Origin stars named to back up but neither team is at full strength in the next chapter of the South East Queensland derby.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Broncos
After a poor start to the season, the Broncos are starting to find form with three wins in a row and four of their last five. They’re coming off wins against the Warriors, Roosters and Sea Eagles.
Titans
The Titans are struggling. Not a lot of good things to say about how they’ve been going apart from their one win over Manly in Round 11.
SQUAD NEWS
Broncos
Joe Ofahengaue is out for a few weeks after getting surgery to fix a deep laceration he suffered during his State of Origin debut on Wednesday. He’s replaced on the bench by Pat Carrigan. Andrew McCullough is named to return from the bench but Jake Turpin retains the starting spot for now. Corey Oates, Matt Gillett and Payne Haas were all named to back up from Origin, but keep an eye on final team lists to see if this changes.
The Broncos are only sitting just outside the top eight and will be looking for a win to get them back on the right side of the ladder and keep up the momentum.
Broncos team list:
1. Darius Boyd
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jamayne Isaako
6. Anthony Milford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Matt Lodge
9. Jake Turpin
10. Payne Haas
11. Alex Glenn
12. Matt Gillett
13. Tevita Pangai Junior
14. Andrew McCullough
15. David Fifita
16. Thomas Flegler
18. Pat Carrigan
Titans
Big news out of the Gold Coast with Ash Taylor out indefinitely to deal with personal issues. No real info about this yet as it’s obviously a delicate matter but all the best to Ash and we all hope he can sort himself out before he comes back into the squad. He is replaced at halfback by Ryley Jacks, who has had limited chances at his new club but could be just what the Titans need to get back on track. Michael Gordon is also out indefinitely with issues relating to blood clots. Hopefully it’s not too serious and Flash Gordon can finish his career on his own terms. Jai Arrow has been named to back up from Origin and Nathan Peats is a chance of returning from a pec injury.
The Titans are sitting second last however they are only ahead of the Bulldogs on points differential. They are desperate for a win to salvage their season.
Titans team list:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Anthony Don
3. Jesse Arthars
4. Brian Kelly
5. Dale Copley
6. Tyrone Roberts
20. Ryley Jacks
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Moeaki Fotuaika
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Keegan Hipgrave
13. Jai Arrow
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Shannon Boyd
16. Bryce Cartwright
17. Jai Whitbread
HEAD TO HEAD
Very lopsided here with the Broncos winning nine of the last ten matches between the sides. The Titans got a win up at Suncorp in Round Four last season however that’s the only time in the last decade the Gold Coast has beaten Brisbane at Suncorp.
KEY BATTLE
Matt Lodge vs Jarrod Wallace: a couple of big angry guys will face off. Wallace will be disappointed after having to watch Origin from his couch rather than playing like he was last series and trying to push for selection in game two. He lines up against Matt Lodge, who is being mentioned as a possible Blues recruit with David Klemmer ruled out with a wrist injury. He’ll be looking to make an impact to impress the selectors.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date:ย Sunday June 9
Venue:ย Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off:ย 2pm
Referee:ย Chris Sutton, Phil Henderson
WHO WILL WIN?
Hard to see the Titans getting the win on their current form, but it’s hard to be too certain with uncertainty around both lineups and Brisbane having more players backing up from Origin. The Broncos have been playing well with their lineup the last few weeks and it remains to be seen how Andrew McCullough coming back with affect that as his form hasn’t been great in attack this season. As a Titans fan who lives in Brisbane, I hope they can get the win, but my money is on the Broncos to get the two points. Brisbane by 12.
