The Sea Eagles were delivered a reality check last Friday night as the Rabbitohs signaled their premiership intentions with a brave victory over the competition front-runners.
In a bruising 80 minutes of premium football, Manly were unable to fire as they struggled to contain South Sydney’s big men up the middle.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey was the first to admit that Souths simply strangled his side with their dominant wrestling display, particularly in the first half.
But have no doubt, the men in Maroon and White will use last week’s setback as motivation with the finals series fast approaching.
The Sea Eagles remain positive despite the outcome and will be out to avenge the disappointment of last week’s heartache against a Titans outfit struggling for form.
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Gold Coast are unlikely to make the top eight with four rounds remaining, however, we might see an entirely different football side on Sunday following the recent resignation of foundation coach John Cartwright.
In an attempt to send their only coach out a winner, the Titans put in a spirited performance against the premiers on Monday night but were unable to find the spark to claim victory.
Gold Coast’s record at home this season has led to their downfall, winning just two of 10 matches at Cbus Super Stadium.
Origin commitments and a host of injuries to star personnel have plagued their season. Having played the majority of the season without their first pick halves combination in Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly, the Titans have struggled to match it with their opposition.
However, with their season all but buried, the Titans will look to use the next month of football as a platform to inject into next season.
The Sea Eagles can ill afford to let complacency creep in on Sunday afternoon.. Teams who lose their coach in season have a history of coming out firing.
