Last word: Chance for freshen up

Justin Holbrook knows exactly what it's like to be a young playmaker trying to adjust to first grade.

Growing up as a goal-kicking half for Newcastle, Penrith and then finishing his career with the Roosters, the Titans coach debuted at age 23 and played three games in his first season in the Hunter Valley.

His journey as a player is why the Gold Coast mentor is best placed to opt to rest Toby Sexton from the rigours of NRL this weekend up against Melbourne, after being only one of two players to feature in all 19 games this season.

The 21-year-old will also be rested from Hostplus Cup duties with Tweed as a chance to freshen up in his first full year as being the side's full-time playmaker.

"He's been great for us, which we've said all year and he's played every game," Holbrook said.

"I thought last week was just another sign he just probably needed a break, but I haven't made a decision long term. Whether he comes back in again next week or whether he doesn't play again this year, I haven't made a decision on that.

"I just thought we've got to pick the best side for this week and I thought Tanah (Boyd) has been going really well for us and we've had the luxury of Jayden Campbell being fully fit now.

"That's why I've gone with Tanah, AJ (Brimson) and Jayden there (in the spine), so it's good timing to give Toby a bit of a freshen up."

Having only beaten the Storm twice in Melbourne since 2007, it's an almighty task to knock off the premiership contenders on their home turf, but Holbrook feels if his side can reduce their errors - especially at the beginning of the clash - they'll go a long way in competing, especially up against the formidable forward pack their opposition boast.

"Last week we made three errors in the first 10 minutes of the game and it's just ridiculous when they've got big front rowers (like Josh Papali'i and Joseph Tapine) who charge off the back fence and then we're just handing the ball over to him," Holbrook said.

"We're well aware that we can't afford to be doing that again because I thought last week we created enough opportunities, but we just let too many soft tries in, so we've got to give ourselves a chance tonight."

In a huge positive for the playing group, Erin Clark will play his 50th NRL game against the Storm and is a great news story that shows hard work and determination can help achieve goals and dreams.

"He's a great story for rugby league... a good young star coming through that never quite got there. He then got away from the game and just came up here for an opportunity and got himself really, really fit. Now he's become such an important part of our team," Holbrook said.

"Especially in that 13 role, where he's got great ball skills and he's very tough and competitive. 

"He's quickly becoming a really important part of our team moving forward and I'm really excited about how much better he's going to get over this couple of years too.

"It's a great story for a good young player that probably lost the love and had a few things not go his way, but he just kept fighting for it.

"I'm really happy that he's got the 50 games and he'll get a lot more."