Kieran Foran knows how special derby rivalries can be, given he was front and centre during that infamous clash in 2011 at Brookvale Oval.
Whilst things may have changed slightly with the modern game over the past decade, the competitiveness hasn't been lost in any of the local clashes across the NRL... especially for the 'big brother, little brother' stoush between the Titans and Broncos.
Ready to experience the magic of the M1 clash, returning from a calf injury for his first South East Queensland derby, the season playmaker feels it will have a close feeling to the old feuds between Manly and Melbourne.
"I hope [it'll be very similar]," Foran said.
"Probably not to the extent to the Battle of Brookie... that was a fair while ago now, but I've always loved being involved in those games with Manly up against Melbourne.
"It was very personal and it was two great teams going at it and I'm really excited to be a part of this derby now.
"I've heard a lot about it and the boys talk about it as well as the club and I'm sure it won't disappoint."
Back with Tanah Boyd in the halves for this clash, the pairings between the two Titans playmakers and Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds couldn't be too much more similar... both featuring a young gun and seasoned half to help steer the respective sides.
But whilst there's been plenty of attention on both the 'older heads' Foran and Reynolds having to be the sole linchpins to get the two points for their team, the Titans five-eighth believes it'll be in the middle third where the contest is won and lost.
"I think it's got to be a collective effort," Foran said.
"Most games in rugby league I believe are won through the middle I think it'll be no different this one.
"They've got a pretty bruising pack, but we do as well, and I think it's going to be an awesome matchup up front.
"Hopefully we can win the field position battle and give ourselves plenty of opportunities down their end of the park."
Anticipating a huge crowd to show their support at Cbus Super Stadium, Foran knows how much of an advantage a full house will be to the Titans, encouraging the Legion to turn out in numbers and help his side to keep Robina an undefeated fortress to start 2023.
"It'll be huge and thave home crowd support in a game like this makes all the difference," he said.
"It's going to be a tight contest and there's probably not going to be too much in it.
"If we can fill the stadium up with our home fans, it's going to really give us a massive lift throughout certain periods of the game."
