Murphy hoping Titans home crowd can be chink in Knights' armour
The challenge doesn't get any easier for Karyn Murphy and her side when they face the Knights, but there will be plenty of motivation when they run out to a roaring home crowd at Cbus Super Stadium.
In the Gold Coast's only home game of the season, the Titans coach knows the challenge that lies ahead after watching Newcastle put on a clinic against the Broncos, thanks to a number of new recruits who have bolstered the team who struggled to get off the bottom of the ladder earlier this year.
"They had a big win against the Broncos and they've recruited well in the off-season with Millie Boyle, Tamika Upton and young half Jesse Southwell who's coming through as well," Murphy said.
"There's definitely some threats there that we'll have to look closely at, but they did start the year off well."
The boost the reigning Dally M Medallist has given to the Novacastrians was quite evident in their season opener, with Boyle topping the run metres tally with 194 in a solid 55 minute stint alongside another forward who has the potential to create plenty of damage.
"Caitlin Johnson is one of the form props in the country at the moment, so with her and Millie, they have plenty of go forward there," Murphy said.
"That allows their halves to get on the back of their go forward, so we'll work hard to shut them down and also work hard around that ruck and limit the time of the halves."
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
4th Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
With only two changes made for the contest - Hagiga Mosby and Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell coming in for Jasmine Peters and Roxy Murdoch - the Titans mentor is hoping the continuity will help the side gel a little better after a clunky start the opening half in Wollongong.
"In attack and in defence, we didn't connect the best and that's why we had those unforced errors and a bit of frustration with some penalties," Murphy said.
"This week, we've been looking at fixing up a bit of discipline and also connecting a lot better, both in attack and defence."
The first time in charge when playing at home, Murphy can't wait to experience the noise and passion of the Titans Legion with plenty of support expected for the double header.
"It's so good to be home at Cbus for our Round 2 game this weekend with the boys as well following them after their last home game," she said.
"It'll be a great day here on the Gold Coast and l'm looking forward to a bit of support there on Sunday afternoon."
Be there at Cbus Super Stadium this Sunday for our NRL/NRLW double header against the Knights as the Titans say thanks to the Gold Coast - secure your seat today!
