Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay is adamant that seeking short-term fixes is not the solution, especially after the Titans suffered their fifth straight defeat.
Currently, the Titans sit at 16th place with just six wins this season, mirroring their disappointing finish from the previous season that saw former coach Des Hasler let go.
In a match against South Sydney at Robina, the Titans fell behind 28-0, rallied to a closer 28-16 score, but ultimately lost 42-22.
Hannay recognized "the ugly start" and emphasized the need to understand its causes.
He pointed out that issues in different games stemmed from players "missing their assignment," which wasn't due to a lack of effort or understanding.
"It is a mental thing and not a physical thing," he explained.
"Once we get into the contest we go toe-to-toe with teams. It was looking scary (at 28-0 down), but I thought midway through the second half we might have gone on and won it.
We were way on top, but once we got ahead, we lacked the experience and know-how to close it out."
When questioned about whether to trust the current players or chase new talent, Hannay was firm.
"To become experienced you've got to go through it," he stated.
"You don't go out and buy experience. You've actually got to gain it, you've got to earn it. You've got to play 100 games.
This idea that we constantly want to go out and buy solutions... it's just garbage. It's not the answer.
If you feel confident you've got the right people, then you persist with them. You're going to go through some tough times, but if you believe in your group, you stick with them.
When they emerge on the other side, they'll know how to handle those situations."
Hannay also acknowledged that while clubs rarely allow coaches to implement long-term strategies, a turnaround may not be far off.
"It might be 12 months away. Things can turn quickly," he noted.
"(We're) pretty clear on the group we've got here and persisting with this group. There's no quick fix like signing an experienced player to solve all issues.
You've got to commit to something and see it through."
Team captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, having experienced difficult times with the Titans, expressed his confidence in Hannay.
"We have got the cattle, we've got the people around us to get us to the place I've always seen us as a club, and I back that 100 percent," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"Obviously, there have been some dark times for this club this year, but within the four walls, there's a lot of light.
I know people outside wouldn't see that, but I back this group and the boys to stay strong, support the coach, and we'll reach the goals.
Whether that's in 12 months or two years, I'm committed to it, and I will continue to support it because the person next to me here, Josh, is the person I back, and so does the entire group."