Murphy has eyes on crucial Queensland derby for finals hopes

Karyn Murphy is under no illusions how important this weekend's Queensland derby is for the Titans' season.

Always having the battle for bragging rights circled in the calendar regardless, the stakes are even higher given the need for competition points to remain finals bound as the halfway mark of the ultra-short competition nears.

"It'll be a great game against our rivals up the M1. I know both clubs haven't had a great start to the year being none and two," Murphy said.

"With only the six teams in it, we've dropped two already, so we've got a bit of pressure on ourselves.

"Looking at it now, the Broncos are on the bottom and both of us haven't had a win,  so we've got to win this week to get some points."

Happy with last week's performance against the Knights - narrowly going down 16-12 - the Titans mentor feels another week together, particularly to help gel the attacking plays, will boost her side ahead of this week's clash.

"Our defence isn't an issue. We just had a little patch before half-time, but our defence and the girls competing and their efforts in defence I can't knock, it's just our attack has been a little bit clunky," Murphy said.

"We've done a lot of work on that. We've swapped our halves' insides and we've changed a centre, so we've made a few changes, but we just want to really work hard in getting into good position.

"Errors have cost us, so we haven't had a lot of good ball, so when we do, we want to make sure we're taking opportunities and hopefully we'll see more improvement this week."

Murphy feels the key to conquering the Broncos will be minimising their halves, shutting down the lethal Queensland combination of Ali Brigginshaw and Tarryn Aiken.

"Their halves control the game well with with Ali and Tarryn and they've been together for quite a few years," Murphy said.

"Also, Amber Hall on the edge is a really damaging runner, so there's a few we'll have a look at."

Although missing Zara Canfield for this clash through suspension, the Coast will be bolstered by the return of Tazmin Gray from injury, with the representative star a big inclusion for the local derby.

"Tazzy is definitely an experienced player - a Jillaroo and state player - so she'll bring heaps of experience," Murphy said.

"Unfortunately, she missed the start of the season with an ankle injury, but fortunately for us with with our back rower in Zara Canfield, who has played really well in the opening two rounds, out due to suspension, she'll come straight in for her."

Kick-off against the Brisbane Broncos is at 1.10pm this Saturday at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe.