Craig Cauchi previews Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans finally got their first win in nearly a year when the best the Wests Tigers but were quick to return to old habits in the first half against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. They improve din the second half but the halftime score line was too far to drag back.
St George Illawarra Dragons
After weeks of turmoil at the joint venture – and appearing like they would never score a try again – the Dragons tweaked their line up and came out playing a different style of football. They were rewarded with their first win of the season and with a greater idea of what appears to work under the new rules.
SQUAD NEWS
Gold Coast Titans
1. Corey Thompson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Keegan Hipgrave 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Beau Fermor 19. Jarrod Wallace 20. Jai Whitbread 21. Tyrone Roberts
Corey Thompson arrives at the club from the Wests Tigers and will start at fullback. Phillip Sami has been pushed out to the wing, with Brian Kelly taking the centre position from the injured Dale Copley.
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Josh Kerr 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. James Graham 14. Ben Hunt 15. Trent Merrin 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Jacob Host 18. Jackson Ford 19. Jason Saab 20. Korbin Sims 21. Tristan Sailor
The Dragons have named the same side that started the match against Cronulla, with the only change being James Graham at lock for Trent Merrin. Ben Hunt has been named on the bench again and appears likely to continue his role at hooker.
KEY STAT
Both teams have had a lean year when it comes to wins but at least in that time two of the Dragons wins have come against the Titans. Their streak against the Gold Coast team extends to four and no surprises that another win here will extend that run to five. The Titans will be liking their chances of halting their recent run with the Dragons not holding the greatest of records at Suncorp Stadium or even travelling to Queensland for that matter.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Matt Dufty was enormous against the Sharks, scoring a try and setting up a couple. He looked to be carrying the ball strongly and fighting to keep himself in the game. His involvement will be key in the match for the Dragons, especially after the strong showing from the forwards last week. If Josh Kerr and Paul Vaughan can get off to another strong start, it will be up to Dufty to look for in roads in the middle. Dufty has the speed and agility to split tired forwards up the middle and needs to play close attention to the middle of the ruck.
On the opposite end of the field will be Corey Thompson, lining up for his first match in Gold Coast colours. Thompson is a player who plays above his weight and rarely put in a terrible game for the Tigers. How well he will compliment Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty’s game will go along way in determining the Titan’s success in this match. If the Dragons middle performs like they did in first two weeks of the restart of the competition than – just like Dufty – Thompson should be looking to take advantage of the tired defenders up the middle.
GAME DETAILS
Date: 20/06/2020
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
