COFFS HARBOUR - Gold Coast co-captain Luke Bailey says the heartening performance of the Titans pups in the rugby league club's first match has put the senior players on notice.
The Titans trailed 12-6 after 60 minutes in an historic trial against a full-strength Melbourne outfit last nightbefore the Storm piled on 20 unanswered points in the final quarter.
Coach John Cartwright said he was "super proud" of the effort from his band of youngsters, drawn mainly from the Queensland Cup, and a handful of players with NRL experience.
Bailey, one of several stars rested for the match, remarked: "I'm sure some of the blokes on the sideline will be getting a bit scared about their position which is good for us.
"Our depth has been questioned a lot but I thought our young blokes went pretty well."
Storm centre Matt King was also impressed at the rock-solid defence from the Titans' young guns in the opening hour of the match before they faded in the home stretch.
"They're going to be a good team," King commented.
"They didn't have their stars there but you can tell they're a well-coached team.
"Hopefully they'll stay injury-free and have a good season."
The real test for the Titans comes on Saturday night in Lismore when Cartwright gives his marquee players a run in a trial against Parramatta.
Bailey, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince, Anthony Laffranchi, Mat Rogers and Jake Webster were overlooked for the Storm clash but should play this weekend.
Injured trio Nathan Friend, James Stosic and Michael Hodgson are the only players unavailable.
Former Wallaby back Rogers is expected to make his anticipated comeback to rugby league on Saturday night, despite concerns over his fitness levels.
