There's no doubting Hunter Stadium will be engulfed by emotion on Sunday as the game unites for injured Knight Alex McKinnon, but lock Jeremy Smith insists the playing group remains fully focused on the job at hand.
While Smith and his teammates are determined to perform well on McKinnon's special day, the veteran forward says the team is also desperate to maintain their momentum built in recent weeks.
"So it’s no different for us," Smith told reporters after training on Wednesday when asked about this weekend's big clash against the Titans.
"It might be a bit different for Alex with him being the focus, but we are just there to support him and get him through the day. So no I don’t think it will be more emotional than the Sharks game back in Round 4.
"We are sort of passed that now and we are just looking to do our thing for Alex and be there and support him in whatever he needs."
Asked if the RiseForAlex Round puts extra pressure on the team to win, Smith was adamant the added attention wouldn’t be an issue.
"No definitely not," he said.
"After last week we’ve got a bit of belief back and a bit of confidence. We are not out there to win for Alex, we are out there to win for us.
"I hope the weather stays fine and we can get a fair crowd out there for him. They’ve been pumping it up all week, but every dollar goes to Alex so I encourage everyone to get out there and support their clubs."
Smith says McKinnon's injury has taught everyone valuable lessons in life, especially when it comes to perspective and what's really important.
"Alex is a huge inspiration to all of us," he said.
"Every time you see him he us doing something new and he always has a smile on his face. He is never down in the dumps when we see him and he is always happy to see us.
"And likewise we are always happy to see him. He loves the boys and we love seeing him."
Meanwhile, Smith says the team has moved on from the news that coach Wayne Bennett will be leaving at season's end.
He also confirmed he wasn't going anywhere in the wake of Bennett's departure.
"It was sort of tough when we first heard Wayne was leaving, but I think we put it to bed after last weekend’s game," he explains.
"It’s a new week this week, so we’ve got to go out and do it all again. I’m still here (next year) and I’m happy to be here.
"It’s a good club and I reckon the club is on the rise and I’m more than happy to stay."
Back to the field and Smith is expecting a tough match against a Titans pack containing the likes of Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey and Nate Myles.
"They’ve always had a fair pack and we’ll just have to get up there and match them," he says.
"It’s not going to be an easy game, that’s for sure."
