Gold Coast co-captain Greg Bird doesn’t think the Titans are getting the respect they are due for their strong start to the NRL season.
The Titans sit equal on points with Canterbury and Manly on the top of the ladder with six wins from eight games.
But while Bird is certain the Titans aren’t getting as much love for their impressive form as other clubs, that’s fine with him.
All he cares about is getting victories and if no-one pays attention until they are lining up in a final in September, so be it.
“I’m happy to keep slipping under the radar all the way to the semi-finals if that’s going to be the case,” Bird said.
“I’m sure it won’t be but I’m happy to just keep winning games. It’s definitely a good feeling around the place especially coming off a few bare seasons.”
Bird doesn’t expect the lack of hype to remain for much longer, especially if the Titans can clinch a win over South Sydney on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The NSW and Australia forward rates the Rabbitohs pack as the benchmark in the competition with English international brothers Sam and George Burgess among the very toughest opponents.
“There’s really going to be no comparison to coming up against the Burgess boys,” Bird said.
“They’re internationals. They’ve done it for a couple of years now and they’re only getting better with every game.
“They’re not just big, they can step and they’ve got speed. It’s going to be a mission.”
The Titans are still uncertain about their line-up for Saturday’s match with halves pair Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer both battling to prove their fitness.
Kelly took part in light drills during Wednesday’s training run but Sezer was a notable absentee with Will Zillman running drills as a stand-in five-eighth.
Bird said losing either playmaker will be a big hurdle to overcome.
“I don’t think any team can lose their top two halves and be in perfect shape,” he said.
P22
Guest
It's because you haven't beaten much, a very lucky win against storm, a fluke against the cowboys and played Wests twice. Beaten sharks early when they were a basket case, same with raiders. The win against the Broncos was tinny, spilled kick from Barba and a 50-50, right time right place full length try. Pure luck both tries. Titans season is just that, lucky calls at the right time and playing opponents when they are off. Come round 15, titans will be struggling to hold on to a top eight spot. People just surprised your even on the radar, Birdy.
josh
Roar Rookie
The counter could be the Titans apply sufficient defensive pressure to force turnovers. It's very basic to assume all errors are unforced errors and therefore a fluke.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
thats because they havent done anything to earn any respect yet. Missed the finals the last 3 seasons, have a terrible attack, inconsistent defence etc etc. The signing of Bird coincided with the unsuccessful seasons too
Callum Murphy
Roar Rookie
AMEN KB
KB
Guest
The Titans will be there this year when the whips are crackin'. Strong personnel. If they were Souths the media would be all over em'. They will destroy the Rabbits.
BA Sports
Guest
I would like to know (cause I am too lazy to look it up right now) how many of their tries have come direct from turnovers (ie opposition errors, intercepts, charge downs etc) because anecdotally it seems to be they score at least one try a game in that manner, which would have them on pace to smash the record. That says to me, they are playing with a bit of luck (some of which you make yourself), but it isn't sustainable. IE - Sooner or later people will just dummy and run at Kelly.
Callum Murphy
Roar Rookie
You are a Fool^^^^^ The Titans have been one of the best teams this year if not THE best! They never get recognized and when they do it's the occasional, "yeah they goin alright". Its time this team got some love. Good Work Birdy!
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
That because we all know by the end of the year they won't make the 8. Truth hurts birdy