Round 13: Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm [Archive]

DIEHARD

03-06-08, 09:35 AM

Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm

7:00pm, Monday 9 June 2008 - Skilled Park

http://www.nrl.com/portals/0/Titans_V_Storm_Rd13_320.jpg

Game Day Schedule
4:15pm Public transport to Skilled Park commences
4:30pm GATES OPEN
4:45pm Toyota Cup: Titans U20s V Storm U20s
7:05pm Jetstar Titans V Melbourne Storm

Teams:

http://www.rebelsport.com.au/ecom/rebel/artwork/interface/categories/gold-coast-titans.jpg

1. Preston Campbell
2. Ben Jeffery
3. Luke O'Dwyer
4. Brett Delaney
5. Brenton Bowen
6. Mat Rogers
7. Scott Prince (c)
8. Luke Bailey (c)
9. Nathan Friend
10. Michael Hodgson
11. Brad Meyers
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Josh Graham

Interchange:

14. Aaron Cannings
15. Michael Henderson
16. Luke Swain
17. Esi Tonga

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/dbimages/sfx6621.gif

1. Steve Turner
2. Brett Anderson
3. Joseph Tomane
4. Jeremy Smith
5. Sam Joe
6. Russell Aitken
7. Cooper Cronk (c)
8. Jeff Lima
9. Matt Geyer
10. Scott Anderson
11. Sam Tagataese
12. Antonio Kaufusi
13. Sika Manu

Interchange:

14. Liam Foran
15. Kevin Proctor
16. Adam Blair
17. Aiden Tolman
18. Lucas Miller
19. Clifford Manua
20. Sinbad Kali (three to be omitted)

Tamwelg

03-06-08, 02:48 PM

Storm

1. Steve Turner
2. Brett Anderson
3. Joseph Tomane
4. Jeremy Smith
5. Sam Joe
6. Russell Aitken
7. Cooper Cronk (c)
8. Jeff Lima
9. Matt Geyer
10. Scott Anderson
11. Sam Tagataese
12. Antonio Kaufusi
13. Sika Manu

Interchange:
14. Liam Foran, 15. Kevin Proctor, 16. Adam Blair, 17. Aiden Tolman, 18. Lucas Miller, 19. Clifford Manua, 20. Sinbad Kali (three to be omitted).

mb63

03-06-08, 03:25 PM

With Storm having 9 players out they are no chance.Titans by 20.

Ryan

03-06-08, 04:33 PM

I assume we'll only be missing Laffranci and Harrison?

If we could add 50 points to our F\A and take 50 off theirs, that would be good. A bit of payback from last year..........

Hoppy2007Dragons

03-06-08, 04:37 PM

Princy should be fired up and hopefully the return of rogers, should see the titans put 13+ on the storm reserve grade.

karnage

03-06-08, 05:15 PM

A selfish part of me is rapt to see Prince left out of Origin II but the pessimist in me is worried what effect it will have on his psyche.

Hopefully Bull can pull his finger out this week and spark some attack from our forwards.

I would love to see them both come out and kill this Storm team and see the Titans reach 40 for the first time in our history.

The premiers will hopefully play us back into form.

:fight:

karnage

03-06-08, 05:16 PM

let's Not Forget That This Is Our First Chance To Sledge Turncoat Turner

shamus

03-06-08, 05:32 PM

Boofhead

03-06-08, 05:32 PM

Will be a good training run!

Hope to see a massive blow out.

MattO

03-06-08, 05:39 PM

What's the Titans side for the weekend?

Super Cronk

03-06-08, 06:21 PM

Hmm..I hate it when everyone predicts a 30 point landslide or even 13+....I agree that I would much much rather play these guys then the first string side but still an experienced side and I have no doubt will be doing their best to spoil our home record.

1. Steve Turner NRL
2. Brett Anderson NRL Limited
3. Joseph Tomane 20?s NRL (1 game)
4. Jeremy Smith NRL
5. Sam Joe 20?s
6. Russell Aitken NRL
7. Cooper Cronk (c) NRL
8. Jeff Lima NRL
9. Matt Geyer NRL
10. Scott Anderson NRL
11. Sam Tagataese NRL
12. Antonio Kaufusi NRL
13. Sika Manu NRL

i agree mate. the storm still have their regular halfback, and still some forwards.

I wouldnt have scott anderson down as a regular first grader, and Brett anderson has only 1 game with the storm (not sure how many he had with eels, but do know he suffered a bad injury and didnt play alot) so it is very limited as of recently.

Also we have a second rower playing centre...vs the dragons we got ripped up down that side, if the titans were smart they would head towards Jezza smith all night.

also the bench looks like:

Liam Foran, 15. Kevin Proctor, 16. Adam Blair, 17. Aiden Tolman, 18. Lucas Miller, 19. Clifford Manua, 20. Sinbad Kali.

Manua and blair are regulars the others limited. but im not making excuses. I think if the storm turn up and go hard out we are a chance to win, infact im expecting to win. titans are obviously one of the most in-form teams at the moment and if the storm turn up half assed we will get rolled. but with this group of guys that shouldnt happen.

patskE

03-06-08, 06:33 PM

is chambers out?
anyone know if conn is back? and rogers?

robbo_31

03-06-08, 06:38 PM

why hasnt a team been named yet?

