More than just bragging rights motivating M1 derby
Titans coach Des Hasler knows there's more than just bragging rights as a motivator for this weekend's Macca's Local Derby clash against the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium.
Not only facing their South East Queensland rivals from up the M1 with the intention to retain their bragging rights over their Brisbane brothers, the Gold Coast will run out to a sold-out home venue after the full house sign went up on Wednesday.
The win is also crucial for the Titans to continue their run to the finals, having won four of their past five games in their quest to progress up the ladder, but the experienced mentor knows the challenge that now lies ahead, especially against an under siege opposition who have had a drama-filled week.
"You can be as wary as you like, but it’s about the performance on the day and that’s all you can really control," Hasler said.
"Both sides have had up and down years. Sometimes with local derbies, bragging rights are always the motivation, but I think both sides have extenuating reasons to perform well
"I don’t see anything different on Saturday afternoon."
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 22 -
home Team
Titans
13th Position
away Team
Broncos
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Expecting Jaimin Jolliffe to return from a pec tear with the hard-working prop having not featured since Round 11; Hasler has opted to keep AJ Brimson on ice for another week as he continues to work back from a groin injury.
"He’s tracking well Jimmy... he’s got one session to get through (on Friday) and then if he clears that, he’ll play," he said.
"AJ will be another week. We’re taking our time with it. We’re in the position where we can do that. It’s one that we don’t want to be rushing."
Having the luxury of Keano Kini filling that No.1 spot in Brimson's absence with the 20-year-old whiz kid dominating in only his second year of the NRL, the Titans coach has enjoyed the recent continuity of his spine which has helped in the success on-field.
He's also relished the growth of the quartet as they prepare for their sixth consecutive game together.
"Jayden Campbell is going from strength-to-strength, Sam Verrills is playing some of the best footy he’s played out of nine. Foz (Kieran Foran) just keeps going and going and Keano Kini just continues to improve and improve," Hasler said.
