PDA

View Full Version : Round 20: Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos



DIEHARD
23-06-09, 11:27 AM
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos

7:30pm Friday 24 July 2009 - Skilled Park, Gold Coast

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/titansvsbroncos.jpg

Tickets: http://www.ticketek.com.au - Limited Tickets Hurry!

Gates Open - 5:15pm
NYC Under 20’s Kick off – 5:20pm
Main Game Kick off – 7:30pm

Gold Coast Titans
1 William Zillman, 2 Kevin Gordon, 3 Esi Tonga, 4 Brett Delaney, 5 David Mead, 6 Preston Campbell, 7 Scott Prince [c], 8 Luke Bailey [c], 9 Nathan Friend, 10 Michael Henderson, 11 Anthony Laffranchi, 12 Mark Minichiello, 13 Ashley Harrison.

Subs: 14 Matt White, 15 Aaron Cannings, 16 Brad Meyers, 17 Kayne Lawton, 18 Ian Lacey (one to be omitted).

Brisbane Broncos
1. Karmichael Hunt, 2. Antonio Winterstein, 3. Steve Michaels, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Alex Glenn, 6. Aaron Gorrell, 7. Peter Wallace, 8. David Taylor, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Joel Clinton, 11. Guy Williams, 12. Ben Te'o, 13. Corey Parker [c].

Subs: 14. Josh Hoffman, 15. Lagi Setu, 16. Josh McGuire, 17. Ashton Sims, 18. Aaron Sweeney (one to be omitted).

Referee: Jared Maxwell, Bernard Sutton

DIEHARD
18-07-09, 06:42 PM
Here is the Gold Coast vs Broncos thread! Let rip!

Nathalie
18-07-09, 07:20 PM
Shaun, Ariana and I will definitely be there! Early enough too..

karnage
18-07-09, 10:02 PM
Bring it on!!

A repeat of our performance from Friday will se us win well.:thumbsup:

A repeat of Brisbane's performance from friday will see us put a fair dinkum lap on them.:salute:

DIEHARD
18-07-09, 11:34 PM
Bookies say Broncos are 'gone'

Bookmakers have declared finals specialists Brisbane "gone" after they tumbled to their fifth loss in six NRL games at the hands of South Sydney on Friday night.

Finalists for 17 straight seasons under former coach Wayne Bennett, Brisbane have serious defensive issues after leaking 40 points or more against Parramatta, Melbourne, Cronulla and Souths, who smashed the Broncos 44-16 in front of 50,190 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

"They're no hope," said SportsAlive's Gerard Daffy after winding Brisbane's premiership odds out to $20 from $13.

"If they weren't the Broncos, they'd be much bigger odds.

"They're just about shot ducks."

Sportingbet Australia's Billy Richmond said the six-time premiers were in "massive trouble".

"Sides who leak points like that can't win premierships," said Richmond, whose betting agency also wound out Brisbane's odds.

Brisbane were in a worse position in 2007 when they were outside the top eight with two rounds to play before scraping into the finals.

A loss next weekend to the Gold Coast at Skilled Park where the Titans are 8-0 this season would make Brisbane's task almost impossible.

Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak, who will not have skipper Darren Lockyer (knee) back in time for the Titans game, conceded his players were "struggling" and had lost some trust defensively.

Defensive coach Peter Ryan put it more bluntly.

"Pretty bloody ordinary to be honest with you," said former enforcer Ryan.

"I don't know what to say. Souths got on top of us and it went from there.

"Our attitude has been pretty good actually.

"There are a few players missing but I'm at a loss to be honest with you. This comes as a surprise to me.

"Our blokes just folded in the middle."

South blew holes in Brisbane's left-side defence with five-eighth John Sutton and centre Beau Champion, who scored three tries, running wild.

"We've done a lot of work in this area, our left side has been our rock this year but unfortunately that is where we leaked points, said Ryan,

"(Corey) Parker, (Peter) Wallace and (Steve) Michaels have been great for us this year but we have to knuckle down and turn it around somehow.

Michaels, who was shifted to the wing in the second half, said poor communication hadn't helped.

"There was a lack of communication between me and Wal (Wallace)," he said.

"We got found out a number of times so we have to stick together and try and stay positive.

"I don't want to make excuses. We can't go blaming injuries. It is a tough time. We've never had so many points put on us so it's disappointing."

Parker, who stood in as captain for Lockyer, defended Michaels, who wore the brunt of blame.

Parker said it would be "unsavoury" to point the finger at just one or two players.

"When you're down on confidence and not winning games, you start losing a bit of trust," Parker said.

There's no doubt Brisbane missed Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Israel Folau and Nick Kenny, but they haven't been firing for weeks and time is fast running out for them.

Source: AAP

teke
19-07-09, 12:37 AM
Titans have a chance to cement a Finals birth and put one nail in the Broncos coffin. I can see score reversal to the 1st match played between the 2 this year.

Paul
19-07-09, 09:44 AM
We've been waiting all season for us to absolutely destroy a team from the 1st to 80th minute and this is the chance to completely put Brisbane to the sword. How good would that be on so many levels? To cement our credentials as real contenders,to heap more misery on brisbane and keep them out of the 8,dominate the local derby etc...If there was ever a time to really crush the donkey then this is it.The whole crowd need to be hostile,really hostile for the full game.


I'd be happy with a one point win but I have a really good feeling about this game which will hopefully start our form run towards the finals

Paul
19-07-09, 11:42 AM
I know it's not the heritage round but are the boys wearing the heritage jerseys?

amaline
19-07-09, 12:20 PM
The Courier Mail has an article saying that Friend is a slim chance of playing this weekend. If he's out, who comes in? Is Lawton ready yet?

patskE
19-07-09, 01:26 PM
i guess he has 2 be?
or campbell to dummy or wats the go with lacey?

karnage
19-07-09, 01:39 PM
I say NO, Lawton is not ready. Not for a game of this magnitude.

Friend is our heartbeat we need him out there more than anybody else. I will be praying to 47 different Gods this week to make sure he is OK. (As I don't know which is the proper God I will just pray to them all and then I have to get it right don't I??)

Lacey still trains with the top squad. Has anyone seem him in Q Cup??

Campbell is an option but that leaves a gaping hole in the centre of our ruck.

It is a really tough one - let's all just hope he gets the thumbs up.

karnage
19-07-09, 01:40 PM
I was just thinking that this is where it would have been good to have signed Farrar or Smith as then we could have just pulled them out of Queensland Cup:thumbsup:

amaline
19-07-09, 04:09 PM
I say NO, Lawton is not ready. Not for a game of this magnitude.

Friend is our heartbeat we need him out there more than anybody else. I will be praying to 47 different Gods this week to make sure he is OK. (As I don't know which is the proper God I will just pray to them all and then I have to get it right don't I??)

Lacey still trains with the top squad. Has anyone seem him in Q Cup??

Campbell is an option but that leaves a gaping hole in the centre of our ruck.

It is a really tough one - let's all just hope he gets the thumbs up.

Is there any better options? Zillman at hooker? This is probably going to be the best game to give Lawton a run in first grade though. The Bronocs forward pack hasn't been very impressive this year.

patskE
19-07-09, 04:30 PM
well broncos numer 9 is mullcaleh(dnt know how to spell it)
be a good battle between the two youngies

Boofhead
19-07-09, 05:09 PM
It will be interesting to see what we will do if Friend doesn't play, I'm not a fan of blooding Lawton for a massive game like this. Preston will have to do alot more defensive work if we slide him into the 9, he has been great this year making plenty of effective tackle.

Fingers crossed Friendy pulls up well.

helcam4
19-07-09, 05:26 PM
i`d be more than happy with preston at hooker and zilly at the back, i remember a trial game at carrara( i know its a while ago) and preston totaly carved the panthers up playing hooker.his dummy half runs at a big slow foward pack where awsome.in defence he could position himself on the edge of the ruck in a 5/8 lock position with harrison moving 1 spot in where he defended in origin.

DIEHARD
19-07-09, 05:29 PM
Damn it, I thought it might have been too good to be true for Friendy to get out of jail uninjured. It also means that Nath played while injured last Friday...

I guess Preston to hooker would be the best option. It isn't ideal, we want Preston receiving the ball not distributing it. He should do some damaging dummy half runs and he'll be able to cope with the defensive workload. He has played hooker before at Cronulla.

At least we have a 7 day turn around, hopefully Friend's injury is only niggling and they name an extended squad at worst.

Paul
19-07-09, 05:44 PM
I'm hoping Friend will be ok for this game,I want basically our full strength side out for this one so we can really get our form on song and hopefully score a big amount of points

But if luck doesn't go our way It doesn't bother/concern me in the slightest to have Preston wearing the 9 and Zillman at the back

karnage
19-07-09, 06:11 PM
i`d be more than happy with preston at hooker and zilly at the back, i remember a trial game at carrara( i know its a while ago) and preston totaly carved the panthers up playing hooker.his dummy half runs at a big slow foward pack where awsome.in defence he could position himself on the edge of the ruck in a 5/8 lock position with harrison moving 1 spot in where he defended in origin.

The only problem with that is that we would have either Campbell / Rogers or Campbell / Prince on one side of the defensive line.

