No nerves for Hasler ahead of Titans debut
New Titans coach Des Hasler has revealed he is looking forward to his Gold Coast coaching debut as he prepares his side to face the Dragons in Saturday's season opener at Cbus Super Stadium.
With an extra spring in the step of the 458-game mentor at the team's captain's run on Friday, Hasler declared he isn't feeling many nerves ahead of commencing his 19th season at the helm, instead full of excitement for the opportunity to take charge of the Titans.
"I’m feeling good… I’m really looking forward to it," Hasler said.
"No nerves… just excited.
"I’m just going to approach the game and be as meticulous as I can possible be.
"At the end of the day, it’s the players that need to come up with the correct rituals [to prepare]."
The five-time grand finalist has particularly been fond of the buzz and energy for live sport and events amongst the entire community since his arrival to the Gold Coast in November, which he now gets to be part on Saturday night.
"From the time I’ve been up here, the whole Gold Coast area have lent themselves to outdoor activities so there’s plenty happening as far as sport [this weekend]," he said.
"There’s so much for the whole community to get behind and that’s certainly what we want for the Gold Coast supporters and Titans supporters. It’s an exciting time of the year.
"The way the NRL launched itself last week overseas - can you believe that they played in America, and it shows how far the game has come and how progressive it’s come.
"The game itself is in a great position and our fans get the chance to show their support by going to the game."
Expecting it to be no easy feat against the Red V, Hasler predicts fellow new coach Shane Flanagan to have his side up for the challenge for the entire 80 minutes - something the Titans will need to be ready for.
"I know Flanno’s sides are well drilled," he said.
"They’ll go about (the game) a very simplistic way to just get through and to force you into situations where they’ll win field position.
"They’ll be in the grind for the long part of the game."
