Holbrook endorses Maroons trio ahead of historic Queensland clash
Justin Holbrook has thrown his support behind three key Titans in their quest for an Origin recall on the eve of the newest Queensland derby.
Following consistent notable performances from Maroons representatives Phil Sami, Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita; the trio have put their name on Billy Slater's hit list to watch over and consider, with the Gold Coast coach fully endorsing their return to that arena with help from the rest of the team.
"I'd love to seem them back in the Origin jersey... they're playing terrific," Holbrook said.
"Obviously their focus is on us winning, which is always going to be the case, but I'd love us to perform really well for those guys.
"It's always a tough job for selectors at that level, but the best thing we can do is just perform well as a team."
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 8 -
home Team
Dolphins
5th Position
away Team
Titans
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
With another Queensland derby to prepare for this weekend, Holbrook has taken a lot of positivity and learnings from last week's Broncos defeat, with the side's downfall only being a couple of key plays in the game.
"It was just a couple of individual moments against the run a play that we all saw, so there's plenty of good signs and that's what we have all taken away from that," he said.
"We didn't go out there and be miles off them... they're setting the standard at the moment and I think we put in a really good showing of what we're capable of.
"We've just got to tidy up a few of those individual things, which we'll get happening over the next few weeks starting this weekend, and we'll be better for that and we'll be better competing harder for the 80 minutes."
The Gold Coast will also welcome another club debutant for this weekend's clash with Keebra Park alumni Thomas Mikaele in line to make his Titans debut in the historic occasion since joining the club mid-season from Warrington.
"With Jimmy Jolliffe out long term harm from the start of the year, it was important we picked up a bit more depth in the middle and to have Thomas come home being a Keebra Park boy... he's fitted in nicely," Holbrook said.
"He'll bring that aggression and great leg speed through the middle of the field, so it's really good timing to have him included in the side.
"Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui did a great job for a few weeks, but he's been carrying a shoulder injury for a while and and Joey Vuna has been great for us too, but we've only been using him in short stints, so he needs to get his match fitness back up in the Q Cup, so it's great timing to bring in Thomas."
