Boosted by a shock win over Manly, lowly-placed Gold Coast believe they can get their NRL season back on track by knocking off an in-form Brisbane in Friday night’s derby at Suncorp Stadium.
Confidence in the Titans’ camp has soared since the club’s 26-14 upset over Manly at their Brookvale Oval fortress last round.
Now they want to taken their game to the next level against the Broncos, who’ve won five in a row and six of their seven games this season.
It’s no surprise the Titan leading the call to kick things up another notch is veteran prop Luke Bailey, who’ll feel the full brunt of Brisbane’s representative front-row pair Petero Civoniceva and Ben Hannant, who has started the year in great form.
Bailey respects the Broncos pack but believes his forwards are always under-rated and up to the challenge.
“We’re looking to grow another leg on our last performance against Manly, and there’s a bit better feel around the place so we’re looking forward to it,” said Bailey.
“I’ve been watching Benny Hannant and he’s probably the standout front-rower of the year so far and, especially in the Anzac game (Test), he was quite strong.
“I’m really looking forward to being matched up against him, but you’ve got Petro, (Josh) McGuire and (Sam) Thaiday – it’s a great pack.
“But I really fancy our pack. We’ve got to start stringing a few wins together hopefully and show everyone what we’ve got.”
Bailey, who has played against Civoniceva and Hannant many times, will have a new rival with Brisbane set to name hard-running prop Dunamis Lui on the bench for his first appearance of 2012.
Lui hyperextended his left elbow in a pre-season trial against the Titans and feared the injury could be long term.
“I thought I dislocated it when it happened. It was just hanging down – I couldn’t really feel anything,” said Lui who, along with another up-and-coming young prop Dave Hala, will be important to Brisbane should State of Origin selectors call up both Civoniceva and Hannant for duty next month.
“I’m hoping I can make an impact off the bench when I get on,” added Lui, who has bulked up to 108kg this season.
With competition fierce for places in Brisbane’s pack, Lui knows he has to step his game up quickly.
“It’s time to go. There are a few boys pushing from the under 20s so the heat is on to play well,” said Lui.