Boyd and Fermor leading the way during pre-season

With four weeks of the pre-season now complete, Titans head of physical performance Cameron Ferguson says the focus is on continuing the hard work through December.

"The young ones have improved every week," Ferguson said.

"There's still a huge focus on education.

"With the new regime, with Brett White coming in, the defensive focus has shifted a bit.

"Our training has worked around that with our conditioning and four weeks in now the players are starting to learn and adapt to what we are trying to achieve."

After having train and triallists and the more junior members of the squad over the first fortnight, the quality has been boosted by the return of players like AJ Brimson, Sam Verrills, Tanah Boyd, Beau Fermor, Aaron Schoupp, Brian Kelly, Sam McIntyre, Joe Stimson and Jaimin Jolliffe.

"Obviously they're experienced and they know what to expect," Ferguson said.

"Their work ethic is one thing that has stood out.

"Guys like Tanah Boyd and Beau Fermor have come back in really good condition and they've lifted the standards of training and the expectations of everyone."

Jolliffe is the first of the World Cup representatives to make their way back to Parkwood.

After pulling on the Irish jersey, Jolliffe will soon by joined by David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika (Tonga), while Kieran Foran and Isaac Liu (New Zealand) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Australia) are still a little while away from returning.

"The expectations (on the returning players) are the same and there are physical targets that they'll need to adhere to," Ferguson said.

"Jimmy Jolliffe has been on the field training by himself ... he's been looking after himself over the break.

"Once the guys come back, we'll have a fair idea on how we can push them and what we need to work on."