Saturday's showdown against the Panthers may provide an opportunity for the Titans to strike while the iron is hot should Ivan Cleary rest his Origin stars.
Boasting an incredible 12-1 record coming into the Round 16 clash, the ladder leaders can afford to give Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo the night off after running out for the Blues in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
But for Gold Coast rookie Cooper Bai, he wants them to play... relishing the challenge to square off and earn the two points against Penrith's best.
"It'd be nice to play against the calibre of players like Isaah and Nathan and get a taste of how they play and be out there and feel it instead of just sitting behind a TV and watching them," he said.
"Just to see how Yeo does stuff on the field... that would be huge for myself.
"We know we have to be a lot better than what we were against the Tigers last weekend.
"They're a really good side and there's no doubt they're going to bring their class this Saturday. We've just got to connect as a team and train well together to have really good prep so we can get ourselves in the best position to win."
Match: Titans v Panthers
Round 16 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Speaking in the pre-season about how closely he's studied Yeo's game as a ball-playing lock and wanting to emulate his form, Bai has been a regular in the No. 13 jersey since Round 10 and enjoys the faith Josh Hannay has shown in him.
The Titans coach slowly increasing his minutes throughout the season to now average 40 minutes per game as a starter.
"I've been loving starting," Bai said.
"I really like the role and the trust I've been given from Josh and the coaches to start and get that first impact into the game.
"He wants us [younger boys] to get out there and get as much experience as possible playing NRL each week, especially starting.
"Now I'm just trying to improve my game and play better and better each week."
'I've been loving starting': Bai
Close to inspirational leader Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Bai and the club are rallying behind their co-captain this week following the passing of his father Fereti - the playing squad wrapping their arms around their skipper this week.
"I sent him a message before our Tigers game to show him that I'm here for him and I know everyone else at the club is too, from the players and the staff," Bai said.
"For him to go and see his dad and his family often and be there 24/7 for them, but also be here for us 24/7 really shows his character as a person and who he is.
"He and his family have done a lot for this club so we want to try to help them through this tough time."
