The next generation of Titans will this weekend put their hard work into practise when they take on the Newcastle Knights, in Coffs Harbour on Sunday.
The groups came together back in November for a full pre-season of training and they'll this week take on the Knights in both the U16s and U18s.
A number of players come from the Northern Rivers and will get the chance to play in front of family and friends this weekend, all whilst wearing Titans colours.
For centre, Jake Martin, it'll be hard to contain the nerves with so many people he knows in attendance.
"It's a big weekend ahead," he said. "Everyone will be there. Mum said they're bringing a bus down with the family so I'll be a bit nervous."
For back rower, Ben Liyou, there will be similar nerves playing in his local region.
"I'm really looking forward to it and it'll be a tough game against the Newcastle Knights," Liyou said.
"Plenty of family and friends will come and watch.
"It's always good to represent Grafton, it's where I played my juniors and then we played in Coffs last year."
For the two young men who hail from the Northern Rivers, it's been a huge test but also an opportunity to mix it with different players.
"It's a big step up from back home but I've loved it," Martin said.
"We've been working hard on the one percenters. Kicking, catching and tackling. They're all things that contribute to a win.
"It's been a big step up from down south," Liyou added. "The competition is a lot tougher but we're working our way up to their level."
The Knights will present a fair challenge with the club always performing strongly in the NSWRL SG Ball and Harold Matthews competition.
"Newcastle are always strong, they won the Harold Matthews a few years ago, so they'll definitely be a strong side.
"It'll be good. We've been working hard throughout the pre-season and it'll be good to see how it comes together on the weekend."
Details for the matches are as follows:
Location: Geoff King Motors Oval (Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW)
Time: U16s - 2:30pm; U18s - 4:00pm (NSW time)