Pumba

03-06-08, 06:47 PM

1. Preston Campbell
2. Ben Jeffery
3. Luke O'Dwyer
4. Brett Delaney
5. Brenton Bowen
6. Mat Rogers
7. Scott Prince (capt)
8. Luke Bailey (capt)
9. Nathan Friend
10. Michael Hodgson
11. Brad Meyers
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Josh Graham

Interchange:
14. Aaron Cannings
15. Michael Henderson
16. Luke Swain
17. Esi Tonga

Super Cronk

03-06-08, 06:48 PM

is chambers out?
anyone know if conn is back? and rogers?

chambers was injured during training the night before the doggies game...did his acl...gone for the season.

Pumba

03-06-08, 07:03 PM

NYC Team
1. Shannon Walker
2. Kevin Gordon 3. Jared McCarthy 4. Jordan Rapana 5. Cameron White
6. Cody Nelson 7. Jordan Rankin
8. Steve Darby 9. Geoff Holcombe 10. Richard Barrett
11. Will Mathews 12. Tom Kingston
13. Ryan Simpkins (c)

Interchange: 14. Bodene Thompson 15. Ben Ridge 16. Brodie Williams 17. Matt Nuttal
Reserves: 18. David Moore 19. Siosaia Vave

patskE

03-06-08, 07:07 PM

sigh thought we were going see someone given a go on the wing...
swain 13 grahman to bench imo
he a good player, but aint a starting player
sigh wish conny was back

tell u wat
bailey hasnt been the same since his been back
i dont think his 100%

C-Whiz

03-06-08, 07:09 PM

While we appreciate getting a public holiday for it, it'll still be fun to beat the Storm on their birthday! ;)

kwigibo

03-06-08, 08:44 PM

Cartwright can't even bring himself to change a losing team. If Walker was ever to be given a full go, this is the week.

TITAN PETE

03-06-08, 08:57 PM

I look forward to seeing Hendersen back in the top grade & if he comes back where he left it last year he'll own a start in the 17 man squad week in week out.:fist:

If Rogers is ruled out i hope Davis gets a start he has a great kicking game so it would take pressure off Prince ;)

Helen

03-06-08, 09:10 PM

is chambers out?
anyone know if conn is back? and rogers?

If you mean Will Chambers, he got a season ending knee injury last week in training.

http://sportal.com.au/league-news-display/season-over-for-chambers-49483

Promising young Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers' season is over after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Friday.

Helen

patskE

03-06-08, 10:30 PM

man i would use tonga as a 2nd rower, like teo and le tarmi
sigh u need to give ppl a go carty otherwise they wont be given a chance to prove emself

bigjim

04-06-08, 12:42 AM

Footy Gods are smiling on us.

Of all the weeks to play the Storm at home, this would be by far the best.:fight:

May not do much for the teams overall away from home confidence, but what the hey, it's two points.

Ryan

04-06-08, 06:10 AM

I'd rather see the Storm play full strength at Skilled, it'd be a bloody good match to watch. Better off playing an under strength Storm at the Graveyard.......

robbo_31

04-06-08, 07:29 AM

good to see henderson named again, looks like he is def getting a run this weekend, may take a few weeks for him to get back up to nrl standard, but will be a good hit out for him this weekend against an under strength storm side.

lonegull

04-06-08, 07:37 AM

i cant get over graham has again been picked a lock, swain should start ahead of him, it showed last week graham isnt a stating lock he done nothing, good to see tonga get another run, there is a question mark still over rogers watch for Brad Davis to coem in as a late replacement great to see henderson back

curly_11

04-06-08, 08:47 AM

Where is Gavin Cooper? Why is not even on the bench....i think hes played well this season...

bigjim

04-06-08, 10:03 AM

I'd rather see the Storm play full strength at Skilled, it'd be a bloody good match to watch. Better off playing an under strength Storm at the Graveyard.......

Love the Titans, but reality check. Full strengh Storm team mid-season we would have little hope beating anywhere.

We need points. Get a spot in the top four for the finals then we have a chance of knocking off the Storm. The finals are a whole new proposition. In the finals we could even beat a full strengh Storm team at Olympic Park. Anything is possible.
Nerves, expectation and pressure make finals a whole different animal. We just need one of those top four spots so we get a home semi.

Ryan

04-06-08, 04:11 PM

Love the Titans, but reality check. Full strengh Storm team mid-season we would have little hope beating anywhere.

We need points. Get a spot in the top four for the finals then we have a chance of knocking off the Storm. The finals are a whole new proposition. In the finals we could even beat a full strengh Storm team at Olympic Park. Anything is possible.
Nerves, expectation and pressure make finals a whole different animal. We just need one of those top four spots so we get a home semi.
So the Tiatns have a better chance of beating the Storm at Olympic Park in the finals, than beating them Storm at Skilled mid-season? I think your in for the reality check.......

Considering the Storm were in the last two Grand Finals, I dare say they would be a better prepared side over the Titans come September. Not to mention half their are side State\National reps, so nerves expectation and pressure shouldn't be a problem with them.

