Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has demanded his undermanned team show greater resilience to resolve the defensive issues threatening to derail their NRL campaign.
Last weekend's 38-10 hiding by Cronulla means in the Titans' past seven matches they have conceded a whopping 35 points-a-game.
In contrast Saturday's opponents Melbourne have won nine straight matches and are the NRL's top attacking force, scoring 40 or more points in a game seven times in that winning run.
Adding to Holbrook's troubles, he'll be facing the Storm without Origin-picked quartet David Fifita, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, AJ Brimson on Moeaki Fotuaika.
Hooker Mitch Rein (shoulder) and veteran winger Anthony Don (hip) have also been ruled out, meaning Greg Marzhew will be one of two debutants this weekend along with Jayden Campbell, the son of club legend Preston Campbell.
There's also a return for Ash Taylor in the halves after he recovered from a hip complaint that has kept him sidelined since Round 8.
Holbrook says this year's rule changes have made it difficult for teams to stop opponents racking up big scores but it cannot be used as an excuse by his players.
"We've got to hang on when it's tough," Holbrook said.
"If you've got the ball you're a good chance, if you haven't, you can't get it.
"There's two teams go out there and one wins and we've been on the receiving end too many times.
"We don't need to defend what we're doing at training, we need to defend how we're going to play.
"We've got to play better, that's what we're going to get judged on. It's performance, it's nothing else."
The Storm, who have won six-from-six at their adopted home at Sunshine Coast Stadium, are set to bring local product Trent Loiero onto their bench with Tom Eisenhuth (concussion) in doubt.
The premiers have also included Kenny Bromwich (hamstring) in place of Queensland-bound Felise Kaufusi with Dean Ieremia replacing Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr.
