Kieran Foran says he is in the best physical shape of his career and insists the Gold Coast can do great things under new coach Des Hasler.
The 33-year-old has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the 28-4 round-one loss to St George Illawarra and will take his place at No.6 against his former club Canterbury at Belmore on Saturday.
“I am really positive about our hopes and chances of achieving something great this season,” Foran told AAP.
“I just feel like the playing squad has been together for a couple of years and have been through the s*** and some really hard times. That builds resilience and builds character.
“All the strong and successful clubs have had to go through that at various times in their eras."
Foran has played his best football under Hasler and said it would be no different for the rest of the squad.
The Titans have not won an NRL finals match since 2010, but Foran, who won the 2011 title under Hasler at Manly, says the new coach has the side primed to shine.
"We are in a really good spot with the coaching staff on board, and none more important than Des at the helm," Foran said.
"What he has been able to create in the last four months since he walked through the doors is really energetic.
"It has meant a lot of hard work, but it has been game-changing for this group.
"I haven’t been at this club for years and years, but I have seen enough throughout my career. I am really optimistic about the season and would be lying if I said anything else."
Speaking to media at Gold Coast Airport on Thursday afternoon, Foran gave a positive assessment of his own physical condition.
"I had a great week at training. I did a full session Tuesday and a full session today," Foran said.
"I have had a great pre-season. I was confident in my body ahead of round one, but didn't quite get there.
"I have responded really well the last week and a half, and it helped having the bye in round two.
"I am feeling as good as I have ever felt."
He said the round-one loss was an aberration.
"We were able to re-evaluate a few things about areas we need to improve on," Foran said.
"I feel a great energy around the boys. We are up for it. Now it is about going out there and doing the job.
"We know what sort of footy team we are. We were disappointed in how we performed in round one, but there is no point carrying negative energy into this week."
Foran scored a hat-trick against the Bulldogs the last time he played them in round 27 last year.
