‘Pretty close to my heart’: Candid Kelly’s inspiration to help turn around form slump

A brutally honest Brian Kelly has conceded he has failed to fire this season, but wants to aim up and finish 2022 on a high.

Especially when up against his former club this Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium, given the clash against the Sea Eagles will have a special meaning for the talented Titans flyer.

Joining forces with Down Syndrome Queensland for the ninth consecutive season - the two organisations will run out as one for the Round 22 showdown, with the initiative having a special place in Kelly's heart given his family connection.

"The club has had a big involvement with them and for myself, it's pretty close to my heart because I've got a few family members with Down Syndrome," he said.

"They brighten up your world and put a big smile on your face, especially with how we're coming this year.

"Just to see them changes your mood and just gives you a bit of a boost and an uplifting for the day."

Expecting a big game from the 2020 Paul Broughton Medallist, it's fair to say his year has been up and down on the field, but a recent electrifying two-week stint back at the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup has allowed the strike centre to find his mojo again - coming up with two tries in the last fortnight as he returns to his best.

"I'm pretty disappointed to be honest. I haven't really sort of took off and feel like I've gone backwards," Kelly candidly admitted.

"I'm not too happy with it, but the last two weeks, I feel a bit more comfortable there and getting a bit more ball, which gets me more involved.

"The more I'm involved with the attack, I get confidence off that and it turns into defence. 

"I feel like I've got a bit better the last two weeks, but throughout the year, I've been pretty disappointed with [my form]."

Aware of their position on the ladder with four games to play, a particular emphasis has been placed on the side's defensive efforts at training in an aim to finish 2022 with a couple of wins under the belt to avoid last place.

"We obviously know where we sit, being a win behind the Tigers, so we don't want to get the spoon," Kelly said.

"I think our main thing has been our defence... in crucial areas, we have little slip ups here and there, so we've got to fix that."

With a number of sparks to help ignite the fire in the belly, the Gold Coast centre is hoping to see he and his teammates rally together for the remaining month and finish the year strong, beginning this weekend in front of plenty of parochial fans at home.