The Titans return to the Gold Coast to take on the Manly Sea Eagles, after a 10 day road trip that saw them play in both Perth and Darwin. Both sides squandered early leads last week to fall to defeat, meaning they will both be even more determined to claim the two points up for offer on Monday night.
Last Time Out
The Titans came out all guns blazing against the Eels in Darwin, scoring two tries in the first 12 minutes to get out to an 8-0 lead. However, a failure to convert tries and a terrible completion rate allowed the Eels to force their way back into the contest, and eventually come away with a 22-12 victory. Mid-season recruit Konrad Hurrell left the field in the second half after aggravating a pre-existing calf injury, and as a result is unlikely to play against Manly.
The Sea Eagles blew a massive 24-4 lead against the Panthers last Sunday to embarrassingly lose the match 31-24, with the Panthers scoring 27 unanswered points in 30 minutes. Dylan Walker was Manly’s best player, scoring a try and setting another up with a freakish chip and chase, however he will miss the clash against the Titans due to State of Origin duties. Prop Nate Myles left the match with a knee injury just 5 minutes into the clash, which he later had to receive surgery on.
Key Battle
Titans halfback Ashley Taylor had his poorest showing in first grade last week following a terrific beginning to his NRL career. The 21 year old will be eager to make amends for his errors against the Eels, and along with Tyrone Roberts will come up against the make shift halves pairing of Jamie Lyon and Apisai Koroisua. Lyon is making his return from injury, and will need to lead the side who are missing the guidance of regular halves pairing Daly Cherry-Evans and Walker. The Titans have the advantage here with a proper halves pairing, and if Taylor in particular can shine, it will go a long way towards leading the side to victory.
Prediction
Manly have been poor this season considering their strong pre-season recruitment drive, and their spirits must be low with an abundance of star power on the sidelines this week. The Titans were in red hot form before a disappointing loss in the Darwin heat, however they can partially be excused due to the extent of their 10 day road trip. The Titans should be strong enough to win at home, with Greg Bird and Hurrell the only notable admissions from the side.
Titans: 1. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nathan Davis 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Agnatius Paasi. Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Ryan Simpkins 17. Nathan Peats 18. Konrad Hurrell
Sea Eagles: 1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Matthew Wright 6. Jamie Lyon 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Matt Parcell 10. Martin Taupau 11. Lewis Brown 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 15. Josh Starling 16. Addin Fonua-Blake 17. Siosaia Vave 18. Liam Knight
