Hasler focused on simple strategy to keep Titans' finals hopes alive
Des, what's the strategy against the Dolphins this weekend?
To win.
It might be simple, but the Titans mentor knows there is one thing that can guarantee finals football for his side in 2024, and it starts this Sunday in the Sunshine Showdown against the Dolphins.
"It will be a really competitive game for both sides and it's a game that both sides need to win, so I think it will be a cracking game," Hasler said.
Asked of his sides can play finals, Hasler was bullish on what is possible.
"Yes (we can play finals). Mathematically we know we are a chance, but we can only control that by winning," he said.
"What happens above us (on the ladder)... we are not thinking it is just going to happen, it is very congested, which is why the next couple of weeks are very important.
"The game is pressure and the game is motivation. They are big boys, they will handle the pressure of needing to win."
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Hasler knows his side will need to improve on their last start defeat to the Sea Eagles if he wants to beat long time foe and Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett.
"We were a bit disappointed in ourselves in our personal performances across the board (last week)," he said.
"There were patches of good, like we got off to a good start, but there were parts of the game where if we had them over again we would certainly rectify.
"We probably gave Manly a pretty easy passage down the middle of the field.
"There is probably parts where we let in tries last week that shouldn't have been scored, so you are always trying to limit points again.
"We just need to manage parts of the game better than we did last week."
The Titans take on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday at 4pm; live on Channel 9, 9 Now, Fox League and Kayo Sports.
