3 minute read

Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has no doubt he's got the ability to revive the Titans after their horror NRL season.

He's got the backing of his bosses and Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook is adamant he's the right man to turn around the ailing the NRL club.

The Titans are desperately close to picking up a second wooden spoon in four years after slumping to a 36-24 home loss to Canberra on Saturday - their ninth defeat on the bounce.

It means with five games to play in 2022, Gold Coast have just three wins from 19 matches and are in a desperate battle with Wests Tigers to avoid finishing bottom.

Despite the shocking season, club owner Rebecca Frizelle gave a vote of confidence in Holbrook, stating the Titans would head into 2023 "with the same coach" at the Women In League breakfast earlier this week.

Holbrook has welcomed that support but swiftly dismissed any suggestion the horror season had dented his own belief in his coaching abilities.

"I've been coaching a long time," he said.

"The inexperienced spine's absolutely made it so difficult, in particular on our forwards. Our forwards are trying so hard and it's just the position we're in.

"We'll fix that and get going again."

Gold Coast's losing run has taken its toll on captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as well.

A heart-on-his-sleeve player, Fa'asuamaleaui has issued an ultimatum to his teammates for the final five matches of his debut campaign as captain.

The Queensland State of Origin forward says if players want to be part of the club going forward it was up to them to show it in the closing weeks of the campaign.

"It's boys just wanting to play for the club, that are willing to make tackles and save tries and make them little effort plays for the team," Fa'asuamaleaui said.

"That's important going into next year.

"You want boys that want to see the club do well and stick with us through these tough times and just have a crack and play footy. That's important the next five weeks."