Kevin Proctor wants to lead the Titans from the outhouse to the penthouse, believing the current playing group is capable of taking the club there.
In danger of being the worst-performing team in Titans history, Gold Coast host their penultimate home game of the year against the Eels on Friday night, having conceded 170 points in the four games since the sacking of coach Garth Brennan.
Stand-in coach Craig Hodges has named the same 13 who started against the Dragons to run out against the Eels, with veteran Michael Gordon added to the bench and Nathan Peats included on the extended reserves in his return from a knee injury.
Of the 17 who played in last Saturday's 40-28 loss to the Dragons only Ryley Jacks, Jesse Arthars and Brenko Lee are not contracted to the Titans next season, leaving incoming coach Justin Holbrook with little flexibility in terms of a roster restructure.
In the third year of a four-year deal, Proctor has done his best to hold together a defence that has relented repeatedly under a deluge of points and wants to be at the Titans when the tide turns.
"I want to be there when they're successful,” said Proctor ahead of his 237th NRL appearance.
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"I know they're on the right road, it just hasn't clicked for us yet. I want to try and be there when they have the glory days as well.”
Named co-captain prior to the start of the 2017 season, Proctor had his leadership role stripped in the wake of a drugs scandal whilst in camp with the New Zealand national team.
With club captain Ryan James and Tyrone Roberts both sidelined through injury, the 30-year-old was recently reinstated as skipper, recognition of his status within the squad that he hopes to take forward into 2020 and beyond.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity, especially after everything that happened,” Proctor said.
"I know there was only six weeks left to go but to even be put in that picture builds me with a little bit of confidence.
"I'll just try and do my best job for the rest of the year.
"I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm comfortable here but you've got to do what you've got to do sometimes.
"I'm just trying to take it week by week and finish off the year as well as I can.”
In a season of few highlights the continued development of young prop Moeaki Fotuaika shines as a beacon of hope for the future.
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The 19-year-old is averaging 131 metres in 18 games in his second year in the top grade and says the team owes their loyal fans a more committed showing on Friday night.
"They've been through the highs and lows with us and we have to put in a good performance because they're digging into their pockets to come and watch us every weekend,” Fotuaika said.
"The boys talk about it through training, about the fans digging into their pockets.
"They're using their money to come and support us so the least we can do is put in a good effort and show them that we're putting our best foot forward to take this club in the right direction.
"The least we can do is put in a good performance and hopefully get a win too.”