Those guys defending side by side would be a red rag to a bull. We need a tough hombre out there to run shotgun for our halves so they can do their thing when we get the ball.

teke
19-07-09, 07:43 PM
I think you will see a 2 pronged attack from Dummy half with one being Ashley Harrison and the other being presto. Harrison is the tough hombre to replace Friendy

Adelaide Titan
19-07-09, 09:20 PM
The thing that is gonna make this a tough game for the Titans is the fact that the Broncos are going to want to silence the media and prove they can still make the finals, however with the players they have out and hopefully regaining Harrison for the Titans, it should be another home win for the Coast and they will cruise towards a top 4 finish. No Folau or Lockyer will make it very hard for Brisbane.

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 01:26 AM
Gilly determined to tackle Titans' misses

THE Gold Coast Titans have missed a whopping 175 tackles, at an average of 44 per game, in their past five matches.

Titans assistant coach Trevor Gillmeister believes a full week on the training paddock will help iron out their defensive issues, after they missed 51 tackles in their loss to the Bulldogs on Friday night.

After starting the year with a bang defensively, the Titans have dropped off in recent weeks, much to the dismay of Gillmeister, whose stinging defence earned him the nickname 'The Axe'.

"Any missed tackle is a worry, and the other night was a little bit concerning," he said. "You are never going to have it all covered, you do go through patches every year.

"But it becomes a real worry if you don't learn and improve from it."

Competition frontrunners St George and the Bulldogs have averaged 35 misses a game over the same period.

Titans skipper Scott Prince and forward Anthony Laffranchi missed six tackles each against the Bulldogs, with Brad Meyers and Kevin Gordon missing five.

Gillmeister said it was up to the players to regroup and work on tightening the ruck and limiting the opportunities presented to their opponents.

The biggest worry was the snowball effect the misses had on the team.

"There is no doubt about it, it all comes down to a mental thing," said Gillmeister.

"I'm confident that with a full week under our belts, we will improve by the time we take on the Broncos." --

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 01:27 AM
Ready to raise Kayne

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/07/20/GOLDCOASTT_NEWS-WIDE_-344PX_EE281361_7077.JPG

GOLD Coast glamour boy Kayne Lawton is on the brink of making his highly anticipated NRL debut in Friday's season defining blockbuster derby against the Brisbane Broncos.

Lawton, 20, is the clear frontrunner to replace inspirational hooker Nathan Friend, who is in a race against time to overcome an ankle injury suffered early in the Titans' loss to the Bulldogs.

Friend, who has had scans, will be given all week to prove his fitness but is in grave doubt.

Lawton staked his claim for a berth in the NRL top grade when he led the Titans' Toyota Cup team's 28-16 win over the Bulldogs over the weekend.

Cartwright has already spoken with other club coaching staff about blooding Lawton.

Lawton has trained with the Titans' top team all year and was to be given the Gold Coast's No.9 jumper next season, prior to Friend agreeing to terms with the club.

Other options at Cartwright's fingertips include giving veteran Queensland Cup star and former Brisbane Bronco Ian Lacey his first Titans jersey. Lacey has been in solid form for Ipswich since signing on at the Titans, but has rarely trained with the top squad.

The Titans would have considered 'Mr Fix-it' Luke O'Dwyer a frontrunner for the role, but he is still recovering from an ankle injury.

If Lawton is thrown into a sold-out Skilled Park cauldron, he will become the last of the 'Teenage Titans' signed to long-term deals to make their debut.

Lawton has had a rollercoaster season in the Toyota Cup, swapping between hooker and halves to plug holes because of injuries.

He was patchy with his form early in the season but over the past month it has been strong. He has captained the under-20s side and impressed the coaching staff.

The Palm Beach Currumbin High School product can bench press as much as anyone in the team, which prompted Scott Prince to label Lawton a 'freak'.

If Friend is out Lawton will join Esi Tonga, Kevin Gordon, David Mead, Will Matthews and Jordan Rankin as home grown kids to have come through the junior ranks and make their first-grade debut.

Aside from Friend, the Titans emerged from their loss to the Bulldogs without fresh injury concerns.

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

curly_11
20-07-09, 08:29 AM
Im the opposite to most of you. If friend is unable to play then we start Lawton at 9. Hes a pretty level headed bloke with huge potential. If things dont go his way then a reshuffle during the game should happen. Either moving Presto or Harrison to hooker!

Why change Presto from Fullback? Hes been in sensational form there and we dont need him performing 20+ tackles a game and risk getting him injured for our run into the finals. He will be getting a run next year and 1 week in the top grade could do him wonders for the under 20's and to his own game!

Not the ideal situation just be thankful if friend is out its not a major injury!

We really do need to tighten the ruck as it has been pretty poor the last month and has lead to teams gaining huge metres against us and ultimately why we have lost a few of the games!

WE NEED TO STEP UP THIS WEEK AND PUT THE PONYS TO THE SWORD:salute:

karnage
20-07-09, 08:48 AM
Im the opposite to most of you. If friend is unable to play then we start Lawton at 9. Hes a pretty level headed bloke with huge potential. If things dont go his way then a reshuffle during the game should happen. Either moving Presto or Harrison to hooker!

Why change Presto from Fullback? Hes been in sensational form there and we dont need him performing 20+ tackles a game and risk getting him injured for our run into the finals. He will be getting a run next year and 1 week in the top grade could do him wonders for the under 20's and to his own game!

Not the ideal situation just be thankful if friend is out its not a major injury!

We really do need to tighten the ruck as it has been pretty poor the last month and has lead to teams gaining huge metres against us and ultimately why we have lost a few of the games!

WE NEED TO STEP UP THIS WEEK AND PUT THE PONYS TO THE SWORD:salute:

I read that story in the paper this morning and I have softened my stance on this one. If Carty thinks he is ready that is good enough for me. His judgement has proved pretty spot on in the past.

Coaster
20-07-09, 08:58 AM
Lawton looked fantastic when i watched him training with the team a few months ago, i hope he does play, there is only so much you can gather from watching him in the 20's.

This could be a good thing

amaline
20-07-09, 09:12 AM
Lawton looked fantastic when i watched him training with the team a few months ago, i hope he does play, there is only so much you can gather from watching him in the 20's.

This could be a good thing

I agree. A good example is Kevin Gordon. He was always impressive in under 20's but I think since he's moved into 1st grade, he has gotten better.

Paul
20-07-09, 09:24 AM
Yeah, I'm with Sean too. Lawton will do a job if we need him. I just hope Friend recovers in time though

Steve
20-07-09, 10:41 AM
I'm all for Lawton coming into the side if Friend is out. He's our future in the 9, and part of that role is coming in if our number 1 hooker is injured. Why totally reshuffle the side when we can just bring in a specialist hooker?

As for Preston running from dummy half, there's absolutely no reason he can't do that from fullback.

TITAN PETE
20-07-09, 12:26 PM
I'd love to see Lawton get a shot in the top grade but i think Friend will have to be in a wheel chair to give in to injury :nope: , time will tell.

Presto can play anywhere but i think on Friday night it showed how much stronger the attack is when Zillman gets on the park & Presto comes in the front line to show his Magic :thumbsup:

jimbeam06
20-07-09, 01:43 PM
Lawton looked fantastic when i watched him training with the team a few months ago, i hope he does play, there is only so much you can gather from watching him in the 20's.

This could be a good thing


Mate i wish you would change that moving picture every thread i read i get stuck on yours for about 5 minutes lol

karnage
20-07-09, 02:15 PM
I'd love to see Lawton get a shot in the top grade but i think Friend will have to be in a wheel chair to give in to injury :nope: , time will tell.

Presto can play anywhere but i think on Friday night it showed how much stronger the attack is when Zillman gets on the park & Presto comes in the front line to show his Magic :thumbsup:

That's exactly what I keep thinking.

If he hung around for 70 mins on it last Friday he will tough it out on the 7 day backup.

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 02:56 PM
Lawton killed it for the NYC on the weekend. Very impressive.

amaline
20-07-09, 05:50 PM
Gold Coast set to call up young gun Kayne Lawton as Nathan Friend suffers injury

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25807821-5018866,00.html


Gold Coast rookie Kayne Lawton is set for a baptism of fire in the Titans' local derby against Brisbane on Friday night.

Lawton, 20, is likely to be thrown into his top-grade debut with influential Titans hooker Nathan Friend struggling to be fit for the clash at what is sure to be a packed Skilled Park.

Titans coach John Cartwright confirmed the under-20s rake was a likely replacement with Friend badly injuring his ankle in last week's 23-16 loss to Bulldogs.

“He's a big chance, he's been playing big minutes in the under-20s and he's doing real well,'' Cartwright said after putting his charges through a gruelling training session.

“He's a local kid, he's probably a half or five-eighth turned into a hooker over the last couple of years.

“These kids get big write-ups but it's going to be a big challenge for him. But he's got all the attributes.

“He works very hard on his game and he's tough enough.''

Cartwright has had good success plucking young players from the Toyota Cup in the past two years and expects the trend to continue.

“That's what they're there for, they train with us and prepare like a first grade team,'' he said.

“He's playing 80 minutes every week, he's doing a good job and he probably deserves a chance.''

Cartwright revealed Lawton's expected inclusion after laughing off rumours the Titans were about to announce the signing of sacked Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri.

In an intriguing move, the club scrapped a planned player announcement on Monday morning just before it was due to start.

Cartwright admitted he was considering another player to add depth to the Titans in case of injuries, but the deal fell through.

“I was just being a bit over-cautious if anything - there may have been an opportunity there, but it didn't work out,'' he said.

