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Defying his veteran status, Mark Minichiello is springing out of bed like a kid on Christmas Day.
The Gold Coast veteran is clearly excited by the Titans’ strong start to the NRL season.
Despite a hiding by Wests Tigers in their second match of the year, the Titans are top of the table after six matches with their 12-8 win over Brisbane their fifth of the season.
The excitement around the Titans’ start to the year has created a buzz at Robina not felt since they reached the preliminary final in 2010.
It’s been a long time coming for Minichiello, who has made the most appearances in the club’s seven-year history.
“It makes it a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning when you’re winning,” Minichiello said.
“It’s a bit early to tell but we’re a really close-knit group and we’re building towards something really special.
“We’ve just got to keep winning, play consistent football and I think that feeling will keep growing the more you win. Hopefully come finals time, we’re on a roll.”
The Titans are enjoying a 10-day break before taking on Penrith next Monday.
That will give the group plenty of time to ponder their newfound status as competition frontrunners.
Ever the realist, coach John Cartwright is refusing to shout from the rooftops with three-quarters of the season to go and many top clubs yet to find consistent form.
“You look at the sides that aren’t in the eight at the moment – I’d be very surprised if they’re not there at the end of the year,” he said.
“That means somebody in the eight is going to have to make way for them.
“You’d certainly rather be there (top) than the other end however.”
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