Hasler emphasises importance of start with Ponga in their sights
It comes as no surprise Des Hasler's main focus this week has been on helping improve the Titans' start as they prepare to face Newcastle on Saturday night.
Continuous incomplete sets in the opening 20 minutes heaped pressure on Gold Coast, leading to the Bulldogs scoring four early tries to lead 22-0 before they managed to claw their way back into the game.
But the tough first period proved to be the catalyst for the eventual 40-24 loss; although Hasler isn't fully disappointed with the performance knowing if they can rectify their fundamentals, they'll be well and truly in the mix back at home this weekend.
"Some players earlier referenced it [in media]... it wasn't the start that we needed and it wasn't the start of the game we wanted as well," he said.
"They were a very good side.
"I said post-match how we didn't control our own outcomes well enough. We didn't control the field position well enough nor our share of possession.
"Once we did, there was some good characteristics I liked about it... but we probably ran out of time.
"We need to do better against a Newcastle side who are two and zip to start."
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 3 -
home Team
Titans
12th Position
away Team
Knights
6th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Bolstered by the fact Robina hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Novocastrians - last winning at the venue in 2015 - the home side will have a task on their hands trying to stop dynamic fullback Kalyn Ponga who is in scintillating form to start the season.
Currently leading the Dally M Medal with his exceptional back-to-back performances in the opening two rounds, he will be target number one for Hasler and his men coming into the clash, having done their homework on the Newcastle No. 1.
"Don't give him any room to move at all," he hinted.
"Saying it is one thing, but we've got to commit to it and he's in real, really good form this early in the season.
"Not just that, they (the whole team) have given him a really good platform for him to play."
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'Don't give him any room': Hasler
With a strong crowd expected for their return to Cbus Super Stadium, the Titans will hope to continue their good home form against the Knights to remain in touch with the top eight after getting two points for the first round bye to start the season.