But Cartwright said while former Broncos flyer Tuqiri, recently sacked by the Australian Rugby Union, would be a great addition to any team he wasn't the player in question.

Co-captain Luke Bailey was wary of meeting the out-of-form Broncos, who are desperate to bounce back from their 44-12 thumping against Souths on Friday night.

“They're hot and cold and like us they're coming off a loss so it's going to a dangerous game for us,'' he said.

“We need to climb back on and get some confidence back up and improve our defence.

“They're desperate to stake their claim for a top eight position so they're going to be fired up and they could produce a great game on any given day.

“We just have to worry about our own backyard and tidying up our defensive lapses that caused the loss on Friday night.''

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 07:09 PM
Local derby tickets still available
Adam Gardini

Despite incorrect reports of a sell-out, there are still tickets available for Friday night?s eagerly anticipated local derby between the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos at Skilled Park.

As of 4pm today, more than 9000 tickets remain available for the clash between the third-placed Jetstar Titans and ninth-placed Broncos

The match provides the Jetstar Titans with a chance to exact revenge for their 32-18 loss to the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in May.

The Jetstar Titans have won two of the five matches played against the Broncos since the Gold Coast-Brisbane rivalry was re-born in 2007.

Source: http://www.titans.com.au

Nathalie
20-07-09, 07:25 PM
I reckon it'll sell out by Friday for sure. People will probably go 'sh!t, the game's on Friday, that's only a few days away' and there'll be a bit of a rush for tickets. It's gonna be a good one!

Nathalie
20-07-09, 07:31 PM
Legion section is sold out. Woohoo!!!

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 07:33 PM
As long as people don't think it is already sold out, we'll be right. Quite often there gets to be this mistaken impression some games in RL ae sold out and it affects ticket sales.

Disappointing to read many Broncos fans aren't even going down to see their team play. Particularly because it's a derby and their Premiership campaign depends on it.... Titans fans would never lose enthusiasm for a derby! Remember the old Seagulls v Broncos derbies? :thumbsup:

karnage
20-07-09, 08:35 PM
As long as people don't think it is already sold out, we'll be right. Quite often there gets to be this mistaken impression some games in RL ae sold out and it affects ticket sales.

Disappointing to read many Broncos fans aren't even going down to see their team play. Particularly because it's a derby and their Premiership campaign depends on it.... Titans fans would never lose enthusiasm for a derby! Remember the old Seagulls v Broncos derbies? :thumbsup:

My fondest memory is of the Chargers win at Carrara 25-12. There were over 20,000 there that night WITHOUT those stands the Titans had on the playing surface.

It was chockers!!

karnage
20-07-09, 08:36 PM
The less Broncos there the better.

TITAN PETE
20-07-09, 08:59 PM
Bonco supporters only hang around when they're winning so Skilled may look a little empty in the 2nd half :laugh:

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 09:01 PM
Battling Broncos have Titans feeling anxious

FAR from eyeing an easy kill, the Titans claim they are highly anxious about hosting the down-and-out Broncos in Friday night's southeast derby.
Gold Coast, shooting to extend their unbeaten season at Skilled Park to nine matches, will host a Brisbane side without Darren Lockyer ? the man who has twice rescued the Broncos from near-certain defeat in the budding local rivalry.

More tellingly Brisbane's entire roster is in a self-confessed "hole".

While the Broncos have endured five losses in their past six starts ? including four hidings ? the Titans are hot in the race for a top-four finish despite losing second place to the Bulldogs last Friday night.

But rather than licking their chops ? Coast stars Luke Bailey and Anthony Laffranchi say their squad is bracing for a torrid tussle with "Big Brother".

"It sucks a bit, it makes them dangerous," Bailey said.

"They play their best when the chips are down and they are down at the moment.

"People are trying to write them off, but you can never right off the Broncos.

"Come Friday night, it will be two different teams, and hopefully we'll be better than we've been going as well."

Laffranchi believes Brisbane will target Friday night's blockbuster as a defining point in their season.

"You'd never say the Broncos are going ordinary," he said.

"They've had a mishap but they always come out of Origin season and have a good run home.

"They'll want to turn it around and put everything behind them. I'm sure they'll get up for the derby."

While the Broncos were carved to shreds in Friday night's Suncorp Stadium double-header, the Titans went down swinging against the snarling Dogs.

"In the wash-up, it's a good measure of where we're at as a side," Laffranchi said.

"While we were winning, we were winning ugly. We fought back against the Bulldogs, but if you give a well-disciplined side like that a 16-point lead, they're hard to mow down."

Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au

DIEHARD
20-07-09, 11:44 PM
Brisbane Broncos to stand behind centre Steve Michaels

COACH Ivan Henjak is set to stand behind out-of-sorts centre Steve Michaels as the Broncos search for answers to their form slump. A crestfallen Michaels will today be named for Brisbane's southeast derby stoush against the Titans at Skilled Park despite his defensive woes. The struggling three-quarter, fresh from a horror night out against the Rabbitohs last Friday night when he missed as many tackles as he made, is likely to again be heavily targeted by John Cartwright's troops at Skilled Park.

Asked if he was tempted to make personnel changes this week following a fourth slaughter in six starts, Henjak declared: "Who do we put in?"

No, we're going to go back to work, see where we fell down and try to rectify it. "The personnel we've got is the guys we've got to stick with.

"Early in the year they were doing a really good job, we've got to try to get back to it.

"I'm not blaming any one person. It's a collective thing as a team. We're just not disciplined and patient enough.

The Rabbitohs game is not the first time Michaels' defensive failings have been exposed. In round 9 he fell victim to the silky individual skills of NSW Origin star Jamie Lyon, while the Bulldogs' Jamal Idris and Parramatta's Joel Reddy have also tasted success against him. South Sydney targeted the hole between Michaels and halfback Peter Wallace with running pivot John Sutton and forward Eddy Pettybourne aiding Michaels' opposite number Beau Champion's three-try haul.

Rival clubs are certain to follow suit until Brisbane find a way to plug the gap.

Michaels, who has compiled 49 missed tackles this year, is attempting to remain upbeat as he searches to reclaim his destructive best.

"There was a lack of communication between me and Wal (Wallace)," he said. "We got found out a number of times so we have to stick together and try and stay positive.

"I don't want to make excuses. We can't go blaming injuries. It is a tough time. We've never had so many points put on us so it's disappointing."

Brisbane defensive coach Peter Ryan argues criticism of his left flank since round 13 should be measured by reference to the club's bright start to 2009.

"Our left side has been our rock for most of the year," Ryan said. "Corey, Pete, Antonio (Winterstein) and Steve Michaels have been outstanding for us. I can't say enough good things about those guys.

"They're our rock. Blokes have off-days. I hate to use the term but sh*t happens. It was uncharacteristic but I don't want to bag our players. The Rabbits played one side then switched to our left side and our left was wanting on the weekend.

"It was just an off-night, then they got flustered, and the same thing kept happening to them. They kept getting the same result."

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 02:21 AM
Team leaders back Lawton to step up for their injured Friend

TWO of the Titans' most senior men, John Cartwright and Luke Bailey, yesterday endorsed youngster Kayne Lawton to replace Nathan Friend if the in-form rake is ruled out of Friday's local derby.

A day after The Gold Coast Bulletin revealed Lawton was the frontrunner to replace the injured Friend, Cartwright and Bailey came out and publicly gave the part-time male model their full backing.

Cartwright said it was still too early in the week to make assumptions on Friend's availability but admitted he was in grave doubt and said Lawton was knocking on the door.

"You know it's going to be a big challenge for him (Lawton), but he's got all the attributes, he works very hard on his game, he's tough enough and he's a good young kid," he said.

"We've had good success with the kids from our under-20s last year, that's what it (the Toyota Cup) is there for, they train with us, they prepare like a first grade side, he has been playing 80 minutes every week and he's doing a good job so he probably deserves a chance."

Lawton trained strongly with the rest of the squad at Runaway Bay yesterday.

Bailey said the club had the troops to cover Friend's likely absence, in particular Lawton who has been patiently waiting in the wings.

"I'm not sure what the game plan is but if (Kayne) gets a run he's a quick little fellow, he's strong and he loves the contest," he said.

"He's been waiting for a while and playing behind Friendy he would have learned a bit so he'll definitely be looking forward to it."

Lawton is a renowned hard worker and has trained with the top squad all year.

But Friend's tenacious attitude and work ethic would be missed by the Titans desperate to return to the winner's list.

"He's been responsible for a lot of our attack this year but defensively is where we will miss him the most," Cartwright said of Friend's possible absence.

"He does his 45 to 50 tackles every week, he puts himself in a tackle when a lot of guys are getting themselves back on side and it's the little things like that we are going to miss."

If Friend is ruled out Lawton will be thrown into what is one of the biggest games of the year for the Titans.

"It's always good to play the Broncos no matter who you are," said Cartwright.

"That's the aura they have about them, all the Sydney clubs love coming up here to play them and we've had some great games against them.

"We've played them five times now and all of them has been a thriller and we expect no different this week."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 02:32 AM
Gilly's titanic tackle session

WHEN the Titans hit the sand today, it won't be for a holiday.

The Gold Coast will be punished in the sandpit as part of a `tackling master class' orchestrated by their defence coach Trevor Gillmeister.

The radical move comes after recent defensive lapses have seen the Gold Coast miss an embarrassing 44 tackles per game over the past month.

Titans co-skipper Luke Bailey yesterday declared the Titans could not display the same complacency that saw the Bulldogs jump to a 10-0 lead after 11 minutes.

