Round has fallen at a great time in the Titans' season, looking for more improvement when they take on the Knights in Newcastle on Friday night.

Falling short 18-10 in a gritty contest against the Sharks a fortnight ago, the week's reprieve has been a chance to hit the reset button on the season and prepare to do a hit and run mission in the Hunter, collecting the much-needed two competition points before resting up for the Macca's Local Derby against the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium in 15 days time.

"I think it's been a good time to freshen up. When you don't play well, mentally and physically, everybody needs a break," Holbrook said.

"We had to wait for the rep round. A lot of other teams have already had their first bye after Round 12, whereas we had to play those few extra weeks.

"I thought it's a great time to freshen up and get back in and get ready to go."

The week off has also allowed the Titans mentor to review the season to date, knowing whilst the ladder position at the moment looks rather grim, the performances tell a different story.

"We're always looking at things we're doing, but we've just got to improve," Holbrook said.

"On the field, we competed hard against the Sharks and fell just short again.

"We're not a million miles off, but we are on the ladder, so we've got to try and work that little bit harder and turn the games into wins."

Although it has been tough going at the moment, there has been plenty of positivity at Parkwood this week with the return of David Fifita; the Gold Coast coach elated to have his star forward back and ready to make a huge impact.

"He's looking good and he'll play which is great, so it'll be a big lift for us," Holbrook said.

"We're always going to be better when you get the best players on the field, so it'll be a big bonus for us having him back."

With a cloud of doubt around whether Maroons edge forward Felise Kaufusi will be available for Game III at Suncorp Stadium, there has been plenty of talk this week about Fifita being motivated by a potential Origin recall, although Holbrook believes he doesn't need that for his willpower fire to be burning brightly.

"I think he'll have a big game no matter what," Holbrook said.

"He's only played once in the last six or so weeks. It's a big ask [to play Origin after injury], but I'll leave that up to Billy (Slater)."

Holbrook is also expecting another inspiring performance from captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who is unsurprisingly more than ready and wanting to back-up after a tough encounter in Maroon over in Perth last Sunday.

"He'll play, definitely," Holbrook said.

"He only picked up a couple of corks, which was good. I think he carried the ball 10 times the first 10 minutes, but that's just the player he is.

"He's right to go."