Nathan Peats has always set the standard on the Gold Coast, so naturally the hooker is happy to finally see the new-look NRL squad catching up.
Regarded as the Titans' fittest man, Peats likes the physical look of the side that will turn out in Sunday's season-opener against Canberra.
And he can take a bit of the credit after leading an optional pre-season fitness crusade that put the likes of Bryce Cartwright on track before Christmas.
Second-year coach Garth Brennan admitted last week some players took pre-season shortcuts under his watch in 2018 but Peats said that was a thing of the past.
"I think the competition for spots keeps everyone on their toes," he said.
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"We didn't play too well but (this year) people's jobs are on the line and if you get found out you're going to be playing reserve grade.
"I try and train as hard as I can but obviously a few guys were behind the eight-ball last year ... but this year I can't complain about anyone."
Penrith recruit Tyrone Peachey's Titans debut is a source of excitement for the former NSW No.9 but Peats warned his arrival and a promising off-season wouldn't guarantee success.
"He's the player I'm most excited to play with in my whole career," Peats said of the Titans' new centre.
"But you've just got to find it within you.
"You can train and push yourself and show some resilience but we've got to find it ourselves and we've been guilty of it in the past, not delivering in tough times."
The Titans finished 14th with an 8-16 record in Brennan's first season in charge but have been endorsed by both Darren Lockyer and Billy Slater to rise up the ladder in 2019.
Peats was a vocal supporter of axed former coach Neil Henry but says he likes what he sees at the club today.
"Unfortunately players and coaches come and go but everything is looking good for the club going forward ... the players are buying into the system," he said.