It will start in the sandpit today, with Gillmeister to work with the players on rectifying their defensive weakness.

"We didn't turn up (against the Bulldogs) defensively, with some one-on-one misses that are crucial to the game coming from myself to the whole team," said Bailey.

"That's something we will work on in the sand pit with Gilly to make up for those errors."

"I didn't take too much out of that game, we did stick with them but there is still a lot of improvement needed if we are going to be where we want to be."

"Fortunately for us we have a couple of big Friday night games which we always lift for."

The Titans defensive line will be buoyed by the inclusion of Queensland Origin hero Ashley Harrison, who has not played a club match since their 24-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters in Round 14.

Harrison trained strongly yesterday, showing no signs of the rib and ankle injuries that have hampered the 28-year-old over the past month.

The former Bronco will be named to face his former club today, and his return could not come at a better time, according to Bailey.

"He is one of those blokes that every team needs," said Bailey, who likened Harrison's influence to that of Canberra's Alan Tongue.

"They clean up all the mess, they hit it up, they take it off the taps and he comes out bruised from every game."

"He doesn't get enough wraps for it (but) we definitely missed him."

Big frontrower Aaron Cannings was another to train strongly, with coach John Cartwright and Bailey confident he will be right to make a return from a hamstring injury.

While the Broncos have some issues of their own to address, after South Sydney exposed several chinks in their armour, Bailey said it was important the Titans worried about 'getting our own back yard in order'.

"They're desperate to try and stake their claim for a top eight position so they are going to be fired up," he said of the Broncos, who are at risk of missing the finals for the first time since 1991.

"Obviously they can produce a good game on any given day so we need to worry about our own back yard and worry about tightening up our defensive lapses that caused the loss on Friday night."

"But we have some big games coming up and we need the points so hopefully there's no complacency in our side."

Bailey had no doubt his teammates would lift on Friday.

"Every time you play the Broncos, even when I was at St George you lift for the occasion, they always produce the best games," he said.

"But they are hot and cold and they are coming off a loss like us so it's going to be a dangerous game for us."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

Coaster
21-07-09, 06:55 AM
Make em bleed Gilly, i want them to understand that the tackle on Friday may hurt a little, but the practice on Tuesday will hurt a hell of a lot more.

Prince needs to stop hiding in defense and lead his troops into battle.

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 10:39 AM
Make em bleed Gilly, i want them to understand that the tackle on Friday may hurt a little, but the practice on Tuesday will hurt a hell of a lot more.

Prince needs to stop hiding in defense and lead his troops into battle.

Spot on mate & Prince may not have Friend to hide behind on Friday so he needs to get "Down & Dirty " :fist:

Adelaide Titan
21-07-09, 10:56 AM
Im spewing about Friend but its best he's rested and ready for the finals. I hope the game isnt on at 2am here again coz i wanna watch it! channel 9 are pathetic to think theres no NRL fans here. I was pissed i couldnt watch the game last week due to its 2am start. Even Foxtel were showing it that late when they usually show it at 10pm or 12am. Was stuck with Sportal Scoreboard on my phone!

amaline
21-07-09, 12:00 PM
Broncos team is up

Brisbane Broncos
1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Antonio Winterstein
3. Steve Michaels
4. Justin Hodges
5. Alex Glenn
6. Aaron Gorrell
7. Peter Wallace
8. David Taylor
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Joel Clinton
11. Guy Williams
12. Ben Te'o
13. Corey Parker

Interchange:
14. Lagi Setu
15. Josh McGuire
16. Ashton Sims
17. Josh Hoffman

I see they are persisting with Michaels as well as Gorrell at five eighth.

karnage
21-07-09, 12:33 PM
Dave Taylor to start. He is doing well to run out 15 minutes with his fitness base.

We can't be anything but supremely confident with the look of that line-up.

Steve
21-07-09, 12:41 PM
If the Steve Michaels turnstyle is still open for business we'll carve them up out wide. If they shift Hodges over, then we go the other side, he can't cover both sides at once.

We need less bombs and more running the ball. It's another must win, and if there's a team we need to give a hiding to it's the broncos.

amaline
21-07-09, 12:50 PM
Gold Coast Titans
1. Preston Campbell 2. David Mead 3. Brett Delaney 4. Esikeli Tonga 5. Kevin Gordon 6. Mat Rogers 7. Scott Prince 8. Luke Bailey 9. Nathan Friend 10. Michael Henderson 11. Anthony Laffranchi 12. Mark
Minichiello 13. Ashley Harrison
Interchange: 14. Matthew White 15. Brad Meyers 16. Daniel Conn 17. William Zillman; Reserves: 18. Will Matthews

patskE
21-07-09, 12:57 PM
my heart sinks a little bit every time i see delaney
rogers is out now aswell :(

amaline
21-07-09, 01:01 PM
NRL Premiership
Brisbane's Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday to miss Gold Coast Titans clash

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25814243-5018866,00.html


Brisbane will again be without captain Darren Lockyer and representative forward Sam Thaiday for Friday night's NRL derby against Gold Coast Titans.

The struggling Broncos, who desperately need a win to get their top eight campaign back on track, have named hooker Aaron Gorrell at five-eighth for the second successive week with Lockyer battling a knee injury.

Thaiday will miss the match with rib cartilage damage.

Both missed last Friday's loss to South Sydney.

Brisbane have won just one of their last five games.

However, Broncos' coach Ivan Henjak says the team has reviewed their poor defence against South Sydney last Friday night and has fixed up some left-hand side defensive communication problems.

Apart from Lockyer and Thaiday, Brisbane are also feeling the absence of giant winger Israel Folau, who is not expected back on the paddock until just before the finals.

The Gold Coast, who are firmly entrenched in the top eight, have only one major injury concern with hooker Nathan Friend battling a severe ankle injury.

patskE
21-07-09, 01:01 PM
GOLD Coast Titans have suffered a blow ahead of their NRL derby clash against Brisbane, with star five-eighth Mat Rogers ruled out through injury.

Rogers has succeumbed to a groin injury and will miss the Skilled Park match.

The veteran's absence will see fullback Preston Campbell switch to five-eighth, only 24 hours after he was being lined up to replace injured hooker Nathan Friend.

Friend remains in severe doubt for the Friday night clash and will undergo a fitness test tomorrow on injured ankle.

If Friend is ruled out, his place will be taken by either Ian Lacey or Kane Lawton.

Brisbane will again be without captain Darren Lockyer and representative forward Sam Thaiday.

The struggling Broncos, who desperately need a win to get their top eight campaign back on track, have named hooker Aaron Gorrell at five-eighth for the second successive week with Lockyer battling a knee injury.

Thaiday will miss the match with rib cartilage damage.

Both missed last Friday's loss to South Sydney.

Brisbane have won just one of their last five games.

However, Broncos' coach Ivan Henjak says the team has reviewed its poor defence against South Sydney last Friday night and has fixed up some left-hand side defensive communication problems.

Apart from Lockyer and Thaiday, Brisbane are also feeling the absence of giant winger Israel Folau, who is not expected back on the paddock until just before the finals.

from couior mail

Coaster
21-07-09, 01:07 PM
ughh

bloody hell

Steve
21-07-09, 01:25 PM
Presto to 6 and Zillman into fullback is fine with me. The more game time Willy gets, the better he looks.

amaline
21-07-09, 01:29 PM
Campbell may play hooker for Titans for a while

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25811561-5003409,00.html

Obviously not now that Rogers has been ruled out, but there are some other interesting parts of this article.


The Broncos also have concerns with veteran lock Tonie Carroll battling a knee problem and Nick Kenny yet to prove his fitness.

Friend is highly unlikely to be fit to play his former club Brisbane but will be given a run on Thursday in a dogged bid to prove his fitness.

Scans yesterday revealed he has suffered minor lateral ligament damage in addition to a bone chip, while he continues to have heavy swelling

"There's still a hope I'll play Friday night," Friend said.

"I'll maybe have a run on Thursday to see if I'm any good.

"I've got lateral ligament damage and the doc wants me to keep up the compression and ice to try to get some mobility back in it."

Maroons forward Ash Harrison (ankle) is fit for a return while centre Brett Delaney has been cleared of injury after being on the wrong end of a nasty spear tackle from Dogs flyer Matt Utai.

Adelaide Titan
21-07-09, 01:39 PM
thats no good. But the Broncos have a pretty depleted line up more so than us. Zillman will play fullback and Preston in 5/8. We have a faorly good bench while the Broncos dont have a lot of experience.

Tamwelg
21-07-09, 01:55 PM
Presto to 6 and Zillman into fullback is fine with me. The more game time Willy gets, the better he looks.

I agree, Presto to 6 and Zillman to 1 only strengthens the side IMO.

Tamwelg
21-07-09, 01:57 PM
Gold Coast Titans
1. Preston Campbell 2. David Mead 3. Brett Delaney 4. Esikeli Tonga 5. Kevin Gordon 6. Mat Rogers 7. Scott Prince 8. Luke Bailey 9. Nathan Friend 10. Michael Henderson 11. Anthony Laffranchi 12. Mark
Minichiello 13. Ashley Harrison
Interchange: 14. Matthew White 15. Brad Meyers 16. Daniel Conn 17. William Zillman; Reserves: 18. Will Matthews

HUH where did you get that team? The real team is:

1 William Zillman
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Esi Tonga
4 Brett Delaney
5 David Mead
6 Preston Campbell
7 Scott Prince ?
8 Luke Bailey ?
9 Nathan Friend
10 Michael Henderson
11 Anthony Laffranchi
12 Mark Minichiello
13 Ashley Harrison
Interchange
14 Matt White
15 Aaron Cannings
16 Brad Meyers
17 Kayne Lawton
18 Ian Lacey

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 01:59 PM
I agree, Presto to 6 and Zillman to 1 only strengthens the side IMO.