Playing a full strength Titans side at Skilled or Suncorp, now theres a whole different animal ;)

patskE

04-06-08, 07:56 PM

reading gc bulletion
rogers is still in doubt
and conn might be make a comeback
"Daniel Conn is a slight chance of making an early return from a shoulder injury."

TITAN PETE

05-06-08, 08:55 AM

Turner is now playing Origin so the "Turncoat" chant will have to wait another day :(

DIEHARD

05-06-08, 10:19 AM

Titans V Storm Preview

Skilled Park Monday 7pm

http://www.nrl.com/portals/0/Titans_V_Storm_Rd13_320.jpg

IT’S a massive shame that this mammoth clash comes during Origin time.
A full-strength Titans v Storm match at Skilled Park would have brought the roof off the new stadium but now, unfortunately, the match is devoid of some of the game’s biggest stars.

The home side is only slightly affected, with Ashley Harrison and Anthony Laffranchi missing, while the visitors have to contend without nine – yes that’s right, nine Origin stars.

Cam Smith, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Billy Slater, Michael Crocker, Dallas Johnson, Anthony Quinn, Ryan Hoffman and Brett White are all on enforced leave – and Steve Turner is an outside chance to also be missing if Jarryd Hayne is suspended.
Plus coach Craig Bellamy is also away!

It’s a good thing for the Titans, who have been in a mini slump, losing to the Wests Tigers and Cronulla in recent weeks, as they should be good enough to get their season back on track with victory.

They have fallen to fifth place on the ladder but are only a win behind the second-placed Storm, so a victory will get them back on the path to the top four.

Mat Rogers returns at five-eighth for Harrison, while Michael Hodgson comes into the front row and Brad Meyers drops to the back row for Laffranchi. Michael Henderson is a welcome addition to the bench.

The Storm side is barely recognisable to the one that smashed the Bulldogs 46-0 last weekend.

Russell Aitken comes in at five-eighth, Steve Turner lines up at fullback, Brett Anderson and Sam Joe come onto the wings, while Joseph Tomane and Jeremy Smith are the new centres.

Matt Geyer will play hooker, Scott Anderson prop, Sam Tagataese and Antonio Kaufusi second row and Sika Manu lock.

Newcomers on a seven-man bench include Liam Foran, Kevin Proctor, Aiden Tolman, Lucas Miller, Clifford Manua and Sinbad Kali.

Now plenty of you may be saying… who? And it’s a fair question, but rest assured each and every one of those players will give a fair account of themselves.

Watch out Titans: The young Storm boys will be doing everything they can to get at Preston Campbell and Brenton Bowen who have been deplorable defensively this season. Campbell has made just a miserable 15 per cent of tackles he has attempted this season while Bowen is even worse making just 14.3 per cent. These figures have been lit up like fireworks on Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve during Melbourne video work through the week; if they can get to the dodgy duo, they will.

Watch out Storm: The Titans will be hunting through the middle of the ruck in an attempt to take apart the inexperienced forward pack. The size of the likes of Anderson, Kaufusi, Tagataese and Manu makes them prize candidates for being forced into repeat tackles and as they are often slow laterally, it could be a big night for Scott Prince as he marshals his troops around them. With 16 tries scored up the middle of the field the Titans lead the NRL in tries up the guts – and chances are they’ll add to that this Monday night.

Where it will be won: Attitude. Lining up against a side missing as many stars as the Melbourne side can be difficult in terms of complacency. If the Titans go into the clash without their heads screwed on then their undefeated record at Skilled Park could be under threat. The Storm kids have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They are playing for their futures in the top grade and the chance to come into the side should injuries occur later in the season. Considering the Storm are favourites again for the premiership, the desire to be next in line for a potential premiership ring is significant drive to produce the match of their lives. The Titans have to approach the match as if all of the stars are playing.

The History: Played 1; Titans 0, Storm 1. In the one and only clash between the clubs thus far Melbourne annihilated the Titans to the tune of 50-6.

Conclusion: Anything is possible but the Titans are heavy favourites ($1.16!) and rightly so. Tipping the Titans is really the only way to go here but it wasn’t long ago that the ‘Baby Broncos’ beat the Wests Tigers in similar circumstances, so if you fancy a miracle… then go for the Storm.

Match officials: Referee – Jason Robinson; Sideline Officials – Mohamad Fajajo & Adam Devcich; Video ref – Tim Mander.

Televised: Foxsports 2 – Live 7.00pm.

* Statistics: NRL Stats.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

patskE

05-06-08, 01:06 PM

conny is looking good to play
he broke smith samau nose in training ahaha
but doc says his looking good
rogers is in doubt still with brad davis on standby

Titansguy

06-06-08, 05:18 PM

um...

i just heard on the news that scotty prince got a call for origin.

does anybody know if that is for this game or next game??

im really hoping that he still plays on monday

patskE

06-06-08, 05:35 PM

nah i dont think he can play this game
i know davis was lined up for rogers, is he a halfback, or will lewis get the nod? or will campbell play the number 7 with walker comeing into the side?

btw move rogers back to centre!

TitansFan

06-06-08, 06:48 PM

:dizzy: This would have to be one of the most disrupted preparations for a Titans game that I can remember. I can hardly keep up with it...
Prince is out
Rogers might be out
Conn might be in
Davis might be in
Will be interesting to see what team takes the field.

bigjim

06-06-08, 07:12 PM

So the Tiatns have a better chance of beating the Storm at Olympic Park in the finals, than beating them Storm at Skilled mid-season? I think your in for the reality check.......

