Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah believes current issues faced by embattled club Gold Coast could galvanise their Round 1 opponents when their season kicks off on Saturday week.
Speaking at the club's season launch at Waterview, Bicentennial Park on Thursday, Farah said new coach Jason Taylor had addressed the team about the Titans drama and instructed them to remain focused on their own preparations.
"We had training, I can't remember what day it was this week, where JT made a quick mention of it and that he won't be talking about it again. For us it's not an issue," Farah said.
"We see it, we hear about it. But we're not too concerned. We can't control what they do and how they're going to play on the night. For us, we've just got to take care of what we're doing, that's the only thing we're in control of.
"Our preparation is key. An away game in Round 1 is always tough no matter what. We've got to start well and that's something we're looking to do."
The Titans could be without five players for their home opener, including key men Greg Bird and David Taylor, after they were stood down following drugs-related charges.
Farah said he knew of the dangers in facing an opposition team and fanbase with their backs against the wall but remained positive about the Tigers' own chances of a season-opening win.
"It could [galvanise them]. It could go either way. I don't know. I don't know how their players are feeling. We're confident in the way we're going and we're going up there to win," he said.
The NSW Blues hooker and Kangaroos utility also expressed concern regarding the welfare of representative teammate Bird.
"You are always concerned about your friends, but I don't want to get caught up talking about them. I don't know the details of what's going on and it's not for me to comment," he said.
The Tigers will open their season against the Titans at Cbus Stadium next Saturday evening, before playing their first home game of the year against the Dragons in Campbelltown in Round 2.
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