Yeh i'm with u & Steve , we have far more attacking options when they are both on the park ;)

amaline
21-07-09, 02:03 PM
HUH where did you get that team? The real team is:


I got it from Leagueunlimited forums.

Coaster
21-07-09, 02:13 PM
All our attack needs to go down Micheals side (our right hand)

I dont want to be pointing out the obvious, but Micheals is dead set killing them on that side, and if we dont head down there at least 40 times in this game i will scream.

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 02:13 PM
HUH where did you get that team? The real team is:

1 William Zillman
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Esi Tonga
4 Brett Delaney
5 David Mead
6 Preston Campbell
7 Scott Prince ?
8 Luke Bailey ?
9 Nathan Friend
10 Michael Henderson
11 Anthony Laffranchi
12 Mark Minichiello
13 Ashley Harrison
Interchange
14 Matt White
15 Aaron Cannings
16 Brad Meyers
17 Kayne Lawton
18 Ian Lacey

Well if Friend does play looks like Lawton will get a start in the top grade anyway & the bench looks much stronger with Cannings back :thumbsup:

Tamwelg
21-07-09, 02:17 PM
Well if Friend does play looks like Lawton will get a start in the top grade anyway & the bench looks much stronger with Cannings back :thumbsup:

Yeah, I reckon that is a very strong team and good enough to chalk big numbers against the Ponnies.

karnage
21-07-09, 06:26 PM
I have a feeling there is some pretty serious foxing with that Brisbane side that has been named there.

Lockyer was ruled out for 2-3 weeks after Origin but I would not be surprised to see him named while Thaiday seems to have been ruled out very early. And no Carrol?? Henjak was laughing at the press conference when he said that the knee which hit the ref was pretty saw. Add the fact that Kenny is in the mix aswell.

I will be shocked if none of those 4 players take the field.

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 07:14 PM
I have a feeling there is some pretty serious foxing with that Brisbane side that has been named there.

Lockyer was ruled out for 2-3 weeks after Origin but I would not be surprised to see him named while Thaiday seems to have been ruled out very early. And no Carrol?? Henjak was laughing at the press conference when he said that the knee which hit the ref was pretty saw. Add the fact that Kenny is in the mix aswell.

I will be shocked if none of those 4 players take the field.

You may be right but who cares as long as we Smack those Bonco's :fist:

I think Lockyer has more chance of playing Friday then Friendy :nope:

karnage
21-07-09, 07:42 PM
You may be right but who cares as long as we Smack those Bonco's :fist:

I think Lockyer has more chance of playing Friday then Friendy :nope:

One thing that is absolutely sure with Carty is that he NEVER takes a punt on anybody's fitness. He always seem to err on the side of caution as we saw with Harro last Friday. If Friendy does play I think we can be sure that he will be good to go.

Tamwelg
21-07-09, 07:58 PM
Freindy will be a huge loss, but I think we can still roll the Broncos. It was a courageous effort for Friend to play the majority of the game against the Dogs with his injury and if he didn't pick up his injury so early in that game the result may have been different. Friendy has been our best and most consistent, as well as most improved player this year and has become my favourite player by a long way.

Paul
21-07-09, 08:19 PM
He's the heart of the team. I'm confident Lawton will do a good job if he's called on but I'm crossing my fingers Friend is ok to play. We're always disjointed when he doesn't.

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 08:21 PM
If Friendy does play I think we can be sure that he will be good to go.

Not this weekend :nope:

TITAN PETE
21-07-09, 08:23 PM
Freindy will be a huge loss, but I think we can still roll the Broncos. It was a courageous effort for Friend to play the majority of the game against the Dogs with his injury and if he didn't pick up his injury so early in that game the result may have been different. Friendy has been our best and most consistent, as well as most improved player this year and has become my favourite player by a long way.

Here Here :clap: :clap: :clap:

Supergoose
21-07-09, 10:30 PM
Friend is a huge loss, but it is always fun to see a youngster step into the breach. We have a huge bench! I won't be surprised if one of the big boppers start but who do you put on the bench? Let's hope that Delaney comes good this weekend and he can keep up with Michaels (maybe it'll just depend who has the ball more and at least Michaels can pass to his winger). I also hope Tonga is ready for Hodges, he's a one man wrecking ball. Looking forward to this one more than any game in recent history. We should smash the Broncs who are in absolute disarray.

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 11:13 PM
Love to see Lawton come in for Friendy. It was too much to ask for him to play, he needs to heal and be 100% for the rest of the season.

We seem to be a bit of a revolving door at the moment. Ash and Cannings in and Rogers and Friend out. Hopefully it levels up soon and we are full strength.

This would also have to be the first time a Gold Coast team was the favourite over a Broncos!

bigjim
21-07-09, 11:13 PM
I'm hoping Nathan Friend takes the field this weekend but the loss of Matt Rogers is a huge loss.
I know we can still win well but the boys had better not under estimate the Broncasses.
A wounded animal is a very dangerous creature.

Supergoose
21-07-09, 11:16 PM
I'm hoping Nathan Friend takes the field this weekend but the loss of Matt Rogers is a huge loss.
I know we can still win well but the boys had better not under estimate the Broncasses.
A wounded animal is a very dangerous creature.

Is a Broncass an animal? I guess if a lame duck is an animal then so is a Broncass...

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 11:47 PM
Brisbane's Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday to miss Gold Coast Titans clash

Brisbane will again be without captain Darren Lockyer and representative forward Sam Thaiday for Friday night's NRL derby against Gold Coast Titans.

The struggling Broncos, who desperately need a win to get their top eight campaign back on track, have named hooker Aaron Gorrell at five-eighth for the second successive week with Lockyer battling a knee injury.

Thaiday will miss the match with rib cartilage damage.

Both missed last Friday's loss to South Sydney.

Brisbane have won just one of their last five games.

However, Broncos' coach Ivan Henjak says the team has reviewed their poor defence against South Sydney last Friday night and has fixed up some left-hand side defensive communication problems.

Apart from Lockyer and Thaiday, Brisbane are also feeling the absence of giant winger Israel Folau, who is not expected back on the paddock until just before the finals.

The Gold Coast, who are firmly entrenched in the top eight, have only one major injury concern with hooker Nathan Friend battling a severe ankle injury.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 11:49 PM
Gold Coast Titans' Ian Lacey on collision course with Broncos

The shock withdrawal of Mat Rogers forced another Gold Coast Titans team reshuffle as Ian Lacey was placed on a collision course with the club that left his NRL career in tatters.

After Rogers was a no-show at training on Tuesday, Titans coach John Cartwright dropped the bombshell that the dual international had succumbed to a groin injury and would not run out against the Brisbane Broncos at Skilled Park on Friday night.

It was another blow for Cartwright, who was already sweating on the availability of inspirational hooker Nathan Friend (ankle).

Lacey and 20-year-old rookie Kayne Lawton have been placed on standby for Friend who will be given until Thursday to prove his fitness.

Cartwright said it would be tempting to let Lacey make his Titans debut against the Broncos.

It would mark the first NRL game for Lacey after he and teammate John Te Reo sensationally had their contracts torn up by the Broncos in October, 2007 following the assault of a man outside an inner-city Brisbane hotel.

?It always helps playing against your old club - he will definitely be very enthusiastic,? Cartwright said.

?But we will give Friendy until the last minute - if anyone can play with that injury it is him but we have Ian and Kayne there.?

Showing true utility value, regular fullback Preston Campbell will slot in at pivot after initially being on standby for hooker Friend.

In some welcome good news, Cartwright welcomed back Queensland Origin backrower Ashley Harrison (ankle) and prop Aaron Cannings (hamstring).

Meanwhile, the battling Broncos will again be without captain Darren Lockyer (knee) and Origin forward Sam Thaiday (rib) while Tonie Carroll (knee) also joins the injury list that also boasts star winger Israel Folau (ankle).

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak hoped Lockyer would return next week but was unsure of the availability of Thaiday and Carroll, who is feeling the effects of accidentally kneeing referee Tony De Las Heras last round.

But Henjak kept the door open for a surprise return from a knee injury by bruising forward Nick Kenny.

?He only started running the other day and he'll have another run tomorrow and we'll see how he is,? Henjak said.

?We are pretty limited at this stage after losing three hookers.?

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

DIEHARD
21-07-09, 11:50 PM
Brisbane Broncos enduring horror run but coach Ivan Henjak retains faith

The heat is on Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak with the Broncos in danger of missing the NRL finals for the first time since 1991 after a recent horror run of results.

The Broncos' 1-5 match return during the 2009 Origin series is the poorest the club has endured since its inception in 1988.

It tops the 1-3 record under Wayne Bennett in 1996 and also marks the first time the Broncos have lost more than three games during the interstate series.

While Bennett often had the last laugh at critics, such as in 2006 when the side lost three games during the Origin but bounced back to win the premiership, the Broncos 2009 season seems less assured.

After a dream 5-1 start to his coaching career, Henjak has endured those numbers in reverse. The side's defence has been the major issue, having leaked an alarming 231 points in six weeks.

