Chance to set season alight

IF Gold Coast can defy Ash Taylor’s absence and their horrible history against the Warriors to win today, the signs could be good for the year ahead.

The Titans are looking to be two-from-two for just the second time in their NRL history.

The only other time they achieved the feat – in 2010 – they went on to enjoy their best ever campaign, making it all the way to the preliminary final.

However, going by Titans coach Garth Brennan’s assessment of the Warriors’ 32-20 win over South Sydney last weekend, repeating the feat is going to be no easy task.

“The Warriors were clinical for 80 minutes,” Brennan said.

“I have said it a few times this week that it was probably the best 80-minute performance I have seen from a Warriors team.

“I thought they were really well led in their pack with Tohu Harris and Adam Blair and some of the guys they have had there for some time.

“They have always been big and physical but they have come with some really steely edge about their pack at the moment with those two guys coming into their squad.”

Adding to the threat posed by the Auckland outfit has been five-eighth Blake Green’s recruitment to steady the ship alongside electric halfback Shaun Johnson.

Meanwhile, the match will mark Gold Coast centre Konrad Hurrell’s first time playing against his former club at Mt Smart Stadium.

“I wouldn’t swap him for another centre in the game,” Brennan beamed. “His work ethic at training is enormous.”