Considering the Storm were in the last two Grand Finals, I dare say they would be a better prepared side over the Titans come September. Not to mention half their are side State\National reps, so nerves expectation and pressure shouldn't be a problem with them.

Playing a full strength Titans side at Skilled or Suncorp, now theres a whole different animal ;)

Yes, they do have a better chance of beating Storm at Olympic Park in the finals than mid-season. But they have to get there.
They got thumped by Sharks by 16 points, pipped by the Tigers by 2 points and by 1 point by the Knights. So if you think a full strength Storm would be beaten by the Titans anywhere at the moment, you need a realty check.

I want the Titans to win the final. The only way they can do that is to know what battles they can win and ensure they win them. The best team doesn't always win. The winning team is usually the luckiest and most determined.

bigjim

06-06-08, 07:20 PM

Winning the grand final is not about winning every game.
It's about winning enough games to get you to the final game.

And then winning that one final game.

In the final, any team can beat any team.

DIEHARD

07-06-08, 01:12 PM

Game Day Schedule
4:15pm Public transport to Skilled Park commences
4:30pm GATES OPEN
4:45pm Toyota Cup: Titans U20s V Bulldogs U20s
7:05pm Jetstar Titans V Melbourne Storm

........................

patskE

07-06-08, 01:52 PM

saw in paper conn is named with tonga dropped
i rkn we will see conn at 13 with grahman on the bench.
i think we all know his a great player but isnt a starting one

GCT_89

07-06-08, 01:53 PM

CONFETTI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yea thats right.....im bringing a **** load of blue, gold, and white paper cut up into annoyingly-hard-to-pick-up pieces..................

throwing up above LEGION at first TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cant bloody wait...............we are going to thrash those....ummmm......what do you call them? The Melbourne Overcast? Slight Chance of Showers?

Paul

07-06-08, 01:55 PM

the u/20's should be awesome.They drew last time(28 all I think) and there were a few good punch ups

patskE

07-06-08, 02:14 PM

anyone know if tonga is named in the under20's now?

C-Whiz

07-06-08, 04:28 PM

cant bloody wait...............we are going to thrash those....ummmm......what do you call them? The Melbourne Overcast? Slight Chance of Showers?

I think the Storm is a team that blows.

Paul

07-06-08, 04:43 PM

Diehard,are you sure it's the doggies we're playing in the U/20's? because they are on tele live against the knights at the moment

That would be a tad harsh to expect them to back up 2 days later in QLD

GCT_89

07-06-08, 06:12 PM

the u/20's should be awesome.They drew last time(28 all I think) and there were a few good punch ups

Diehard,are you sure it's the doggies we're playing in the U/20's? because they are on tele live against the knights at the moment

That would be a tad harsh to expect them to back up 2 days later in QLD

why would we be playing the doggies in U/20s?

Titans are playing storm on monday.......

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/8803/u20saj7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Game Day Schedule
4:15pm Public transport to Skilled Park commences
4:30pm GATES OPEN
4:45pm Toyota Cup: Titans U20s V Bulldogs STORM U20s
7:05pm Jetstar Titans V Melbourne Storm

fixed

GOATUS

07-06-08, 06:47 PM

Im already there

Paul

07-06-08, 06:53 PM

haha now you see why I was confused Adam:D

kwigibo

07-06-08, 08:25 PM

Just saw the smurfs in the monday night footy promo on fox sports.

patskE

08-06-08, 12:27 AM

jeez i hate playing on monday night
u have to wait all weekend n watch every other team play!
normally if we play friday, i watch one or to other guys, but just soooo pumped up to see the boys play
anyone see parra game? that williams kids looks great, good to see a side in the nrl giving the young kids a go, hint hint carty :P

DIEHARD

08-06-08, 01:47 PM

Thanks for picking up on that error. It was of course a mistake. We are playing the Storm Under 20s.

I merely cut and pasted it from the Titans Member Mail.

Yea the Smurfs are getting great milage, how great and passionate does it make Titans fans look?!

Well done Wade and your fllow smurfs!

Boofhead

08-06-08, 03:55 PM

kwigibo

08-06-08, 04:19 PM

If Rogers doesn't pull up fit Preston has to be 6 or 7 right?

patskE

08-06-08, 04:21 PM

nah reading paper 2day
davis n lewis both on standby for rogers n prince
also conn is on the bench now for tonga iam pretty sure

amaline

08-06-08, 04:39 PM

I guess we can also hope that Thurston is unable to play Origin and Cronk gets called up :)

jenwood

08-06-08, 04:48 PM

Brad Davis didnt play for Seagulls today (they got flogged by Redcliffe) so is obviously in for Prince although nothing official has been said by Titans! Hope he has a big one for his NRL debut!!!:D

DIEHARD

08-06-08, 04:54 PM

If he is called up let's make sure we give Brad a huge cheer for his debut when his name is called over the PA.

TITAN PETE

08-06-08, 05:13 PM

How do we match up now without the Prince?

