The Titans are the only side to have remained undefeated against the Thunder this season, meaning the knock-out clash of the coasts is swayed heavily towards Temepara Bailey’s side once again taking the points.
Yet Thunder coach Simone Nalatu isn’t daunted by the challenge, particularly knowing she’ll have a rare full complement of players.
"As sad as it is for us that Lightning didn't go through (in the Suncorp Super Netball finals), because we work closely with them, the benefit for Thunder is that we have an entire training week together," Nalatu said.
"Titans are the only team we haven't beaten at least once, so that's interesting for us. The last game we played them, not so long ago, I thought we played well for three quarters but let that last quarter slip away."
Nalatu is referring to their Round 12 clash which ended in a 58-53 loss, while the Round 6 match delivered a 71-50 scoreline in the Titans' favour.
"We know we've got the game to be competitive with them," Nalatu said.
"My message to the girls is that if we want to take them, this is the game. This is the only team we haven't beaten. We’ve got nothing to lose, they have the advantage and will be favourites. It's a great opportunity to be the underdogs."
The winner of this Sunday's preliminary final will secure a spot in the 2024 HART Sapphire Series grand final on Sunday, August 4, against the TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets.
The Titans will also feature in Sunday’s earlier Ruby Series preliminary final, when they play the ACU Brisbane North Cougars for a place in the Ruby grand final against the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.
HART SAPPHIRE SERIES PRELIMINARY FINAL: Gold Coast Titans v Sunshine Coast Thunder, Nissan Arena Show Court - Sunday, July 28 at 6pm (Live on KommunityTV)
RUBY SERIES PRELIMINARY FINAL: Gold Coast Titans v ACU Brisbane North Cougars, Nissan Arena Show Court - Sunday, July 28 at 4pm (Live on KommunityTV)
