Make better choices: Holbrook's key message to take down high-flying Sea Eagles
Justin Holbrook has encouraged his side to make better choices this weekend as the Titans aim to bounce back against the high-flying Sea Eagles.
Having led 26-0 before the Dolphins piled on 28-unanswered points to win last Sunday's Queensland derby, a number of unsuccessful low-percentage plays from key players were the catalyst to the Gold Coast's undoing in the second stanza, building up defensive pressure which was eventually eroded by their opponents.
Knowing the potential his side has to beat anyone in the competition should they play for the full 80 minutes, the Titans coach has focussed heavily on rectifying last week's result, hoping for see improved decision-making to topple the second-placed Silvertails.
"It's pretty obvious that we've got to play for the 80 minutes. We're all disappointed with last week," Holbrook said.
"There were some really good signs early with us to lead 26-0... we were doing a lot of things right, but we've got to go on with it and we all know that.
"We're really disappointed in that but we get to move on and now face Manly."
Match: Sea Eagles v Titans
Round 9 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
8th Position
away Team
Titans
11th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Despite the loss of strike fullback Tom Trbojevic who has succumbed to a groin injury, Holbrook knows the dangers of the Sea Eagles who are undefeated at Brookvale to start the season, especially with captain and chief playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans' ability to capitalise on their middle's go-forward.
"They're playing really well and they've had a good start of the year. Their home game after home game and things like that always helps, but they're playing really well," he said.
"They're another big side and obviously DCE is running the ship there, so it's going to be a big challenge for us."
To help match the size of Manly's engine room, the bench has been bolstered with the inclusion of Klese Haas and recall of Joe Vuna, with the Titans mentor hoping those two will come up and maintain the rage set by Moe Fotuaika, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Isaac Liu - three players who have been outstanding to start the season.
"I want them just to keep us tough, We all know how well Tino, Moe and Isaac Liu are doing at the start of games for us and that's clear to see," Holbrook said.
"We just need those guys to come on and not lose momentum for us. That's sort of what's been happening a little bit.
"Klese is a big body that's got a big work rate so he'll do a job and Joey Vuna's just got to be solid while he's on there.
"I know those boys will be good for us."
