Gold Coast centre Konrad Hurrell says a stint in reserve grade has helped erase the negativity that had crept into his game as he prepares to face his former NRL club on Sunday.
An early release from his New Zealand Warriors contract two years ago looked to have worked wonders when Hurrell quickly became one of the Titans' biggest backline threats.
But the charismatic centre's career took another hit earlier this year when his sloppy form saw him dropped to Intrust Super Cup side Tweed Heads.
But a season-ending hamstring injury to Dale Copley has given Hurrell a reprieve and the humble 26-year-old is making the most of it.
"It helped me a lot to go there and be positive with myself and forget the negativity I take onto the field," he said.
"For some (players) it's negative to go down, but I took it in a positive way."
The Tongan international made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2012 and played 71 games before the mid-season move in 2016.
Contracted on the Gold Coast until 2019, Hurrell remains in Brennan's plans but admits he is feeling pressure to hold his place with Brendan Elliot waiting in the wings.
He knows a steady head is key, given it was Hurrell's over-enthusiasm that contributed to his error-riddled start to the season.
"When I try too hard everything goes bizarre and doesn't go my way," he said.
"I just (need to) do what I'm good at."
Gold Coast's teenage five-eighth Alexander Brimson (concussion) is expected to line up after recovering well from a nasty clash last weekend.
The Titans are no chance of making the finals but it shapes as a crucial clash for the eighth-placed Warriors, who have won the last six and a staggering 14 of the last 15 between the sides.