When Brisbane won the premiership in 1998 they conceded just 52 points more (283 points) for the entire 24-match season.

While it's not unusual for Brisbane to do it tough in the Origin period - their overall match record during the series is 57 wins, 48 losses and two draws, it's virtually unheard of for them to concede so many points in such a short period of time.

Despite the losses stacking up, Henjak is confident the side could work through the form slump.

?I needed to remind myself what this club has been through over the last 10 years,'' he said.

?I went through each year individually and there's been some long spells when we've been out of favour.

?We've gone 1-9 and 3-8 and even 3-11 during long runs of losses.

?Out of the last six games we're 1-5 so, it's not good, but we've been here before.

?I know it can turn around because I've seen it turn around in those years as well.''

A successful player with Canberra, Henjak served a decade as Bennett's apprentice in Brisbane.

He replaced one of the game's most successful premiership winning coaches after Bennett opted out of the final year of his contract to coach the Dragons.

Bennett, who had coached at Origin level, took five years to win his first premiership and he started with a playing roster which included Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, Allan Langer, Greg Dowling, Steve Renouf and Kerrod Walters.

Henjak doesn't have a roster quite as illustrious.

A number of Bennett's 2008 recruits have yet to deliver while 2009 signings Ben Teo and Langi Setu have not lived up to early expectations in their debut seasons.

And with skipper Darren Lockyer (knee), forward Sam Thaiday (ribs), Israel Folau (ankle), prop Nick Kenny (hamstring) and veteran Tonie Carroll (knee) on the sidelines this weekend for the match against third placed Gold Coast, things may not get easier any time soon.

?We're going to find out a lot about our character this weekend,'' said Henjak.

Source: AAP

bigjim
22-07-09, 09:12 AM
Brisbane Broncos enduring horror run but coach Ivan Henjak retains faith

?We're going to find out a lot about our character this weekend,'' said Henjak.

Source: AAP

They certainly are!!!!;) ;)

bigjim
22-07-09, 09:15 AM
I Hope.:?)

If we don't show some character ourselves and do to the Broncos what South Sydney did but couldn't finish off properly, we will also be judged going into the finals.

amaline
22-07-09, 10:46 AM
This isn't good for the Broncos. If I were to pick two more players for them to have out, aside from Hodges, they would be Hunt and Wallace.

Karmichael Hunt, Peter Wallace injury dramas rock Broncos ahead of Titans clash

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25819047-5003409,00.html

BRISBANE'S preparations for Friday's NRL derby clash with Gold Coast have been rocked by injury concerns to stars Karmichael Hunt and Peter Wallace.

Hunt limped off the training paddock this morning with a leg injury, with initial suggestions he had suffered a corked thigh.

Star halfback Wallace failed to train all.

Concerns over a tight hamstring saw the playmaker consigned to the role of an onlooker just two days out from the crunch clash.

The Broncos, desperate for a win against their south-east Queensland rivals to get their NRL finals tilt back on track, are already missing injured stars Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday for the Skilled Park clash.

But they remain confident Hunt and Wallace will be right to tackle the Gold Coast.

The Titans are battling injury concerns of their own, with veteran five-eighth Mat Rogers (groin) already ruled out and hooker Nathan Friend (ankle) in extreme doubt.

Adelaide Titan
22-07-09, 12:02 PM
This is what Origin does to teams, in this case Brisbane who have some injury concerns from last week. It will be good having Harrison back in the team and im looking forward to the game and am confident the Titans will win on home soil in front of a noisy home crowd!

Rage
22-07-09, 03:54 PM
By Laine Clark AAP Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:38:40

The shock withdrawal of Mat Rogers forced another Gold Coast Titans team reshuffle as Ian Lacey was placed on a collision course with the club that left his NRL career in tatters almost two years ago.

After Rogers was a no-show at training on Tuesday, Titans coach John Cartwright dropped the bombshell that the dual international had succumbed to a groin injury and would not run out against the Broncos at Skilled Park on Friday night.

It was another blow for Cartwright, who was already sweating on the availability of inspirational hooker Nathan Friend (ankle).

Lacey and 20-year-old rookie Kayne Lawton have been placed on standby for Friend who will be given until Thursday to prove his fitness.

Cartwright said it would be tempting to let Lacey make his Titans debut against the Broncos.

It would mark the first NRL game for Lacey after he and teammate John Te Reo sensationally had their contracts torn up by the Broncos in October, 2007 following the assault of a man outside an inner-city Brisbane hotel.

"It always helps playing against your old club - he will definitely be very enthusiastic," Cartwright said.

"But we will give Friendy until the last minute - if anyone can play with that injury it is him but we have Ian and Kayne there."

Showing true utility value, regular fullback Preston Campbell will slot in at pivot after initially being on stand-by for hooker Friend.

In some welcome good news, Cartwright welcomed back Queensland Origin backrower Ashley Harrison (ankle) and prop Aaron Cannings (hamstring).

Meanwhile, the battling Broncos will again be without captain Darren Lockyer (knee) and Origin forward Sam Thaiday (rib) while Tonie Carroll (knee) also joins the injury list that also boasts star winger Israel Folau (ankle).

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak hoped Lockyer would return next week but was unsure of the availability of Thaiday and Carroll, who is feeling the effects of accidentally kneeing referee Tony De Las Heras last round.

But Henjak kept the door open for a surprise return from a knee injury by bruising forward Nick Kenny.

"He only started running the other day and he'll have another run tomorrow and we'll see how he is," Henjak said.

Meanwhile, regular pivot Travis Burns has been called in as the Cowboys' fourth-choice hooker for Saturday night's clash with Penrith after a "battered and bruised" Anthony Watts copped a one match ban for striking.

"We have to be a bit creative with who ducks into the nine spot," Cowboys coach Neil Henry said.

"We are pretty limited at this stage after losing three hookers."

Meanwhile, former Test fullback Anthony Minichiello will hit the ground running in his return for the Sydney Roosters - on the wing.

Minichiello will collect the captaincy reins before running out against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Monday night - just his third game of the season due to an ankle injury.

He takes over from Roosters skipper Craig Fitzgibbon, who will be out for two to three weeks with a fractured cheekbone suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Warriors.

But the Golden Boot winner will start on the wing after Kiwi international Sam Perrett was retained at fullback.

However, his return is some welcome good news for a club that has lost eight of its last nine games and is reeling from the handling of coach Brad Fittler's end-of-season departure.

In other major team news, the cavalry has returned for the St George Illawarra's Sunday clash with the Warriors at Auckland.

Darius Boyd, Neville Costigan, Ben Creagh and Justin Poore return from Origin duty while Blues prop Michael Weyman (ankle), Kiwi international Jeremy Smith (ankle) and Matt Prior (virus) have also been welcomed back.

But the Warriors also have reason to smile with captain Steve Price named to play his first game since becoming embroiled in controversy after sensationally being knocked out in the dying stages of Origin III.

And Ben Hannant (knee), Greg Eastwood and try scoring machine Bryson Goodwin (both suspension) have been named to return for the Bulldogs' Saturday clash with the Eels at ANZ Stadium.

karnage
22-07-09, 05:42 PM
I was punching air when I saw channel 10 news tonight with the vision of Hunt limping away from the training paddock and then the news that Wallace is only rated 50-50.

With the injuries that plagues us for the past 2 seasons we are overdue to meet some teams going through the same dramas. What goes around comes around.

We just need to capitalise on it the way that teams like Melbourne, Canberra and New Zealand did against us.

The only downside is that Channel 10 said the Titans were struggling to sell tickets with only 20,000 sold. Broncos fans are reluctant to travel to see a depleted team. (Sums up what I think of Broncos fans really... Smug is the word I like to use on my Bronco sister.) Let's just fill those seats that would have been Broncos with Titans fans, I have been drumming up interest at work and I reckon everybody should do the same - I have convinced 7 people so far to go out and buy some tickets.

TITAN PETE
22-07-09, 06:34 PM
Bronco's fan won't travel to a game they can't win & at a sportsman lunch today Lockyer said it was up to the Bronco's to slow the Titans scoring down to help their fore & against :ugh: , thats almost conceding isn't it :cry: , i'm more chance of playing than Lockyer is this week , people had to wait while he walked up a flight of stairs :D

Ryan
22-07-09, 07:52 PM
The only downside is that Channel 10 said the Titans were struggling to sell tickets with only 20,000 sold. Broncos fans are reluctant to travel to see a depleted team. (Sums up what I think of Broncos fans really... Smug is the word I like to use on my Bronco sister.) Let's just fill those seats that would have been Broncos with Titans fans, I have been drumming up interest at work and I reckon everybody should do the same - I have convinced 7 people so far to go out and buy some tickets.

I'll be surprised if it's not a sell-out - even if bugger all Donkey supporters turn up, the ones that do will go home at half time anyway........

Anyway, I got onto a far king bargin. Jupiters Casino has got rooms going for $150 for Friday night. So get in while you can, it's only a stroll across the road to catch a bus to the game. Then I'm capping off a good night at skilled with a dabb of roulette and a touch of Blackjack. If I'm lucky there might be a game or two of Texas Hold 'em. Then my room is only a short crawl away......

Nathalie
22-07-09, 07:59 PM
They're making excuses already. Are you serious.. jeebuz..

