There's added motivation for the Gold Coast Titans to get the win this Saturday as head coach Justin Holbrook celebrates a special milestone with the club.
Saturday's Round 5 blockbuster against the Parramatta Eels will be the mentor's 50th NRL game at the helm, beginning at Parkwood in 2020 fresh from winning the Super League title with St. Helen's.
The former halfback feels the achievement has validated him as an 'official' first grade coach in his third season in charge.
"We always say the players have to play 50 games to be a first grade player, so I guess you have to coach 50 to be a first grade coach... so I've now made that category," Holbrook joked.
"I got asked to reflect on it, but it's all happened so quick. We're in Round 5 already.
"For me, it's just head down and it'll be great to get a win over Parramatta.
"Not for me, but for the boys and the club."
Match: Titans v Eels
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
10th Position
away Team
Eels
4th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is thrilled for his coach to celebrate the special milestone given their close-knit relationship.
"It's pretty cool. I'm very close to him and he's going to be a big part of my career and the rest of the boys here," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"I'm excited for him this weekend and hopefully we get the win for him and be able to celebrate after."
He is particularly appreciative of Holbrook's commitment to help shape the 22-year-old's career, especially in his first year of captaincy.
"He gives me advice at training and asks me what my thoughts are and if I need to do anything better for my game. He gives me plenty of advice, especially from the weekend just gone. That's what we typically discuss at training a lot," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"It's good to have that relationship with someone that is upfront about your game and helps me with things that I need to get better and tells me things that I'm doing well.
"I've got a great relationship with Justo."
There's also been plenty of support for Holbrook from the Legion, with Titans super fan and proud member Daniel Gossling - famous for his 'shirt-off' antics to celebrate tries at Cbus Super Stadium - sharing positive sentiment, much like the many comments from supporters online.
"He's been great for the club. It's been great to have a few conversations with him now and it's really great to see him a part of the club," Gossling said.
"He's got us going on-field which is great and I can't wait to celebrate his next 50 games at the club."
The Titans are out for revenge this Saturday night against the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium. Secure your seat now.