1. Preston Campbell
2. Ben Jeffery
3. Luke O'Dwyer
4. Brett Delaney
5. Brenton Bowen
6. Mat Rogers
7.
8. Luke Bailey (capt)
9. Nathan Friend
10. Michael Hodgson
11. Brad Meyers
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Josh Graham

Interchange:
14. Aaron Cannings
15. Michael Henderson
16. Luke Swain
17. Esi Tonga

Davis to 7 if Rogers is fit & if Conn is available he has to start at lock ;)

I'm happy to play without Prince in this match as it will give others like Rogers,Presto,Friend & Davis a chance to lead the team in attack without Prince :surprise: as it's better to play without him this week rather than any other game this year :D

patskE

08-06-08, 05:36 PM

lockyer is out
prince is in
just watching the rooster game n they just said it!

yeh i agree conn should go right bak to 13
grahman good player but aint a starter n conn is just a strong defender

its going make this game more interesting to watch
dont know y but i got a bad feeling about this game aye :S dont know y ahah

dee13

08-06-08, 06:10 PM

Brad Davis has been on fire in the QLD Cup as of late. In the past couple of weeks he has won 2 games, for Tweed, with the boot. He has got a kicking game. He can also kick field goals. He should do well against the undermanned Storm defence.

C-Whiz

08-06-08, 06:56 PM

Davis to 7 if Rogers is fit & if Conn is available he has to start at lock ;)

I'm happy to play without Prince in this match as it will give others like Rogers,Presto,Friend & Davis a chance to lead the team in attack without Prince :surprise: as it's better to play without him this week rather than any other game this year :D

This is a very good point. Having a team with attacking flair is great as long as it has attacking depth. The role of leadership for the backline will be a telling point in this game. We know Preston and Rogers have the experience, so it will be interesting to see who steps up and what sort of play develops out of their bag of tricks.

I'd say this could well be one of the highlights of the season. :thumbsup:

TitansFan

08-06-08, 09:30 PM

Brad Davis didnt play for Seagulls today

He was never going to play for Seagulls today because he was selected in the Qld residents side

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 12:16 AM

I'm really happy Brad Davis is going to get a run in the NRL and I hope he has an absolute blinder. I agree with DIEHARD, that we should all give him a huge cheer when his name is called out.

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 12:29 AM

Just read the Tweed line up and noticed Brenton Bowen played fullback for them yesterday. Esi Tonga in the run on side? or is Atkins back? anyone know?

I reckon this means Matt Rogers is most likely ok to play and Conn we already know Conn is back.

Maybe:

1. Preston Campbell
2. Ben Jeffery
3. Luke O'Dwyer
4. Brett Delaney
5. Esi Tonga
6. Mat Rogers
7. Brad Davis
8. Luke Bailey (c)
9. Nathan Friend
10. Michael Hodgson
11. Brad Meyers
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Daniel Conn

Interchange:

14. Aaron Cannings
15. Michael Henderson
16. Luke Swain
17. Josh Graham

amaline

09-06-08, 08:34 AM

Just reading the paper and it says Conn is replacing Tonga(ankle) on the bench. So either Atkins is back or Walker?

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 08:38 AM

Just reading the paper and it says Conn is replacing Tonga(ankle) on the bench. So either Atkins is back or Walker?

Rogers wins his battle to be fit

Luke Turgeon

09Jun08

THE Rat is back.

Star Titans five-eighth Mat `Rat' Rogers will make his return from injury against the Storm at Skilled Park as the Gold Coast seek to steady their 2008 campaign after a wonky three weeks.

Rogers, who missed last week's clash with the Sharks with a tear to an abdominal oblique muscles, yesterday passed a fitness test at the Titans final training run.

Rogers' comeback takes on even greater importance, with Gold Coast co-captain and chief playmaker Scott Prince out of the Titans and in the Queensland Origin team after skipper Darren Lockyer's withdrawal.

Tweed Heads Seagulls skipper Brad Davis will replace Prince, making his NRL debut.

Tough young backrower Daniel Conn, who has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a shoulder problem, will replace injured rookie Esi Tonga (ankle) on the bench.

"He (Rogers) got through fine and has no worries," said Titans coach John Cartwright. "He hasn't missed a session this week and has slotted in well."

Dual international Rogers has been restricted to just six games so far this season, largely due to a four-match suspension for a dangerous throw in round five.

"It was pretty frustrating but there is nothing you can do about it," said Rogers.

"I have given up worrying about things that are out of my control. When you are not playing footy, your whole mood changes.

"When I got suspended, we were just getting it together and I feel like I let us down a little bit.

"By taking me out of there a few things changed around and it worked for a bit but then we had a couple of pretty ordinary games."

The Gold Coast are overwhelming favourites do some damage against a young and largely inexperienced Storm.

Melbourne are missing an incredible 10 players -- Cam Smith, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Billy Slater, Michael Crocker, Dallas Johnson, Anthony Quinn, Steve Turner, Ryan Hoffman and Brett White -- through State of Origin commitments.

They have also had to prepare for the match without coach Craig Bellamy.

Cartwright yesterday played down talk of favouritism. "It doesn't matter who they have," said Cartwright.

"We need to prepare exactly as we would if they were at full strength, that is the key to beating them.

"You can't take anyone easy in this competition and we are in no position to take anyone easy.

