DASH OF THE TITANS

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GOLD Coast coach Justin Holbrook says the Titans have no option but to embrace the underdogs tag this year as they embark on a giant-killing mission.

The Titans’ new era under Holbrook will begin in Canberra tonight when the Gold Coast take on the Raiders at GIO Stadium. A Round 1 clash against last year’s beaten grand finalists in the nation’s capital seems like a daunting start to the season for the reigning NRL wooden spooners.

But the Titans of 2020 are a reborn club, with Holbrook revitalising a team that lost their desire and spirit last year under former coach Garth Brennan. The Titans will start as rank outsiders tonight, but Holbrook said his team had to embrace it and prove they could match it with the NRL’s contenders.

“We’ve got no choice – where we finished (last year) we’re going to be underdogs,” he said.

“It doesn’t worry me. I don’t care if we’re favourites or we’re not favourites. It’s about playing well on the day and that’s all we’ll worry about. I think we’re equal with everyone in the competition – all 16 teams have shown that.

“We’ve seen some lopsided seasons. Parramatta struggled a couple of years ago then jumped out of the box last year.

“I’m not too worried about it. It’s a fresh season. The side’s got different players.

“We’re all on the same points at the moment.”

Despite missing AJ Brimson (back), Shannon Boyd (shoulder) and Moeaki Fotuaika (knee), the Titans are confident of giving Canberra a run for their money tonight.

The Raiders will enter 2020 with a number of questions to be answered.

They are without star forward John Bateman (shoulder), while grand final players Aidan Sezer, Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana are no longer at the club.

Canberra finished second in 2016 before missing the finals in 2017 (10th), and Holbrook said there was plenty of expectation on the Raiders this year.

“They had a great year last year and nearly won the competition so we’re expecting a tough game,” he said. “They do have a number of changes which I think is good for us.

“It’s a good time to get an opportunity to play them down there. They’re still a very dangerous side. Even though they’ve had a few changes … the guys they’ve brought in are good as well.”

Holbrook has given the No.9 jersey to Mitch Rein ahead of former NSW Origin hooker Nathan Peats, and will hand Gold Coast club debuts to props Sam Lisone and Jaimin Jolliffe.