If you ever needed a reason to book a ticket to the Titans trial match against the Warriors at Lismore's Oakes Oval on Saturday February 27th, maybe rugby league immortal Mal Meninga can help.
The Kangaroos Coach and Titans consultant will be in the Northern Rivers, not only watching the game but he'll also feature at a dinner at the Lismore Workers Club on Friday February 26th.
In terms of on-field action, Meninga says it will be a great chance to get a first glimpse of two sides that are expected to perform strongly in 2021.
"Both teams finished the year really really strongly, both teams have recruited really well," Meninga said, speaking to Joanne Shoebridge on ABC North Coast.
"Justin (Holbrook) is now in his second year of coaching with the Titans and doing a terrific job and Nathan Brown takes over the Warriors for the first time, so it's going to be really interesting.
"Both clubs are expected to go up the ladder and there is high expectations of playing finals footy this year, so I think this will be a great hit-out.
"All the big guns will be there and they will be fighting for a position in their teams."
After finishing 2020 with a Club record equalling five-straight wins, Meninga says there is plenty to like for Titans fans ahead of the 2021 season beginning.
"I'm really pleased with the depth of our roster, I'm really pleased with our recruitment and the players that have come to the club but I'm also really happy with how it is handled with our pathway programs," he said.
"We've got some really strong talent, some fantastic talent, within the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Tweed areas so we're starting to see some of our local young kids starting to push through as well.
"I think our better years (as a Club) are going to be in front of us to be honest with you, I think we will be successful this year but going in to 2022, 23, 24 I think we will hopefully be contesting grand finals.
"Since my time at the Titans, we've put a really strong emphasis on the Northern Rivers area because we know it is such a great strong rugby league fraternity and it is fantastic that we get down to Lismore at the back end of this month to play the trial against the Warriors.
"It's also about getting out into the community and the team will come in and do coaching clinics and I've got that night on the Friday night.
"I think it is very, very important that rugby league clubs make their presence felt in the regional and rural areas."
Meninga will features as part of Lismore City Council's "Night with Rugby League Legends" ahead of the NRL pre-season, with tickets selling fast for the event.
For more information or to purchase tickets to see the Titans play the Warriors at Oakes Oval, head to visitlismore.com.au.
