It took just one week and two tries for Anthony Don to earn an NRL recall and now the Titans cult hero has a piece of club history in his sights.
In a vastly different team to the one named by coach Garth Brennan for round one, Don returns on the right wing at the expense of Phillip Sami while Ryley Jacks and AJ Brimson form a new halves combination for Saturday's clash with the Sharks.
Captain Ryan James (illness), Ash Taylor (quad), Tyrone Roberts (Achilles) and Dale Copley (calf) were all absent from training on Wednesday as were Jack Stockwell and Will Matthews who are battling hip and Achilles injuries respectively.
It's an early test of the club's new-found depth but Don has earned a reprieve on the back of a strong performance for Burleigh in the Intrust Super Cup having been a shock omission to face the Raiders last Sunday.
The reigning Members' Player of the Year admitted that he was disappointed to start the year back where his NRL journey began eight years ago but is now in position to write his name into the record books.
Currently tied with David Mead as the Titans' leading tryscorer with 67, Don can set a new mark with a four-pointer at Shark Park on Saturday afternoon after failing to claim the record in the final two games of the 2018 season.
Don flies to increase Titans lead
"I haven't been thinking about it to tell you the truth," said Don.
"If I get it this week that'd be great but, if not, it doesn't matter.
"It was quite funny playing for Burleigh last week. When I debuted there in 2011 my club number was 199 and the guys that were debuting on the weekend were 350.
"That was a moment where I realised that I had been around Burleigh and Gold Coast footy for a long time now."
Since making his debut – and scoring a try – in a 28-22 win over the Eels in round six, 2013, Don's status among fans has grown and his performances recognised with a NSW Country jersey and club best and fairest award in 2017.
Titans supporters were left stunned when he was overlooked in favour of Brenko Lee against Canberra for round one but the 31-year-old is now determined to make sure he stays in the top grade.
"To be honest, I was disappointed," Don said of his demotion.
"I hadn't played back at Burleigh for a few years but I made sure I didn't let it get me down.
"I stayed positive. Burleigh Bears are a great rugby league club. I've spent a lot of time there and know a lot of faces and it's right next to my house. So I looked at all the positives and got around the boys down at Burleigh and had a good game on the weekend.
Sharks v Titans - Round 2
"After playing last week for Burleigh it's probably a bit sooner than I thought.
"I thought I might be in Q Cup for a bit longer but very lucky to get a chance in first grade this week for the Titans against the Sharks.
"Everyone that is in the 17 knows that if they don't play well they might miss out the following week.
"The pressure is on everyone, not just me. I've just got to go out there and do my job and I'm confident I can do that."
