That combined with the key additions of David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, many had the Titans pegged to start the season on fire under former Milton-Ulladulla Bulldog Justin Holbrook.

"At the back end of last year, we started to play how the coaches wanted us to play and we got the results we wanted," Titans hooker Mitch Rein, a Kiama Knights junior, said.

"All those combinations started to click and that carried on into pre-season - that platform, combined with the new guys, created a really exciting buzz around the club."

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But that all came crashing down when the Titans lost to the Warriors 19-6 in round one.

Thankfully, for the Titans' sack, they righted the ship in round two, with an impressive victory over Queensland arch-rival Brisbane (28-16).

"We're travelling okay - round one didn't go as well as we had hoped and we were way off where we wanted to be," the Kiama High School alumnus said.

"But we got a lot more things right last week against the Broncos and got the desired result, which we hope to build on this Sunday against the Cowboys."

From a personal perspective, Rein has started to season strongly - starting both fixtures at hooker.

"I'm enjoying my footy at the moment," Rein, who admits he blocked out all the rumours about Cameron Smith joining the club in the off-season, said.

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"Obviously there's a big influence right now to get the simple things right in our game, especially in terms of my defence around the ruck and line of scrimmage.

"And with the footy being so slippery, it's key for someone in my position to put my teammates in a position to succeed.

"It's important we lay strong foundations now, that we can carry forward the rest of the season.

"I'm also loving the responsibility of being the starting hooker at the moment but am not getting complacent at all, as there's plenty of guys in the squad keeping me on my eyes - there's competition for spots all across the park, which shows the club is in a healthy position.

"I feel Erin [Clark] (bench hooker) and I have a positive thing going at the moment, as our styles complement one another, as we bring a different look to the side whenever we're on the field."

As productive as Rein has been the opening two rounds, making 118 running metres and 79 tackles, the 30-year-old still remains unsigned past 2021 - with the club rumoured to be in the market for a new hooker.

"Those things are out of my control and all I can worry about is turning up each week and doing my job the best I can for the side," the 190-game NRL veteran said.

"If I do that, I'm confident those things will sort themselves out - there's no point worrying about things I can't control.

"I have no intentions of retiring or anything like that - playing footy is the best job in the world and I'm going to do it for as long as I can.

"The club has been through a lot since I joined [in 2018] but we are headed in the right direction and I want to be here and help the club get to where it wants to be.

"Everyone has bought into what Justin has brought to the club and it's all about building each and every day."

The Cbus Super Stadium-based club's next chance to continue that ascension comes on Sunday against the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium from 6.15pm.

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"We're only two weeks into the season but we all know there's so much work in front of us," Rein said.

"We're only just scratching the surface of what we can be as a group, especially with how talented and powerful players like David [Fifita] and Tino [Fa'asuamaleaui] are coming into our group.

"There's that next man up mentality at the club now too, shown by us all having faith in Tanah [Boyd] to step up and replace Ash [Taylor] - he's been waiting for his chance for a while and I'm confident he will grab it with both hands on Sunday.

"He, much like AJ [Brimson] has that natural speed, which can be a real advantage towards the back end of each half against a big Cowboys pack."

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