Gold Coast made history for all the wrong reasons last week and fullback AJ Brimson says the team has addressed the attitude problem that plagued them against the Dolphins.
After leading 26-0, the Titans lost 28-26 on Sunday to equal an all-time premiership record set in 1998 by Penrith when the Panthers lost 36-28 to North Queensland after also leading 26-0.
The Titans, outside the top eight on eight points, play the second-placed Manly (11 points) on Saturday at 4 Pines Park.
Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui said after the Dolphins loss his team had an attitude problem that needed addressing
“We can play such good footy and then let in as many points just as quickly which is disappointing,” Brimson said.
“I think Tino is right. It is an attitude thing. The game was lost on the weekend at the start of the second-half, with the way we came out with a different attitude.
“Look at our first few defensive sets in the first half compared to the second half, where our intent was nowhere near as high.
“That is something we have to overcome and learn from as a group. It is obviously not good enough but the only thing we can do is learn from it.”
Brimson was electrifying in the first half against the Dolphins on his return from a hamstring tear but, like the rest of his teammates, had an underwhelming second stanza.
It is the Jekyll and Hyde aspect to the team that had coach Justin Holbrook frustrated after the loss. It is not the first time the Titans have gone missing during a game and Holbrook said it could not continue.
Brimson said he was hoping to line up against named Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic, who has a minor adductor injury after limping off during the win over Wests Tigers on Sunday.
The Titans custodian said he was hoping Trbojevic was not ruled out despite the influence he has on Manly.
“I hope he does play and I am looking forward to that sort of a challenge,” Brimson said.
“I always like coming up against him. He is one of the best players in the comp.
“It definitely has an impact on how I would approach the game, if he is playing or not. He is their main indicator so I will follow him wherever he goes but they are a pretty dangerous team without him anyway.”
© AAP 2023
