Form line out the window: Lenihan not treating final round as dead rubber
This Sunday's contest against the Bulldogs might have no bearing on the NRL finals series, but Jim Lenihan isn't treating it as a dead rubber.
With plenty to play for at home in Members' Round against an under-fire opposition who have been under immense scrutiny this week, the interim head coach is hoping to send Titans fans out of Cbus Super Stadium with a big smile on their face and proud of their team in what has been a 'rollercoaster' 2023 season.
"I don't think any form line coming into the last game of the year makes a real difference," Lenihan said.
"I think it's really important to hold the ball and make sure we play through the middle... I think this is the sort of game that can get a little bit expansive and play left to right, so it's one of those days where we want to hold the ball, complete high and play good field position.
"It's also important for us to really perform well at home and I think we've done a fairly good job at home this year putting in good performances.
"Win, lose or draw... we want to be a team the Gold Coast is proud of."
Match: Titans v Bulldogs
Round 27 -
home Team
Titans
14th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
It's been a tough week for Canterbury who have been forced to defend themselves publicly after being in the spotlight following a string of disappointing results, and whilst the rugby league world will be watching them to see how they respond, Lenihan has been reluctant to focus too much attention on his opposition given he already knows they'll be hungry for the win.
"I think you'll find the people who are doing the talking at the Bulldogs are generally the ones who aren't in the team this weekend," he said.
"The people that are playing for the Bulldogs this weekend will certainly be playing to prove a point for their season to finish on a high and certainly go into next year with some some good feelings.
"We're not really worrying about what Canterbury are doing or not doing at the moment because we've really just been worrying about ourselves.
"We've got our own issues that we're going to worry about to play well this weekend."
But the Titans coach does know a little bit about the opposing No. 7, with Toby Sexton returning to play his old club after joining the Bulldogs mid-season; set to face off against his former Tweed halves partner Tom Weaver in the clash.
"I think it's a really good opportunity to see those boys playing against each other and I think we'll have to make sure we re-introduce David (Fifita) to Toby over the period of the game," Lenihan joked.
"I'm sure Toby is expecting that, so we'll see how we go.
"I'm looking forward to it... it will be an attacking game."
