Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook on how to handle emotions against Brisbane

A bitter rivalry and some of the most enticing match ups in the NRL. Emotions could easily spill over when the Titans and Broncos meet in round 7. And this is how Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook will instruct his players on how to handle it.

Keep it together.

That is one of the key messages from Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook as his team heads into one of its biggest games of the season so far.

Disclipline when emotions threaten to boilover between the bitter rivals is what Holbrook says will prove the difference in Saturday’s derby.

There is no love lost between the two Queensland clubs separated by the M1, with any on-field incidents enough to potentially set off physical fireworks between players at Cbus Super Stadium after tonight’s 7.35pm kickoff.

“It’s about discipline and not overstepping the mark,” Holbrook said.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui of the Titans looks on during the round six NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium on April 09, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“That is the balance we have to get right, as do Brisbane.

“Both sides are playing well and it will be a really good game of footy.

“We know the sort of stuff you can’t get away with anymore so you have to keep a cool head.”

Headlining the duels will be captains Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Payne Haas who have history of coming to blows.

Holbrook said having two premier forwards going toe-to-toe highlights some of the most enticing head-to-head match ups in the game.

“That is a great part of our game,” Holbrook said.

“We have got two fantastic players who are so good. Tino is a phenomenal player who played 71 minutes last week (against St George Illawarra), that is unbelievable for a middle forward and Payno isn’t far behind him. He is capable of that as well.

“It is a great reason for people to come. JC (Jayden Campbell) against Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and we have Kieran Foran coming back.”

Originally published as Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook on how to handle emotions against Brisbane