Steve
22-07-09, 08:00 PM
Only 20,000 sold? Do they realise the capacity is 27,500? That's only 7,500 to sell with a week to go and there'd be a lot of people who like to turn up on the night to buy their tickets.

kwigibo
22-07-09, 08:25 PM
... and there'd be a lot of people who like to turn up on the night to buy their tickets.

Not nearly as many to a popular game like this usually is.

karnage
22-07-09, 08:32 PM
Only 20,000 sold? Do they realise the capacity is 27,500? That's only 7,500 to sell with a week to go and there'd be a lot of people who like to turn up on the night to buy their tickets.

I think they are looking at it from a historical perspective.

Last year the games against the Broncos and the Cowboys were sold out early in the week before the game.

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 09:01 AM
The problem is that all the Broncos fans are being sooks and aren't interested in supporting their team, in the derby no less. It is a disgrace.

But this game should sell out on Gold Coast support alone. I'm sure we are much closer to it being sold out as we speak. :thumbsup:

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 09:08 AM
Joint Pre game Press Conference, Titans v Broncos

There?s nothing more dangerous than a wounded Bronco.

That was the message from Jetstar Gold Coast Titans co-captain Scott Prince today as he and managing director Michael Searle gathered for a press conference with Brisbane Broncos managing director Bruno Cullen and captain Darren Lockyer ahead of Friday night?s local derby at Skilled Park.

Both sides also spoke about their disappointment at their last-start performances and about the rivalry which has developed between the two sides since the Titans entered the competition in 2007.

Titans,Broncos joint press conference (http://bigpondvideo.com/NRL_Titans/194877)

Source: http://www.titans.com.au

amaline
23-07-09, 09:12 AM
No Wallace for tomorrow night. He will be replaced by Ben Hunt.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25823381-5003409,00.html

Adelaide Titan
23-07-09, 09:18 AM
thats another big loss for them and will make it much harder for them to gain confidence coming to the Coast. Hopefully theres 25k Titans fans cheering the boys over the line!

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 10:03 AM
No Wallace for tomorrow night. He will be replaced by Ben Hunt.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25823381-5003409,00.html

OMG. They are devastated. Even Hunt looks only partially fit at best. They will struggle to attack and their defence should be in disarray.

The Gold Coast just need to focus on OUR game plan and implementing it. Focusing on the Broncos players is just a distraction for our players, but good fun for the fans.

Anyone who hasn't got a ticket yet. http://www.ticketek.com.au

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 10:39 AM
HUNT IT OUT NOW AS WELL!


Overseas-bound fullback Hunt was unable to overcome a cork while halfback Wallace was scratched due to hamstring tightness.

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 10:47 AM
Gold Coast $1.25
Brisbane $3.75

curly_11
23-07-09, 10:52 AM
Im not counting my chickens until kick off....i think it could be a lot of media tactics.....hopefully it is all the truth :D

amaline
23-07-09, 10:55 AM
Gold Coast $1.25
Brisbane $3.75

I knew I should have put my bets in earlier. :mad:

I'll have to get on Titans 13+ with a few first try scorers. Who will Michaels be marking tomorrow night? :thumbsup:

DIEHARD
23-07-09, 11:20 AM
Im not counting my chickens until kick off....i think it could be a lot of media tactics.....hopefully it is all the truth :D

I reckon you are right. There will be at least one red herring in amongst all of this!

GCT_89
23-07-09, 11:35 AM
I knew I should have put my bets in earlier. :mad:

I'll have to get on Titans 13+ with a few first try scorers. Who will Michaels be marking tomorrow night? :thumbsup:

im saying mead for a hatrick

Boofhead
23-07-09, 11:43 AM
Was close to dropping a ton last night, Titans were paying 1.48 on Betfair last night. 13+ is the way to go now. :thumbsup:

Coaster
23-07-09, 12:44 PM
Everyone needs to relax a bit, lets not get carried away with who they are missing, we need our guys, to FIRE.

We need to put together a solid 80 min and not let there missing players dictate how we play.

There not missing many forwards who IMO are the ones that smashed us last time we met.

TITAN PETE
23-07-09, 12:51 PM
Coaster is right , they'll have 13 players on the field all trying to save the Boncos season but we need our 13 players to shut them out of the game completely & not give them a sniff of points :fist:

karnage
23-07-09, 01:02 PM
I think this is as good a time as any to be getting carried away.

If they run out without those 7 frontline players, with the form they are in, they are ripe for the picking.

If we can't bet that lot convincingly at home then we are not worthy of a top 8 position let alone a top 4 position.

All year Carty has been saying how we are winning but there is still improvement in us and how we will be hitting our straps later in the year as we seek to avoid a finals fadeout. Wel lit's Brisbane at home in Rd 20, it is late in the year against a weakened powerhouse - the very team that our front office aspires to be. Time to stop saying they can improve and go out there and show it. Put up or shut up time.

Our season will be far from over if we lose but that would be an unacceptable result.

PUT THEM TO THE SWORD!!!!

curly_11
23-07-09, 01:54 PM
Heard on the radio the Hunt is playing, he has overcome his corked thigh....:doh:

And wallace only had hamstring tightness....not a tear....we will see if he plays....:ugh:

Paul
23-07-09, 02:14 PM
Heard on the radio the Hunt is playing, he has overcome his corked thigh....:doh:

And wallace only had hamstring tightness....not a tear....we will see if he plays....:ugh:
The radio report this afternoon confirmed Wallace is out, hunt is in and Nathan friend trained well today and will be given until kickoff to prove his fitness

GCT_07
23-07-09, 03:07 PM
I m hoping for a thrashing.........not a close game but an absolute thrashing...........:thumbsup:

Coaster
23-07-09, 03:22 PM
I think we all are expecting a thrashing, have no doubt, we have been expecting this great performance for a long time now, i would rather forget who they do or dont have and actually see our best performance.

I would much rather see us play for a full 80 extremely well, then play touch football and win by 30.

We need to concentrate on our game, and do everything right. The result will look after itself.

Adelaide Titan
23-07-09, 04:06 PM
Sportal's Preview on the match:

Preview: Titans v Broncos
Scott Brooks, Sportal

VENUE & TIME: Skilled Park, Friday July 24, 7.35pm (AEST).
COVERAGE: Channel 9
LAST TIME: Broncos 32 - Titans 18 at Suncorp Stadium, Round 10, 2009

WALKING WOUNDED: The Titans have lost pivot Mat Rogers with a groin injury, forcing Preston Campbell to five-eighth and giving William Zillman another start at the back. Forwards Aaron Cannings (hamstring) and Ashley Harrison (ankle) return to the squad, while Chris Walker (quad) and Luke O'Dwyer (ankle) remain on the sidelines. Hooker Nathan Friend (ankle) is in doubt, putting former Bronco Ian Lacey on standby.
For the Broncos, Origin duo Darren Lockyer (knee) and Sam Thaiday (ribs) are still out of action, along with Test winger Israel Folau (ankle), who is due back in Round 25. Veteran Tonie Carroll is out with a knee injury suffered in that unfortunate collision with the head of referee Tony De Las Heras. Prop Nick Kenny (knee) is hopeful of a return next week and full-back Karmichael Hunt is in slight doubt with a corked leg suffered at training.

FORM: The Titans' top-four hopes took a blow last Friday night when a sluggish start cost them dearly against the in-form Bulldogs in the second match of the double-header. It wasn't until mid-way through the second-half when they began their charge back from a 16-0 half-time deficit, leaving it all-too late in the final wash-up. They remain in the top-four, but are no certainties to stay there.
The Broncos have now lost five of their last six matches and during that period have copped some right royal hidings to crash out of the top-eight. Last Friday night's match wasn't pretty either with the Brisbane side copping a 32-point flogging at the hands of Souths. The Broncos now face the real possibility of missing the finals for the first time since 1991.

WHO'S HOT: Not too many highlights for the Titans last week, but five-eighth Mat Rogers was on song, scoring two tries and making a couple of line breaks. Unfortunately injury has robbed the Titans of his services for this week.
Justin Hodges was one of the only rays of light for the tragic Broncos at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night. He made the most metres of any player in the match (223) and was rarely grounded on the first attempt. Half-back Peter Wallace also tried hard in a losing side.

WE THINK: The Titans remain undefeated at home this season and they should continue the run given the Broncos are a rabble at present. On paper the Titans have a distinct advantage in the forwards, creating room for their far superior halves combo of Scott Prince and Preston Campbell to orchestrate the rest. Titans by 16.

TEAMS:
Gold Coast Titans:
1 William Zillman, 2 Kevin Gordon, 3 Esi Tonga, 4 Brett Delaney, 5 David Mead, 6 Preston Campbell, 7 Scott Prince [c], 8 Luke Bailey [c], 9 Nathan Friend, 10 Michael Henderson, 11 Anthony Laffranchi, 12 Mark Minichiello, 13 Ashley Harrison. Interchange: 14 Matt White, 15 Aaron Cannings, 16 Brad Meyers, 17 Kayne Lawton, 18 Ian Lacey (one to be omitted).

Brisbane Broncos:
1. Karmichael Hunt, 2. Antonio Winterstein, 3. Steve Michaels, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Alex Glenn, 6. Aaron Gorrell, 7. Peter Wallace, 8. David Taylor, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Joel Clinton, 11. Guy Williams, 12. Ben Te'o, 13. Corey Parker [c]. Interchange: 14. Josh Hoffman, 15. Lagi Setu, 16. Josh McGuire, 17. Ashton Sims, 18. Aaron Sweeney (one to be omitted).

