Titans coach Garth Brennan has praised the winning mentality his side carried into their surprising 26-18 win over the Broncos and challenged them to continue it on Friday night against the Warriors.
On the back of their fourth win of the season the Titans have just five days to prepare to host the Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium but do so buoyed by a performance in which they led 26-6 and withstood a late Broncos surge, the second year in succession they have defeated Brisbane on their home turf.
In four of their five most recent losses the Titans have led by significant margins, their 6-4 loss to the Cowboys last weekend the final straw.
Brennan demanded they do whatever was necessary to win and despite being without halfback Ash Taylor after he requested time out from the club, a gutsy effort ensured a confidence-building victory.
"I've seen how hard they've been hurting in the sheds after a loss. Last week was a tough one, we nearly grabbed it at the end and they were hurting at the end of the game last week," Brennan said.
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
"We basically said that enough's enough. We drew a bit of a line in the sand. We needed to start putting the effort in and start working harder for each other and do whatever it takes to grind out a win.
"At times they did that. They didn't execute perfectly but I thought the desire was there. They showed that they wanted to win.
"I expect that from them every week, it's the NRL. If you don't bring that you don't win, it's as simple as that. It's so close, it's so tough, if you're a little bit off with your mindset or your mentality or the effort's not there you get beat.
"Hopefully one thing that it does solve is that it gives us a bit more confidence which sometimes we've been lacking. Hopefully we can build on that."
With Taylor absent to address personal issues and the news reported by NRL.com that Tyrone Peachey wants a mid-season release on compassionate grounds it was a win full of character.
Halves Tyrone Roberts and Ryley Jacks controlled the side superbly, Moeaki Fotuaika and Jarrod Wallace laid the groundwork through the middle and fullback AJ Brimson was not only a spark in attack but came up with some critical defensive efforts on their goal line.
Peachey declined interview requests after the game and Brennan said he had little knowledge of any discussions regarding an early release from his contract, deferring to head of football Mal Meninga.
"I haven't spoken to Tyrone about any of that,” Brennan said.
"I'm leaving that to Mal to deal with with Tyrone and his management. I don't know myself exactly what's going on or what the details are behind it, I'm focusing on coaching the footy team.
"Tyrone played well today, that's all I'm focused on, him as a player. I know Mal's working with his management to sort out any little issues that there may or may not be."
