No nerves for new coach Murphy on eve of season opener
If there was any nervousness from Karyn Murphy ahead of her first game, she certainly hasn't shown it.
The new Titans NRLW coach is full of excitement to take charge of her first clash against the Dragons on Sunday, confident of a win to start the new women's season.
"It's my debut as well and I guess it's new challenge and it'll all be new for me," she said.
"But with how the girls have gone so far this pre-season, I'm definitely confident with what we've got and I'm looking forward to it."
With at least four Titans to make their club debuts against the side who knocked them out of their maiden NRLW season, there is plenty of talent in the Gold Coast side to get the job done against the Red V.
"We've got a few girls making their debut and we've got a really good backline, so there's plenty of danger in our own side," Murphy said.
"We talk about Emma [Tonegato] for them, but our fullback Apii Nicholls has come back from New Zealand and she's definitely a great athlete and she'll be one to watch for us.
"And Vani Pelite... everyone knows her, so I'm looking forward to seeing her back in the centres and causing some damage out there."
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
3rd Position
away Team
Titans
4th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Given such a short pre-season the biggest focus over the last four weeks has been on defence to ensure they can keep teams out of their own goal-line.
"The girls went well last year, so we were working with what did work well last year and looking at a few extra things with the additions we've got in our squad," Murphy said.
"You can't be good at everything in four weeks, so we've concentrated mainly on our defensive structure over this period."
Aiming to get the two points in Wollongong, the side is hoping to build momentum ahead of the side's first and only home game at Cbus Super Stadium next Sunday against the Knights.
"We're really looking forward to it because it's our only home game at Cbus next Sunday," Murphy said.
"It's a 6pm game for us, so that'll be a little bit different but it'll be really exciting to have that game on the Gold Coast and hopefully we can get some good support for us for that match as our only home game."
The 2022 NRLW season is here and the Titans are aiming for grand final glory after coming so close in their inaugural season. Show your support with a NRLW membership - on sale now!
