Shaylee Bent is up for the challenge of facing former Titan and NRLW legend Steph Hancock in their opening clash against the Dragons on Sunday.
Having played two seasons together - one with the Red V before linking back up on the Gold Coast - the experienced forward can't wait to competing against the 42-year-old who is set to come off the bench in the first game of the season in Wollongong.
"Steph definitely brought a lot of leadership for us on the field (last year), but it's pretty exciting we are going to be versing her," Bent said.
"There will definitely be competition on the field.
"But our middles and back rowers are going to get the job done and we are ready for it.”
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
7th Position
away Team
Titans
4th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Bent had nothing but praise for the NRLW veteran who will play in her 34th game on Sunday for the Dragons after opting to play on for another season after a two-decade long career as a pioneer int he game.
"Her leadership is phenomenal and what she has done for the game is so amazing," she said.
"I'm just so privileged that I've been able to play with her at the Dragons and the Titans."
Preparing for the Titans' first clash since last year's heartbreaking grand final defeat, the 23-year-old hasn't wanted to reflect on falling short in 2023, instead setting their sights on what her and the squad can achieve in the new campaign.
"We are focusing on what we can do this year and not thinking about what we have done last year," Bent said.
"I think every year is a new start, and for us we just got to keep building as a team and prep like we've done nothing this year and we start again.
"It's just doing what we've been doing all pre-season, just focusing on our plays and building those combos together and hopefully it comes together on the weekend.”
