Gold Coast hope to win over a few new fans when a club-first packed house fills their home stadium to send off Johnathan Thurston on Saturday.
The North Queensland legend will farewell his playing days in front of 27,500 fans in Robina in what is believed to be the Titans’ first sell-out match.
Coach Garth Brennan says his side will pay Thurston the respect he deserves while the Titans put on a show of their own in front of an unprecedented audience.
The final-round clash will pit 13th against 14th but the stakes are high for Brennan as he eyes the finish line of his first NRL season.
“It’s important we show our supporters and fans where we’re heading and I think we’ve done that pretty well so far this season,” he said.
“I don’t need to speak about it; it’s everywhere you look.
“It’s a big occasion for the Cowboys and JT, so it’s important we put a good performance on.”
Thurston orchestrated the Cowboys’ hiding of Parramatta in his Townsville goodbye last Friday and the hype train has barely slowed this week.
But the Titans lost 10-8 to Melbourne in one of their better efforts of the season last weekend and won’t be handing Thurston one last victory on a platter.
“He’s a massive competitor and he’ll be expecting us to come out full bore and we’re expecting them to come out with a lot of emotion as well,” Gold Coast junior and Titans captain Ryan James said.
“To be sold out is unbelievable for Gold Coast rugby league.
“They’re here to support us but also obviously JT … he’s a great person, great player and future immortal.”