Former Canberra Raiders prop Brett White says the club's young forwards' refusal to be baited by "niggle" from the experienced Gold Coast pack in Saturday's 56-16 win was a huge step in their evolution.
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White believes the Titans forwards had a game plan to "get under the boys' skin", with Nate Myles and Ryan James in particular involved in several spot fires when the game was on the line.
But despite their youth, the likes of Paul Vaughan, Shannon Boyd, Shaun Fensom and Josh Papalii held their nerve to dominate the middle.
The win propelled Canberra to a 5-4 record and fifth on the ladder after three straight wins.
"They [Gold Coast] really tried to use that experience, a bit of niggle and to get under the boys' skin," White said.
"It was good to see they kept their heads on and kept doing the job. That really shows they're starting to mature.
Asked if it was a preconceived Gold Coast tactic, White said: "100 per cent. As a slow front rower you have to use whatever you can.
"That's the nature of rugby league, you use your experience to try and rattle young blokes.
"It was good to see they stuck to the game plan and didn't get rattled by it and just kept playing footy.
"They've found a bit of consistency now and it's really important they keep their feet on the ground and I have no doubt they will and keep working away.
Aside from off-season recruits Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Sia Soliola, Canberra's pack are all in their early to mid twenties.
In-form Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin was adamant they're the form pack of the NRL after five Canberra forwards ran for more than 100 metres.
Former international White retired last year, fellow veteran props Dane Tilse [Hull KR] and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs have also departed.
But the new brigade hasn't missed a trick, with Vaughan and Boyd [18th man) both involved in Country camp last week.
Papalii looks well placed to earn a Queensland recall after finding form since returning to his his regular back row spot after starting the year at prop.
"It [finding form] is diet and also using the players I have around me instead of doing it myself," he said.
"I'm not thinking much about Origin, I'm trying to put my best foot forward for the Raiders otherwise I won't get a look-in for that team."
Austin has attracted much of the publicity for his stellar form but he was happy to deflect praise to the pack.
"It was the best team performance we've had and we've got a pretty easy pack to play off the back of," Austin said.
"I can't speak highly enough of them, I think they're the form pack of the competition.
"It's a big call but when they're playing the footy they're playing, you can't argue with it."
