'He was on the top of our list': Holbrook overjoyed by White's appointment

The Gold Coast mentor is especially thrilled of the former Origin hard man's acquisition given he was on top of the list of coaches the club was on the hunt for and his proven success in the NRL previously.

"He's really experienced in that area and obviously [defence] is the area we want to improve on and we needed filling, so we wanted to try and get a specialist in that role," Holbrook said.

"There's a lot of great coaches out there but for me, it was having someone who their role is looking after that area, and that's what Brett is doing.

"He's very passionate about it and very highly skilled and qualified for it, so I think that it was a perfect fit.

"He's been very successful in that area and that's a big plus for us, so it'll be good."

It's a further boost and step in the right direction after the Coast's gritty and stoic win at home on Sunday against the Knights, defending the final 30 minutes with only 12 men after Brian Kelly was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

"It was a huge step forward for us because in a number of games this year, we've had periods where we've just lost our way and couldn't get it back," Holbrook said.

"To have our backs against the wall for 30 minutes and all the guys rally the way they did, that's a huge step forward. It's what we've got to improve on the most for next year our mental toughness... we all know that as staff and as players and everybody knows that, so it's a head start in the right direction and we've show that we can do it.

"That's the main thing for me and for us to do that on the weekend in front of our home fans is what everyone needed to see."

En route to New Zealand for the club's final game of the season, it's a big occasion for Moeaki Fotuaika who celebrates his 100th game in front of what is anticipated to be a sold out Mount Smart Stadium.

Even though Holbrook has only coached the prop for only three years of his still relatively young career, he can vividly remember watching the 22-year-old burst onto the first grade scene and help carry the Titans pack forward.

"It's a huge effort for Moey. We all know what he's done for this club at such a young age," Holbrook said.

"I remember even before I joined the club, I was watching games from England, and just looking at a young 19-year-old carrying the whole forward pack on his shoulders and the amount of minutes he was playing back then as a young guy.

"For him to play 100 games already and over in New Zealand... he's got a lot of family there and it's a sold out game which is terrific, so there'll be a lot of fans going for Moey and the Titans.

"It's a great achievement for him and one that we we want to play well for him."