Garth Brennan's debut as Gold Coast Titans coach is one he would rather forget.
Brennan tried to remain upbeat after Brisbane thrashed the Titans 38-10 in their opening NRL trial at Toowoomba on Saturday night.
But there was little to get excited about after ex-Penrith star Bryce Cartwright had a quiet Titans debut in the first half.
Cartwright was named at lock but ran around for just 20 minutes with a roving commission before being placed in cotton wool.
"Obviously a bit quiet, he only got 20 minutes and couldn't do a lot in that time," Brennan said of Cartwright.
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"But the big thing was he got the ball in his hands, he got to know some of the guys he hasn't played much with.
"It was a chance to blow the cobwebs off and get ready for next week.
"He's obviously new to the club, he's getting to know the players and structures we have in place.
"By giving him 20 minutes it gives him a head start for next week."
Titans playmaker Kane Elgey also only lasted the first quarter before Brennan opted to hook him and look at his depth.
It wasn't pretty viewing.
Brisbane ran in seven tries to three in front of 8056 fans to give Brennan plenty to chew over before their final trial against the Warriors on the Sunshine Coast next week.
"I wasn't happy with the performance but it was a trial," Brennan said.
"We had some young guys who were getting their first taste of playing the big boys and the Broncos are a quality side.
"There are a lot of positives to take out of that without a doubt.
"The big thing - there were no injuries.
"We will be a better team as the year goes on but we weren't going to be tonight (against Brisbane)."
Brennan fielded an inexperienced 23-strong Titans outfit that took 60 minutes to get on to the scoreboard.
Trailing 32-0, halfback AJ Brimson crossed when he took on the line in a rare bright spot for the Titans.
The likes of Ashley Taylor, Sydney Roosters recruit Michael Gordon, Ryan James, Kevin Proctor and Jai Arrow are expected to be injected into the Titans line-up for the Warriors clash next week.
"If everyone is healthy, they will play," Brennan said.
