Titanic Injury Woes
The Titans found it tough to compete after a horrific ankle injury to centre Nathan Davis in the 22nd minute left them down a man. Second rower Chris McQueen was already forced to play in the centres after fullback William Zillman was ruled out pre-match, causing centre Josh Hoffman to shift to fullback. Once Davis went down, the Titans had to move their left edge back-rower Zeb Taia into the right centre position, which had a big impact on their downfall. The Raiders immediately targeted the Titans right edge, and centre Jarrod Croker was able to score two tries past Taia. However, the biggest show of Taia’s inexperience at centre came in the 55th minute. The Titans were trailing 24-10, and desperately needed to score a try to remain in the contest. They shifted the ball out to the right edge, and Taia simply needed to draw in Raiders winger Brenko Lee and get a pass away for Anthony Don to cross in the corner, however he mistimed the pass, with Lee intercepting and racing the length of the field to extend Canberra’s lead to 30-10, and ultimately put the Titans to the sword. Taia can’t be blamed for these lapses, it was simply an example of the effects that injury can have on a side. Titans Ryan James and Eddy Pettybourne both had to leave the field for concussion tests in the second half, with Pettybourne being unable to return.
Raiders Monster Pack Stands Up
They have been labelled as arguably the biggest forward pack in the NRL, and Canberra’s big men demonstrated what they can do to a side against the Titans. The likes of Josh Papalii, Paul Vaughan, Junior Paulo, Shannon Boyd and Joseph Tapine proved hard to contain for the Titans. Papalii racked up 113 metres in an impressive 80 minute display after starring for Queensland just 4 days earlier, while Junior Paulo was damaging in his 42 minutes on the field. Vaughan was even able to barge through for the first try of the match, which would have been a blessing for any lucky punters for had a first try scorer bet on him.
Hoffman’s not the Number 1 Answer
Titan Josh Hoffman moved back to his preferred position of fullback with the absence of William Zillman, however he showed that he is not the man who should own the Titans number 1 jersey. Many Titans fans have been critical of Zillman’s form over the past several years, and have been searching for someone who can take over the custodian role when his contract ends in 2017. Hoffman was solid at the back defensively and ran for an impressive 193 metres, however it is complete lack of a passing game that is letting him down. Whenever Hoffman chimes into a Titans backline play, it is easy to predict that he won’t pass the ball, and even opposition defenders must be able to see his dummy coming by now. Hoffman’s lack of a passing game restricts the Titans from capitalising on opportunities out wide.
Raiders Look to be Finals Bound
After adding yet another victory to their tally, it is hard to see the green machine not qualifying for the finals this season. Canberra are currently sitting in 7th position on 19 points, however technically they would be coming 6th if you remove the 6th placed Eels who are yet to have their 12 points stripped by the NRL. Although they are in the lower rungs of the top eight, the Raiders are just 1 point behind the 3rd placed Cowboys. They should be able to reach the 28 points that are usually required to make the top eight, with games against the lowly placed Knights, Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, and Tigers, as well as an extra two points from a bye in round 19.
In the Sheds
Titans centre Nathan Davis has been ruled out for the season with a broken tibula suffered on Sunday. Eddy Pettybourne suffered a concussion but should be okay for Titans next match. Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson was also forced off with a concussion, as was interchange hooker Kurt Baptiste. Raiders backrower Sia Soliola left the field with a shoulder injury.
Scoreboard
Canberra Raiders- 30
Tries: Brenko Lee 2, Jarrod Croker 2, Paul Vaughan 1
Goals: Jarrod Croker 4/5
Gold Coast Titans- 22
Tries: Nene MacDonald 2, Chris McQueen 1, Ryan James 1
Goals: Tyrone Roberts 3/4