"We haven't had a real good month the last month and they are strong side.

"They have still got four internationals and one coming off the bench so while they have been affected by Origin more than anyone, they are the best club in the competition for a reason and they have got great depth."

Source - www.goldcoast.com.au

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 08:43 AM

Davis to make belated NRL debut

June 9, 2008 - 8:24AM

Rugby league journeyman Brad Davis was celebrating almost as much as Scott Prince after he was called into the Titans side make his belated NRL debut against Melbourne on Monday night at 26.

Davis had a scholarship with the defunct Gold Coast Chargers when he was teenager before heading to Parramatta straight out of Currumbin Beach high school.

With Prince's elevation into the Queensland side following the withdrawal of skipper Darren Lockyer, Davis's career has come full circle.

He attempted to break into the NRL through Parramatta, Balmain and Manly lower grades before he ended up back up on the Gold Coast as a major influence in Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup premiership win last year.

The Titans saw his potential and worth as a back up for Prince and on Monday night he will play five-eighth in a reshuffled backline.

Melbourne have 10 players and their head coach Craig Bellamy unavailable because of Origin and are long odds to win at Skilled Park where the Titans are unbeaten.

But with Prince out, things change a little and a lot of responsibility will fall on the talented and highly rated Davis in his debut game.

"They (Melbourne) have still got great depth and we won't be taking the lightly," said Davis in the final year of his physical education degree at Bond University.

"I'm not expecting miracles, I just want to go out their and do the job Carty (coach John Cartwright) wants me to do."

Melbourne are expected to play either veteran Matt Geyer or debutant Joseph Tomane at fullback in the absence of Steve Turner who was a late addition to the NSW side for suspended winger Jarryd Hayne.

Powerful Clifford Manua is expected to come onto the bench.

Source - www.leaguehq.com.au

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 08:45 AM

I'm really happy Mat and Daniel are back, but if Atkins is as well, that will be another boost. I'm happy that Brad will be in his usual 5/8 position and I guess Rogers must be the halfback. I reckon Davis will have the job or controlling the side.

patskE

09-06-08, 11:39 AM

yeh conn my fav player tbh, just a thoguh cookie!
iam guessing atkins is fit, he was due to play last week, i was surpised there wasnt more talk about him
surpised bowen got dropped when jefferys got benched past 2 games

kwigibo

09-06-08, 12:18 PM

i was surpised there wasnt more talk about him
surpised bowen got dropped when jefferys got benched past 2 games

Maybe Bowen's defense was a factor.

Not sure about Mat as halfback?

Paul

09-06-08, 01:30 PM

I just hope it doesn't rain again. I'm tired of getting drenched everytime I go to the footy :D

patskE

09-06-08, 01:55 PM

wouldnt they move davis to halfback?
only time will tell
sigh wish under20's was on tv

DIEHARD

09-06-08, 02:00 PM

I just hope it doesn't rain again. I'm tired of getting drenched everytime I go to the footy :D

Me too Paul. It won't stop us going to games, but it isn't much fun.

patskE

09-06-08, 02:44 PM

looking at the tab
1st try scorer is at 7 dollers
very low
i think normally its at 11 or something
i think they know atkins is playing

DIEHARD

09-06-08, 03:02 PM

I'm confident our team can perform without Scott. Preston, Nathan and Rogers will offer us direction.

Glad to see Brad Davis promoted, expect a warm welcome son! We might even make you a chant.

Also looking forward to seeing Goatus at another Titans match, after the last match he went to was Round 1. He is great value.

This is the train I will attempt to be onboard...

Helensvale (Station) 4:34pm
Robina (Station) 4:45pm

patskE

09-06-08, 03:24 PM

i cant see anyone bar maybe davis throwing a cut out ball or a short ball to a flying mini back in on the angel, rogers needs to step up n show us y he was wearing the 10 for the tahs

daveyk

09-06-08, 04:10 PM

YAY to the rain

lets get wet people

patskE

09-06-08, 07:50 PM

12-0 at half time
conn been great
henderson had some good trong runs coming back
odwyer droped the ball
mini been strong, great defensive saving a try, also jeffery 2 saved a certain try
our attack has been strong with rogers n davis, but jsut lacks that pass that princey delievers
anyway back to the game

also s2 campbell

TitansFan

09-06-08, 07:59 PM

12 points is a good half time lead. I hope we can really put them away in the second half and improve our for/against difference

Rage

09-06-08, 08:53 PM

FULLTIME

Titans 18 Storm 0

first time we've kept a team scoreless i think
good win, hopefully carries some confidence for next weeks game
plus, good to know we can win without Prince

Ryan

09-06-08, 08:57 PM

18-0 Full Time.

Would have liked to have seen a larger score margin but wet games don't usually allow too many points. Ball control was excellent in the first half but was let down at critical times in the 2nd.

Jeffery had a blinder, Swain was a standout off the bench and Minichiello & Bailey were good up front. I think Brad Davis done a good job too.

patskE

09-06-08, 09:27 PM

jeffery repaid carty confindence in keeping him in the side motm tbh great game
campbell was safe
rogers looked alusive but more like centre runs, i want him back to centre argh ahah

Titanium_BD1103

09-06-08, 09:30 PM

Great game by the boys... nice work in the wet to get a good win... :)

I was really impressed by Brad Davis... he was very calm under pressure, looked extremely confident and just really seemed to know what he was doing, I think he is a real talent and hopefully he can get more game time, because if he can keep improving, I think he'll be a great number 7 or 6 in years to come.

