We won last week as massive underdogs. No one gave us a chance to beat the Roosters and I doubt that even some of our guys sitting in the stands thought we could beat one of the form sides in the comp with a depleted squad.

But we did and that experience, that thrill, that satisfaction is what makes it all worthwhile.

Having said that if we had of lost a tight one I would have hated it the next day when everyone came out and said what a valiant effort from the Titans. To hell with that you don’t play footy to lose games, you play them to win!

It was without a doubt the best win I have had as a Titans player. We had our backs to the wall and we pulled it off. It actually reminded me of the Union World Cup when we beat the All Blacks in the semi-finals. No one gave us a chance that night either.

It was 17 guys being told they had no hope and we pulled it off in a corker of a game.

And how well did Jordan Rapana play! I have seen enough in my time to know when a kid is going to be a special player and I see that talent in Jordan. I don’t think he should ever have to play Under 20s again.

Some guys fail to make the transition to first grade, but Jordan knows how to play the game and play it hard.

I just wish I could judge horses like I can footballers, but horses don’t talk.

Jordan does! Even at training this week he was telling me what to do and that’s not a bad thing. It means he is confident in his own ability.

Speaking of ability, I didn’t really think I was man of the match for the game. I didn’t think I played poorly but I didn’t think it was my best game. I actually thought I played better against the Dragons, but we lost that one.

When I was receiving my man of the match award the guys at Channel 9 were positioning me so they couldn’t see the empty stand in the shot and I instantly thought how bad it would feel to be a Roosters player.

That team is full of stars and is flying high, yet they get a turn out like that. I don’t know what’s going on but Roosters fans need to get out and support their team.

We had fans there who braved the cold, even went shirtless, after traveling down from the Gold Coast. They are true fans and they turn up every week. Titans fans are simply awesome!

On the subject of fans I have been lucky to have good ones all through my career starting at the Sharks and it’s great to see their supporters club in full swing. A mate of mine actually started that up a few years ago and it has grown to huge numbers, which is great for my old club.

This week we will be taking on the Panthers and if we don’t win this game the win against the Roosters will mean very little. But winning is always easier said than done in this competition.

Penrith are a huge side who can put a lot of points on quickly and with the likes of Frank Pritchard, Trent Waterhouse, Tony Puletua and Petero Civoniceva in the pack they will be hard to get over.

Especially Petero, who is playing like a 21 year old again this year and has to be up there for the buy of the season.

As for the big news story of the week I am going to say good on ya Mark Gasnier!

Gaz has every right to take the million dollars on offer in France. If I was in his situation I certainly would. Mark hasn’t got a family and his partner is French. What an opportunity!

He can go to one of the greatest countries on the planet, learn about it from a local and learn a new sport from a great coach in Ewan McKenzie.

I don’t think it will hurt league either. Mark Gasnier is one man in a game of hundreds. I also don’t think it will trigger a player drain of epidemic proportions.

The bottom line is no one blames Harry Kewell for not playing in the A-League. He can make more money elsewhere.

So can Mark Gasnier and the fact he was head-hunted means our game is still producing the best footballers in the world.

Mat

Before I get on to the subject of the Gold Coast Titans I want to commend our game for the way we honour those who have played the game before us.
 
Last Wednesday before State of Origin III I was at an Origin Captain’s Lunch which had been organised by John Singleton. I was there to [...]