The Yorkshiremen, led by former Championship-winning coach Harvey Biljoen, have lost just twice this term and have posted a league-high 421 points in their 11 games to date.
Having won National Two North in the 2023/24 season, they were like a duck to water finishing third back at Level Three last term and now also possess the best points difference (+169) this time round.
And Owen revealed: “It’s no shock to see them doing so well because they have a fantastic squad and have carried on their excellent form from last year.
“They’re very well coached – incredibly controlled and organised – and have vast experience in the ranks.
“Rotherham are an incredibly big, strong group and it’s no surprise the number of tries they’ve been scoring – they have threats right across the park – so we’ve talked about the importance of our defensive sets due to the physicality they bring.
“It’s going to be a huge test because they’re top of the tree for a reason. Credit to them.”
Coach hoping to build on Leicester success
Rams, however, sparked into life with a 38-24 triumph at Leicester Lions before their weekend off and Owen was pleased with what he saw.
He said: “I was extremely proud of how we managed such incredible disruption to stay so focused, then the energy around the team was fantastic throughout.
“It was nice to see the maul get going – there was a bit of a gradient on the pitch which might have helped a little bit – but it was a superb effort.”
Ellis Jones was the oldest player in the starting line-up at Westleigh Park, aged just 28, but Rams recall three senior pros to the squad in record cap-holder James Baker, Ant Marris and Connor Stapley for the Titans test.
And Owen continued: “We have a fantastic hybrid of some great young talent coming through, along with some more experienced players.
“We saw in the recent internationals the mix is key and having the experience of the likes of Connor and James back boosts any side.
“They’ve been fantastic for so long, but they’re still so eager – they’re competitors and every week are desperate to get the shirt.”
‘We can’t wait to see supporters’
A big crowd is expected ahead of an early festive home fixture, a quirky tale involving the Belgian arm of the Titans’ Supporters Club flying into Heathrow before heading onto Berkshire.
And effusive Owen was once again quick to thank the supporters as he ended: “I always say the same thing, but it makes it no less true.
“In the past few years, things have grown and grown with the energy and atmosphere the crowd are bringing, and it makes a massive difference.
“The supporters always bring a buzz and with it being the last home game before Christmas, we can’t wait to see all the familiar faces we’ve become so accustomed to seeing.
“Every game they keep us going and with a big lunch before, it should be a top afternoon – and I’m intrigued to meet the Belgians!”
For tickets for the last home game of 2025, click here
