By Mitch Jennings
Dragons forward Will Matthews began his career under John Cartwright and has been reborn this year with Paul McGregor.
The 26-year-old made his debut with the Gold Coast thanks to ''Carty'' in 2008, before joining the Dragons under Steve Price two years ago.
Future suring-up: Will Matthews.Credit: Robert Peet
Since McGregor took over from Price this year, Matthews has been one of the main beneficiaries, playing 10 games with ''Mary'' calling the shots.
As the Titans adjust to life under new coach Neil Henry, who has replaced Cartwright, Matthews expects the players at his former club to want to prove a point at Kogarah on Sunday.
Henry was on the Dragons' radar to replace Price next year, but Gold Coast moved to ensure he stays with the battling Queensland club, warding off any potential swoop by the Dragons.
While St George Illawarra tiptoe on the finals tightrope, Matthews believes the Titans have their own motivation of self-preservation.
The Gold Coast showed signs of a late-season resurgence under Henry as they pushed premiership contenders Manly last week.
''You always see it - clubs get a new coach and for whatever reason that change of scenery and a change-up really helps them,'' Matthews said. ''Usually the team changes a little bit and blokes are trying to keep their spot so it definitely picks up the intensity across the board I think.''
The Palm Beach Currumbin product said he was sad to see Cartwright, who built the club, step down.
''It was disappointing,'' Matthews said. ''He was the inaugural coach and I know he loves the club and has a lot of passion for it. For him to step down it would've been hard. Normally they're pushed out of the job, but it would've still been a tough decision for him.
''It's something that he helped start so it would've been hard for him to let go, but I suppose that's coaching these days.
''If you're not getting the results that's what happens.''
Price was sacked this year on the back of 2½ poor seasons in charge, joining Warriors coach Matt Elliott and Peter Sharp (Sharks) in the 2014 coaching casualty ward.
While Henry's future is increasingly secure, McGregor is trying to prove he deserves the role at St George Illawarra next year, with three games remaining and a finals berth up for grabs.
Tim Sheens has recently been linked to the Dragons, however, Trent Barrett - touted as a future NRL coach - is expected to remain at Penrith, shunning any interest from his former club.
McGregor's move into the top job has certainly paid dividends for Matthews who is on track to notch 15 first-grade games in a season for the first time.
''He [McGregor] has got a fair bit of faith in me, which he's shown that by giving me a good run so I'd definitely like to see him stay,'' Matthews said.