Titans forward Keegan Hipgrave says arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook will give players ‘kick in the arse’

TITANS forward Keegan Hipgrave expects the arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook to give the playing group a much-needed “kick in the arse” as they brace for another torturous pre-season.

TITANS forward Keegan Hipgrave expects the arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook to give the playing group a much-needed “kick in the arse” as they brace for another torturous pre-season.

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With Holbrook setting up base on the Gold Coast this week, the majority of the Titans’ NRL squad will get their first taste of life under the premiership-winning St Helens mentor when they begin pre-season training on Monday.

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The Titans won just four games this season en route to the club’s second wooden spoon and were handed another blow on Tuesday with a horror draw to begin 2020, underlined by six-straight games against top-eight teams from this year.

Titans forward Keegan Hipgrave in action against the Broncos this year. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

However, Hipgrave, 22, said Holbrook’s input could be the breath of fresh air needed to emerge as a finals force next season.

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“Definitely the first six rounds are going to be pretty tough for us but hopefully that will make for a better end of season for us. I think (the new coach) will bring a winning attitude, with the huge success he’s had overseas (in the Super League) winning their premiership,” the Nerang Roosters junior, who has played 27 NRL games since debuting in 2017, said.

New Titans coach Justin Holbrook with James Roby after winning the Super League grand final with St Helens earlier this month. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

“I think he’ll bring a really positive outlook on the whole situation. Having new coaching staff will definitely give the boys a bit of a kick in the arse and that’s what we need at the moment, so I think 2020 will look pretty good for the Titans.

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“Pre-season’s always tough but this one’s going to be especially difficult coming in with new coaches. We’ll be hitting the ground running for sure.”

Holbrook, who oversaw St Helens’ grand final win over Salford earlier this month, will be assisted by Jim Dymock and premiership-winning Burleigh coach Jim Lenihan next season.