Gold Coast Titans say wins the priority in Slater, Thurston farewell matches

THE next fortnight of Titans fixtures may be about farewelling champions of the game but they’re also vital for the Gold Coast to gain momentum ahead of next season.

THE next fortnight of Titans fixtures may be about farewelling champions of the game but they’re also vital for the Gold Coast to gain momentum ahead of next season.

Plenty of focus will be on Billy Slater playing his final fixture in Queensland tonight when the Titans take on the Storm, while all eyes will be on Johnathan Thurston next week in the final match of his career.

But Titans coach Garth Brennan said it was crucial his side aimed up in their last two games of the season after some disappointing performances at home.

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Billy Slater of the Storm during the Round 10 match against the Titans. He will be farewelled by Queensland fans today but the Titans are gunning for an upset of the Storm. Photo: AAP

“I’d love to be playing semi-final football and I’m disappointed with where we’re sitting on the table but excited and quite happy with the development of this club this year,” Brennan said.

“(These last matches) are two really big games.

“You’ve got Melbourne and Billy Slater’s last game in Queensland against the benchmark of the competition.

“And then we finish off against the Cowboys, who I think have probably the greatest player I’ve ever seen in our last game.

“So it’s a great challenge for us to be at home in front of our supporters.

“If you can’t get up for those games, you’re playing the wrong sport.”

Johnathan Thurston, pictured here tackling Titans forward Kevin Proctor, will play the final game of his career on the Gold Coast next week. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Titans boss Graham Annesley said the Gold Coast was determined to honour both Slater and Thurston. But the Titans’ aim remained to win both games.

“But to be able to send Slater off with his last ever game in Queensland (tonight) and JT next week with his last game of rugby league ever, is a great honour for our club and the people of the Gold Coast and Queensland.”