Gold Coast Titans hooker Oliver Pascoe is relishing the challenge of life in the NRL starting side, determined to keep backing himself as he continues to grow into the No.9 jersey.
Handed the chance to start in recent weeks, the rake has embraced the step up, adjusting to the pace of the top grade while enjoying the opportunity to test himself against the best.
“It’s been really good,” Pascoe said.
“It’s another challenge for me in NRL and it’s definitely quicker.
"It’s taking a bit to get used to the speed and stuff like that, but I’m enjoying the challenge.
“You’re coming up against the best of the best and to start the game, so you’ve got to be ready and you’ve got to be prepared for that. I’m loving it.”
Pascoe’s energy around the ruck and willingness to run has quickly become a feature of his game, with the 26-year-old revealing the message from coaches has been to simply to trust his instincts and keep playing what’s in front of him.
“Probably just to keep doing it, keep backing yourself,” he said.
“It’s when you second guess yourself, you don’t do the right thing, I guess.
"So just keep being me, keep running and getting the boys onto the ball and good things will happen.”
That confidence has also been helped by the support of teammate Sam Verrills, who Pascoe praised for the way he has handled the change.
“He actually really is encouraging,” Pascoe said.
“The first thing he said to me was I played really well on the weekend and that’s something really nice of him because he’s such a good dummy half, such a good person. So he’s been really good about it.”
Reflecting on last weekend’s clash, Pascoe said the Titans showed they could match it with quality opposition for long periods, but recognised the fine margins that can decide games at NRL level.
“I feel like we were in it for a fairly long time, but it’s just moments, and that’s what NRL is about,” he said.
“There’s always moments in games, and whoever usually chooses the right moment gets the game.
“So we’ve got to keep building on that and keep improving each week.”
Attention now turns to a tough assignment against the Manly Sea Eagles at a packed and hostile 4 Pines Park, with Pascoe eager to embrace another challenge on the road.
“I’m actually excited. I love that kind of stuff,” he said.
“It’s another challenge for us as a team and for me personally, so I just want to put my best foot forward.”
Pascoe expects defence to be a major focus against the in-form Sea Eagles, but believes the Titans’ game plan remains simple, defend well, stay in the contest and back themselves when opportunities come.
“They’ve got a big pack, really good outside backs, so it’s going to be a D (defensive) focus,” he said.
“Then once we get the chance to attack, just play our footy and back ourselves.”
On the back of State of Origin teams being announced this week, Pascoe admits representative football is an ambition for the future, but his focus remains firmly on performing each week in Titans colours.
“Obviously that’s something you always want to do, but I’ve got jobs here and [need to] keep putting my best foot forward and just play footy.”
And although the chance to feature in the club’s historic Las Vegas season opener in 2027 looms as an exciting prospect, Pascoe isn’t looking too far ahead just yet.
“It’s obviously exciting. It’s pretty cool, probably a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.
“But I haven’t really thought about it too much though because obviously I’ve got this year to focus on, each game week by week.”
The Titans take on the Sea Eagles at 7:35pm Saturday night at 4 Pines Park Brookvale and via Kayo and Fox Sports.