Jeffery looked good again and Atkins had a strong game too... Mini was working hard as always and Matty and Preston were good in controlling the side too... :D

daveyk

09-06-08, 09:36 PM

a fantastic game tonight.....

was great to see yet another win at home.... a top 4 finish will be great to secure a home semi.....

its great to see that we are back in form.,... lets take this away with us..,

Paul

09-06-08, 09:39 PM

I just got back,I left just as Jeffery scored (I felt like crap all day)

Great performance by our under 20's,They won 38-6

Good solid performance in first grade,At the northern end we didnt see any action in the first half we were that dominant

Davis looked good,Preston was class as usual. Jeffery was good and scored a great try.Meyers is becoming a try machine :D

I noticed something annoying about melbournes gameplan,when they have the ball their players not involved take out alot of our defenders

Good to meet C-Whiz although it would of been better if Mat Rogers didnt hit me in the head with the ball while we were chatting :D

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 10:05 PM

Nice to come away with 2 points against Melbourne and even better to see the forward pack stand up after a poor effort last week. Davis was pretty solid on debut, I'd like to see what he would play like next to Princey. It was also great to see Hendo back out there and running the ball up strongly.

Ben Jeffery and Luke Swain both played the best games they have ever played for the Titans. Bailey is getting back to his best, Mini made his usual strong runs and Friend worked hard all night.

C-Whiz

09-06-08, 10:08 PM

Good to meet C-Whiz although it would of been better if Mat Rogers didnt hit me in the head with the ball while we were chatting :D

Yep, another face to the name, even if we almost got taken out before the game started!

Anyway, was a pretty impressive game all round considering the difficult conditions. Our ball control and security was certainly stepped up. Ben Jeffrey was great all night, and that kick and regather for his try was sensational! :thumbsup:

The play of the day for me was Mini and Bull holding out some large, lardy Strom hulkster barging for the try line from 3 metres out, and the boys muscling him back into the field of play. :salute: It was a telling moment. The game could of really shifted if they got that try, so it was a super effort.

Too bad we couldn't get some more points on the board, but there were many positives that will lift our confidence, and I think our ball security was one of the big improvements.

kwigibo

09-06-08, 10:09 PM

Good to meet C-Whiz although it would of been better if Mat Rogers didnt hit me in the head with the ball while we were chatting :D

If you were paying attention you would have caught it.

Brad Davis permanent number 6, shift Rogers back to the centres. That's right, I'm saying it. I guess it was nice to play his 1st NRL game against a QLD cup team though.

TITAN PETE

09-06-08, 10:11 PM

A average game but not too bad in the wet conditions & without so many class players but the highlights were definatley the debut of Brad Davis & brilliant match from Jeffreys in attack & his Defense was awesome :D

patskE

09-06-08, 10:55 PM

anyone know what was wrong with conn?
went to make a tackle, i think to slap ball or something as the guy passed n came off holding his hand i think
any news anyone?

Tamwelg

09-06-08, 10:59 PM

anyone know what was wrong with conn?
went to make a tackle, i think to slap ball or something as the guy passed n came off holding his hand i think
any news anyone?

Didn't see the incident, but saw him walk past me on the sideline and he didn't look happy, I thought it was because he was taken off and didn't want to come off, but maybe he has picked up another injury.

Steve

09-06-08, 11:01 PM

Was never going to be the first class game it could have been, but was still good.

Our defence was great. They still had Cronk and plenty of talent in the backs, but we kept them out well. I thought we really missed Prince in attack. We totally dominated the Storm, but couldn't get over the line. Really missed his passing game. Not to say Davis didn't do well, he did, just, Scotty Prince.

We're running out of home games, so we really need to start taking the winning form on the road. I don't think we're that far off it, it's been close every time.

bigjim

09-06-08, 11:29 PM

Good win. It was one of those games where, if the young Storm players had got a sniff they might have out enthused the Titans.

However, good Titan defence shut them down all night.

They obviously missed Prince with offensive strategy, but good solid defence just wore the Storm down and give them nothing to work with.:thumbsup:

GCT_07

09-06-08, 11:43 PM

Good game.... missed half of the second with people coming into section 30 stealing stuff and having to chase them down but other than that Good Game. I know it s probably just my opinion... being such a matty fan.... but it was great to see him play a stronger roll. Glad we have a bye next week... that last hit on him didnt look to good. :doh:

heidstar

10-06-08, 12:12 AM

For a wet and monday night , what a great turn out for our team.The defence was brilliant.!!! We could of easily got 30 nil , but just could not get over the line.never the less we have never walked out of that awesome stadium with our heads down.Just a pity mark couldn't hold that ball, that would of been a great try if he did!!!!

Airlie Beach Titan

10-06-08, 05:38 AM

I won't say it was the classiest game in the world, but what I will say is that it seems they have overcome all the small little niggling problems they've been facing the last 3-4 weeks.

Solid ball control (in otherwise terrible conditions, not our friend.)
Solid, solid, solid defence, and outstanding work from our forward pack.

