Titans CEO Steve Mitchell is extremely optimistic the Gold Coast will bounce back against the Dolphins after a tough start to the 2024 season.
Helping launch the third instalment of the Sunshine Showdown alongside Dolphins CEO Terry Reader at Cbus Super Stadium on Wednesday, the Titans leader is full of confidence his side can notch up their first win of the season even without inspirational leader Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, given the added motivation of his loss alongside the upcoming Queensland derby this weekend.
"I always think we can beat the Dolphins," Mitchell said ahead of the XXXX Derby.
"I’m really excited about the weekend. This period for us is a real learning curve obviously with Tino coming off the paddock.
"We’ve got a senior playing group who have a great opportunity to take control this weekend.
"They always get up for the local derbies, particularly for the Dolphins; it’s a great rivalry so that mindset doesn't change."
Match: Titans v Dolphins
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
17th Position
away Team
Dolphins
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Acknowledging the Gold Coast season hasn't begun as would've hoped under new coach Des Hasler, Mitchell has refused to panic about the start given the 460-game mentor's proven track record of success and his determination to turn things around with the season still well and truly in its infancy.
"You don’t have to be a genius to know we’ve been a little underwhelming on how we’ve started the year, but we’re two games into a 24-game season though," he said.
"Des has obviously come in with a playing group that he’s building expectations around. To his point, we’ve got some fundamentals we’ve got to get right and we’ll push forward.
"We are where we are, but what I like about Des is that he’s taken ownership and he knows we need to work through this together collectively as a group.
"We’ve got a fantastic squad and they’re pumped about this weekend, so we need to go to work to get the two points."
Expecting to see improvement when the Titans return to Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night, the Dolphins are wary of a very hungry home side who are determined to win their first Sunshine Showdown after two close encounters in 2023.
"As Steve said, every team turns up expecting to win and we’ll be no different," Reader said.
"Like all games, I think sometimes people can forget how close the NRL is and we’re only up to Round 4 and any team can beat ay team on their day.
"Everyone has to be on their game and we’ll be no different when we turn up here to Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.
"It's always close in the Sunshine Showdown… Brisbane versus the Gold Coast and we can’t wait for it."
