The Titans playing group may be disappointed they missed out on their final trial, but they haven't lost perspective of the current situation affecting South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
With a rain event 'like no other' causing major flooding in the greater Logan, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers areas, the rescheduled match fell victim as a result of the deluge, and whilst that hit-out was due to be the final chance for the squad to impress Justin Holbrook and the coaching staff, the club understand 'it is what it is' given the recent events unfolding across their footprint.
"We want to acknowledge the past 48 to 72 hours where a lot of our communities have been impacted by this weather event and some of that is continuing. The Northern Rivers have unfortunately been severely impacted at the moment, especially Lismore," Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said, speaking to media about the current flooding situation.
"We’re very conscious of the people who make up our catchment areas and the communities that support us and what they’re going through.
"You’re in our thoughts and in our hearts and we’re really conscious of the severe impact this event has had, so we’re thinking of you."
The major trial match against the Warriors was due to kick-off last Saturday in Redcliffe; but in the midst of the unfolding disaster; the game was relocated to Cbus Super Stadium and postponed 48 hours in the hope of the rain easing.
However; as the situation worsened throughout the weekend, it was decided among both clubs, the NRL and broadcasters that in the best interest of all parties, the game be scrapped due to what was transpiring across the Titans' footprint.
In an ideal world, the club would fight tooth and nail to play a final hit-out to finesse combinations and increase match fitness, but given the gravity of the situation around them, the playing group and staff have quickly shrugged off the need for a final hit-out and swiftly turned their attention to Round 1, ready to face Parramatta on Sunday week.
Match: Eels v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
7th Position
away Team
Titans
10th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
"It is an interruption but in saying that, we’ve got a great coach and a playing group that’s got a culture that continues to grow and is positive in where they’re heading," Mitchell said.
"They’ve had a very good off-season and are heading into a critical period and they’ve accepted it is what it is."
"They’re getting out and about and wanting to move forward and get to work, so they’re on and know the job that’s in front of them.
"It would’ve been good to get that game on against the Warriors, but there are people that have been people far more impacted than ourselves.
"The coach and the playing group are getting ready for Round 1."
Back training this week after the rain subsided across the Gold Coast, the Titans chief executive said there is a buzz around the camp despite all the distractions, and is appreciative of the condition Cbus Super Stadium is in for the players to resume their preparations.
"I've spoken with the coach and the playing group... they had a great session this morning and everyone is really really positive," Mitchell said.
"Because Cbus is such a great facility, the pitch drains so well. It is in really really good condition, and they’re excited about their preparation and where they’re currently at."
With the Titans training field at Parkwood also affected by flooding - albeit very minor in comparison to some levels of inundation in other areas - the playing group will look to utilise their match day ground and other local venues to remain on track for next weekend's season opener.
Likewise for the women who are getting ready for their Round 2 match-up against the Roosters.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
2nd Position
away Team
Titans
5th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
"We’re a diversifying club at the moment, so if we were looking for a water polo side at the moment, we’re very well positioned... but there is a bit of water across the field," Mitchell joked.
"We are training at a combination of Cbus and a couple of local facilities which has been great for us. Both our NRL and NRLW squads are doing likewise.
"One of our key partners has been Griffith University and they’ve been a great help for us.
"They're our high performance training partner and they’ve got fantastic facilities, so when we got back yesterday, the girls went down there and did some work and did some work here (at Parkwood) as we still had access to the aquatic centre, which is good.
"But the Griffith University team have a fantastic gym, running track, green space and all their academia there. So, that’s been brilliant there and we’ll continue to work with them this week.
"The girls will hopefully also train at Cbus so they can also do a captain’s run and full field set play work.
"We’re okay and we’re blessed to have great partners."
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