LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Jim Lenihan, the coach of the Gold Coast Titans, is not underestimating the significance of having Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jaimin Jolliffe back in the team this week.
Fa'asuamaleaui, the team's captain, has been absent for the past three weeks due to suspension, while Jolliffe has been recovering from a hand injury since Round 19.
Their return is crucial for the Titans' forward pack, especially with Moe Fotuaika serving a one-week ban for his involvement in last week's clash against the Warriors.
Lenihan is well aware of the important roles Fa'asuamaleaui and Jolliffe will play in combating the strong Cronulla Sharks front row, led by Braden Hamlin-Uele and Toby Rudolf.
Although the Titans' hopes of making the finals are now out of reach, Lenihan's team is not treating the Round 24 match as a write-off.
Instead, they are using it as an opportunity to establish a new team culture and identity under the guidance of incoming coach Des Hasler, who will take charge in 2024.
The focus is on building a gritty and tough team that refuses to be intimidated by other NRL sides.
Info/ref: titans.com.au