The bookies continue to snub them and no-one outside the Gold Coast rates them a title chance, but the Titans' rise to a possible top-two finish comes as no shock to the man charged with plotting their last-round downfall.

Manly coach Des Hasler believes John Cartwright's men are worthy premiership contenders despite being virtually friendless in betting markets and among league experts.

Providing Parramatta knock over the Dragons on Friday night, Gold Coast can secure a top two finish 24 hours later with victory over Hasler's Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

That would put them two wins away from a grand final appearance in only their third year.

"I don't understand why people are writing them off," Hasler said of the Titans on Wednesday.

"They've been going well all year, been playing really consistent football."

"They've got class players, they've good attacking options right across the park, they've got threats out wide and in close, they've got two very established and experienced back-rowers and they've got a really good work ethic."

"It's no surprise to me that they are in (with a chance of) second place."

Manly's focus is on a top four finish, but to secure a spot the premiers will have to beat the Titans and hope the Warriors knock off fourth-placed Melbourne.

The Kiwis host the Storm in Auckland two hours before Manly's game against Gold Coast kicks off ? and Hasler is banking on the home side lifting to ensure retiring half-back Stacey Jones goes out a winner.

"Hopefully the Warriors will get in there and do it for Stacey and do it for all those right reasons," the Manly boss said.

"We've just got to get onto Saturday night and get some momentum going, play some good footy and come up with a win against the Titans."

Hasler was relieved to escape with the two points against 12-man Cronulla last round but remains livid with his side's error rate and lack of composure.

"It's not one you'd put in your scrapbook as one of our best displays," he admitted.

"We needed the two points and we hung in there and probably had a bit of luck but we need to be a lot better than that."

Back-rower Glenn Hall added: "We've got a lot of improving to do. If we turn up with that kind of game and ill-discipline we'll get our pants pulled down against the Titans."


www.sportal.com.au/league

About time someone has given the Titans a chance at the Premiership and not written them off. I mean afterall, we arent 3rd just to make up the numbers, we mean business!