Josh Mercer previews the round 20 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Titans. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Date: 2/8, Time: 6pm
Bulldogs Team
1. Corey Allan
2. Nick Meaney
3. Will Hopoate
4. Aaron Schoupp
5. Jayden Okunbor
6. Jake Avarillo
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Jack Hetherington
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Luke Thompson
11. Corey Waddell
12. Adam Elliott
13. Josh Jackson
14. Bailey Biondi-Odo
15. Dylan Napa
16. Ava Seumanufagai
17. Matt Doorey
19. Lachlan Lewis
20. Joe Stimson
21. Chris Patolo
22. Falakiko Manu
Team Changes
IN: Adam Elliott, Chris Patolo, Kyle Flanagan, Matt Doorey
OUT: Renouf Atoni
Titans Team
1. Alexander Brimson
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Brian Kelly
4. Esan Marsters
5. Corey Thompson
6. Ashley Taylor
7. Toby Sexton
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Moeaki Fotuaika
11. Kevin Proctor
12. David Fifita
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Sam Lisone
16. Beau Fermor
17. Jaimin Jolliffe
18. Sam McIntyre
19. Sam Stone
20. Anthony Don
21. Jamal Fogarty
Team Changes
IN: Anthony Don, Jamal Fogarty, Sam McIntyre, Sam Stone.
OUT: Patrick Herbert
Referee: Matt Cecchin
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bulldogs
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile they showed glimpses of what they are capable of, the Bulldogs received another loss courtesy of the Sharks 44-24. The Bulldogs were on the back foot early when the sharks ran in two tries. The Bulldogs pulled the margin back to six points when Luke Thompson crashed over. Things went downhill after that when Thompson was sent to the sin bin for a late shot on Blayke Brailey, the Sharks ran in three tries to go into the halftime break leading 30-6. The Bulldogs mounted a comeback in the second half, scoring two tries to be only 12 points behind. The comeback was thwarted when Toby Rudolf crashed over for the Sharks.
Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Titans proved too strong for the Dragons, winning 32-10. The Titans drew first blood with a penalty goal, Jarrod Wallace then crossed for the first of his two tries. The Dragons hit back with a try to Ben Hunt, however the Titans didn’t allow the dragons back into the game after that. David Fifita showed why he is one of the premier back rowers when crashed over the try line. The Titans kept it going in the second half with tries to Greg Marzhew, Wallace and debutant Toby Sexton. The Dragons scored a consolation try at the end through Jordan Pereira.
PREVIEW
If the Titans want to play finals football this season, then this is a must win game. They have shown what they are capable of on their day, their win over the Dragons shows that, though they have lost to Brisbane this season as well. David Fifita was fantastic last weekend against the Dragons and need to be at his best again this weekend. Debutant Toby Sexton was another standout in last weeks game and looks to be a star of the future for the Titans.
The Bulldogs have shown what they are capable of at times this season and won’t make it easy for the Titans. Luke Thompson has been a great buy for the Bulldogs, though his sin binning cost them last weekend. Depending on which Titans team shows up, the Bulldogs might just get their third win of the season.
KEY STAT
The Titans currently lead the Bulldogs in the head to head battle with 10 wins out of 19 games.
PREDICTION
Titans by 10.
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