Jeffery redeemed himself of all bad doubts I had about him, if he can keep up the form he displayed in this game then we are in for a treat.

Still not sure about Brad Davis, but, he showed great composure and kept at his game under enormous pressure (and some pretty enormous boots to fill). Well done kid, they swarmed you in the first 40 but kept your cool.

Well done boys, 4 point week for us.

Paul

10-06-08, 05:57 AM

Good game.... missed half of the second with people coming into section 30 stealing stuff and having to chase them down

Did the security do anything about those 2?. I can't believe fellow titans fans would go through someones bag and steal flags etc...and they weren't even in the same bay as us,they were in 31

Ban the scumbags

titanstattman

10-06-08, 10:02 AM

Did the security do anything about those 2?. I can't believe fellow titans fans would go through someones bag and steal flags etc...and they weren't even in the same bay as us,they were in 31

Ban the scumbags

Why wasnt i told about this??????:fight:

:D

goldcoastitans

10-06-08, 10:15 AM

Paul

10-06-08, 10:17 AM

2nd half they went through GCT_89's bag and nicked a flag out of it. They were sitting in the third row of section 31,a guy and a girl.They both had sunnies on

goldcoastitans

10-06-08, 10:20 AM

pls tell me they got taken away by security!

Paul

10-06-08, 10:23 AM

Not really sure,I'd like to think they did though

titanstattman

10-06-08, 11:12 AM

Sum one should let me know......

kwigibo

10-06-08, 11:14 AM

Still not sure about Brad Davis, but, he showed great composure and kept at his game under enormous pressure (and some pretty enormous boots to fill). Well done kid, they swarmed you in the first 40 but kept your cool.

What I liked about his game, was that he defended better than Rogers or Prince usually do in the halves. Has a good boot, did a bit of the Prince show and go close to the line, and some very nice wrap around set plays. I'd like to see him against a proper NRL team.

TITAN PETE

10-06-08, 11:38 AM

What I liked about his game, was that he defended better than Rogers or Prince usually do in the halves. Has a good boot, did a bit of the Prince show and go close to the line, and some very nice wrap around set plays. I'd like to see him against a proper NRL team.

Good description of his game last night & i'd like to see him outside Prince against Souths in 2 weeks time ;)

mikeyba

10-06-08, 01:50 PM

yer great game.. it was even fun in the rain!!

My comment on Davis. Thought he had a solid debut. However I would have concerns about seeing him up against a 'full strength' NRL team in the number 7 role. He slowed the play down well and drew alot of players to him to open up some gaps. For me he played it 'safe' with some predictable set plays and didnt really show the magic to 'create' opportunites for attack that the likes of Prince and Thurston do (I know he can do it, have seen it in Qld Cup) maybe just nerves and the rain. As a halfback though he seemed to get tackled a hell of alot with the ball. Like the idea of moving him to 5/8 and Rogers back to centre. Then again O'Dywer / Delaney have been playing so well.. would be a good combo if any of those guys got injured. It was defense that won us the game and Davis excelled here thought he was better defensively than Prince.

Its fantastic to see the sort of depth we have in reserve this year. Same game last year we would have struggled with this one.

kwigibo

10-06-08, 02:15 PM

Good description of his game last night & i'd like to see him outside Prince against Souths in 2 weeks time ;)

I said a proper NRL team!

Haha, take that Russell Crowe :p

TITAN PETE

10-06-08, 02:29 PM

I said a proper NRL team!

Haha, take that Russell Crowe :p

Agree thats why he should play against Souths before we take on the Dragons :D

Paul

10-06-08, 02:34 PM

Has anybody else noticed how much Luke Swain has bulked up over the past month? he looked like a monster last night when they were warming up in front of us

lonegull

10-06-08, 03:24 PM

Has anybody else noticed how much Luke Swain has bulked up over the past month? he looked like a monster last night when they were warming up in front of us

yeah i noticed it on TV and mentioned it to my brother he has been playing good which is a bonus

patskE

10-06-08, 06:21 PM

"Conn who returned from a shoulder injury, wrenched the same shoulder late in the game but he's expected to play against Souths in two weeks.

Mat Rogers who was winded late is also expected to be right."

taken from gcbulletion

GCT_07

10-06-08, 09:39 PM

People were going through a bag????? did anyone catch them???? what idiots!!

so lets get this right ...
we kicked ass 18-0 against the storm!
we had fellow titans supporters stealing from us!
and we had 2 camera men going at each other and get escorted out!

what a night ...still trying to get over these thieves ....did u guys get what they stole back?

Camera Men going at each other.... when was this..... I missed about 20 minutes of the second half because of the low lifes stealing... was that when the camera men were escorted out. Gooooodness... its hard enough keeping an eye on the whole field and all the players.... now we have to watch for people stealing and camera men going at it.

As for the low lifes... we got the flag back... it was a bit stupid of them to try and take it, it was one of the big ones...... where the hell they thought they were going to hide it I dont know... but we got it back anyway, reported it and ended up leaving her with the police to sort out..... when I left she was claiming it was an accident and the she didnt mean anything... .... Thing that peeved me even further... I missed a great try :doh:

Titanstattman...... next time I ll come and get you

But back to these camera men.... details someone please