This weekend's occasion couldn't be anymore important for the Gold Coast Titans NRLW side.
The clash against the Brisbane Broncos will be the first home game at Cbus Super Stadium, the first time they'll meet their interstate rivals in the local derby and is a must-win if they want they control their destiny into finals and not have to rely on results going their way to play past the home and away season.
The stakes are high, as is the pressure and no one knows that more than coach Jamie Feeney, who has worked hard to prepare his side for the ladder leaders on Saturday.
"It's all in our hands. We’re going to be the ones who will win or lose the game," Feeney said.
"All credit to our opposition, but I think the two games we’ve lost have been from our wrongdoings. We’ve been in both of those games and it’s been up to us to get ourselves out of those games. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the energy because we coughed too much footy up.
"It’s been in our hands and this weekend is no different. The pressure will be there and hopefully our girls will perform."
Steph Hancock gets the short-handed Titans on the board
There in numbers, parochially helping overcome the challenge will be the roaring Legion of members and fans, with the match the first time the NRLW Titans will run out at Cbus Super Stadium, ahead of the NRL Titans playing the Warriors at 2pm.
"I’m very excited. Last week was exciting that we got to play in front of the boys as well," Feeney said.
"Whenever the two teams can play at the same ground and particularly this weekend at our home ground, then it’s going to be a really big occasion for everyone."
Although missing stars Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle through injury and illness, the Gold Coast coach knows they'll still be on top of their game as the reigning three-time premiers.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
4th Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
"They’ll bring what they always do. They’re consistently good every week and they'll bring their game," Feeney said.
"It’s supposed to be the interstate rivalry although we haven’t played each other before, so I’m guessing they’ll bring their intensity, and we have to match it.
"If there’s ever a game that we’re going to be up for, it should be our first home game in front of our community, so hopefully our girls will be prepared and ready for the battle."
Also inspiring the motivation to get the two points is the Titans' flood recovery fundraiser, with $20 from every ticket sold for this weekend's double header going towards relief programs for devastated areas in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
"It is a great and supportive club, not just in response to what’s happening now, but we're proactive in getting out into the community and supporting so many initiatives," Feeney said.
"Some of the video footage and some of our players have gone down, particularly as far south as Lismore and into those areas and they’ve just been devastated.
"It’s a great initiative by us and just another great thing this club does for the Gold Coast and our extended communities."
Gates open from 11.30am for the NRLW derby at 11.50am against the Broncos, before the NRL Round 2 clash between the Titans and Warriors at 2pm.
Be there at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, March 19 for the Gold Coast Titans' first home game of the year. A double header with the NRL and NRLW Titans in action. $20 from every ticket goes directly to the club's flood recovery initiative.