Referees: Jared Maxwell & Bernard Sutton

http://sportal.com.au/league-match-preview-display/preview-titans-v-broncos-74491/page/1

kwigibo
23-07-09, 04:56 PM
Gold Coast News seems to think Hunt AND Wallace are out, but their journalstic standards rarely peek above the toilet bowl, so who knows.

Paul
23-07-09, 04:58 PM
Hunt will play,Wallace won't.I've been hearing it all day

24 hours until I suffer laryngitis from abusing Justin Hodges

Can't wait

I WANT a humiliating,embarassing defeat of the donkeys.This "sneaking home" like we have been the past month is not good enough against these jokers.I want them hurting both physically and on the scoreboard

amaline
23-07-09, 05:09 PM
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25824484-5018866,00.html

Another article saying Hunt wil be out tomorrow night. By the sounds of it we'd be better off with him playing.

GCT_07
23-07-09, 05:39 PM
I WANT a humiliating,embarassing defeat of the donkeys.This "sneaking home" like we have been the past month is not good enough against these jokers.I want them hurting both physically and on the scoreboard

I m so there with ya Paul... cept for the physical hurt..... cant quite come at that....... but I want them shamed out of the stadium..........


Hmmmm I m having a anti chant comin to me..... thinkin of all those donkey fans that cant be bothered watching them ......

Something along the lines.................. Even your fans ditched ya.................................I ll hand that thought over to the chant squad from last night to perfect ;)

Adelaide Titan
23-07-09, 07:13 PM
Whether Hunt is playing or not it shouldnt matter, they have lots of their best players out anyway and we must take full advantage of that! We may have Rogers out but we have the depth to replace him at 5/8 with Campbell and chuck Zillman who has been great this season into fullback. cant complain! whereas Brisbane have a few unfamiliar faces

Rage
23-07-09, 10:37 PM
I'll be disappointed if we only win by a little bit, like against the Eels but I can't even comprehend what it will be like if we lose :ugh:

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 01:25 AM
Titans v Broncos
Skilled Park - Friday 7.35pm

The Broncos venture down the corridor to the Gold Coast strip with their 2009 premiership aspirations well and truly on the line.

Co-competition leaders approaching the halfway stage of the regular rounds they?re now sitting in 9th place on 22 points, sharing the rung with three other sides. But they?ve exited the finals zone due to their wretched -65 points differential ? the fourth worst differential in the competition.

They?ve now lost five of their past six, including last week?s record 44-12 defeat at home to the Rabbitohs. While defence is clearly an issue for Ivan Henjak?s charges they are also struggling to score points (an average of 15 in their past six games which has dragged their season average down to 20.9). That?s particularly worrying given strike players Israel Folau and Sam Thaiday, plus defensive rock Tonie Carroll ? not to mention key playmaker Darren Lockyer ? remain sidelined with injury.

Their line-up tweak for this clash sees Dave Taylor start at prop in place of Josh McGuire, while Ben Te?o earns a starting spot in the second row to cover for Thaiday. Ashton Sims and Josh Hoffman earn bench call-ups.

With 30 competition points figured the guaranteed cut-off for a finals berth, the Gold Coast need just two wins to play semi-finals football for the first time in their latest incarnation.

Their progress through 2009 has mirrored that of their first two years ? although whereas they hit turbulent patches in 2007 and 2008 to slide out of calculations that doesn?t appear to be the case in 2009.
They?ve won four of their past six and were impressive even though defeated by the Bulldogs 23-16 last week.

Their playing roster is relatively unaffected, with only Mat Rogers, Luke O?Dwyer and Chris Walker missing from this clash. To counter Rogers? absence Preston Campbell shifts from fullback to five-eighth, with William Zillman to wear the no.1. Aaron Cannings and Kane Lawton (on debut) join the bench.

Watch out Titans: Everything falls on the shoulders of stars Justin Hodges and Karmichael Hunt. The duo did some good things against the Rabbitohs last week and can?t be blamed for their massive defeat but they still need to do plenty more if the Broncos are to get the points.

With Lockyer gone expect Hunt (17 try assists, fifth in the NRL) to take more of a dominant playmaker role, dictating one-off the ruck especially on the short blindside, where he?ll look to suck in defenders with his prop and step, before offloading or grubbering for a support.

Also look for the Broncos? forwards ? and their backs ? to ?spot? five-eighth Campbell in the defensive line. The diminutive Campbell is averaging three tackle misses a game ? but the last time these two sides met in Round 10 he missed five.

Watch out Broncos: The Titans? forwards combine strength and mobility to great effect. The likes of Luke Bailey, Anthony Laffranchi and Mark Minichiello will keep punching up the centre of the field gaining good territory and looking for offload opportunities. Their average 1358 metres gained per match ranks them fourth in the comp. And controlling everything will be hooker Nathan Friend, whose 1957 receives is a whopping 177 touches more than the next most prolific game dictator Michael Ennis.

If the Broncos fail to stop the Titans from breaching their advantage line with regularity, they will find it tough to win.

Where it will be won: How Brisbane defends will be key. They have been simply woeful in past efforts and unless their troops muscle up and shut down the ball carrier early they will haemorrhage points again here.

Over the past five weeks they?ve conceded 169 points for an average 33.8 points a game. That?s seen their average points conceded blow out from 20 points to 24.7. They have the worst tackle effectiveness percentage in the game (82 per cent). They?ve missed 734 tackles all year ? a whopping 130 more than the next-worst side.

Their biggest problems lie in their left-edge defence, where centre Steve Michaels and winger Antonio Winterstein were cruelly exposed last week by John Sutton and his try-hungry team-mates. Heading into this game it seems all the Titans have to do to manufacture points is work into that sector of the ground and pop a short flat pass to a fringe runner.

But the flipside is at least the Broncos are aware of their massive shortcomings. Hopefully some corrective surgery during the week will leave the patient a lot healthier this time around.

The history: Played 5; Titans 2, Broncos 3. That head-to-head record is a little misleading as the Titans surrendered their ?home-ground? advantage to Suncorp Stadium on one occasion. The Titans have won the only game at Skilled Park, a 26-24 thriller last year.

Conclusion: The loss of Thaiday and Lockyer proved insurmountable last week when facing the lowly Rabbitohs. Minus that duo the Broncos look decidedly thin on attacking options other than Hodges, Hunt and possibly stand-in skipper Corey Parker. If that?s all they?ve got expect Scott Prince to be salivating at the thought of adding to his 12 try assists and keeping his side?s unbeaten run at Skilled Park in 2009 intact..

The Broncos have a fine tradition of making the semi-finals, having played post-season for the past 17 years straight. But defeat here will make it tough to extend that streak. The Titans by eight.

Match officials: Referees ? Jared Maxwell & Bernard Sutton; Sideline Officials ? Jeff Younis & Adam Devcich; Video Ref ? Tim Mander.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live 7.30pm (Qld), delayed 9.30pm (NSW); Fox Sports ? Delayed 11.30pm.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 01:50 AM
Gold Coast v Brisbane
Friday, Skilled Park, 7.35pm

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Bernard Sutton
Head to Head: Broncos 3, Titans 2
Last clash: Broncos 32 bt Titans 18 at Suncorp Stadium (Rd 10, 2009)
TAB Sportsbet: Titans $1.22, Broncos $4.10
Centrebet: Titans $1.24, Broncos $4.05

The Broncos are in all sorts of trouble. They opened the season strongly, winning six of their first seven games, but have since lost seven of 10 - including five of their last six. And included in those last five losses were four games in which they conceded more than 40 points. Their only recent win was at home against the Warriors, who have been struggling themselves this season. Why the Broncos are failing is hard to say. They have had a few injury problems - and they've got them again this week - but you're a lucky team if you haven't got injuries at this stage of the season and not every team reacts by becoming like swiss cheese in defence.

It doesn't get any easier for the Broncos here, going up against the Titans at Skilled Stadium. The Titans have won eight from eight at home this season, and the only time these two have clashed there - last season - the Titans won. The Titans have had injury problems themselves recently, but have remained highly competitive. They have lost two of their last three, but hung in there in both games. Before that, the Titans put together a four-game winning streak that lifted them into the top four, where they still are. Their injury problems have eased a bit this week, as well, although five-eighth Mat Rogers is still among those out.

The Broncos have dropped out of the top eight off the back of their recent run, and will again have to do without the leadership of injured five-eighth Darren Lockyer. Plus, some of their big-name players who are out there simply aren't playing well. The Titans look like winners here.

Source: http://www.leaguehq.com.au

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 01:55 AM
Titans wary of depleted arch rivals

GOLD COAST are ignoring Brisbane's horrendous injury toll and anticipate a backs-to-the-wall performance when they meet the Broncos at Skilled Park tonight.

History shows the local derbies - which the Broncos lead 3-2 - produce thrilling finishes, with just five points separating the teams in for against across the five matches they've played.

But after Origin duo Karmichael Hunt and Peter Wallace joined captain Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Israel Folau, Tonie Carroll and Nick Kenny on the sidelines yesterday, bookmakers were offering $3.75 about a Brisbane victory - the best odds for the six-time premiers in more than a decade.

Titans co-skipper Scott Prince conceded Brisbane were below strength but said history showed they were very dangerous when faced with adversity.

"Obviously, they're missing a lot of quality players with a stack of experience, and we know a wounded Broncos is a dangerous opponent," said Prince, who will line up against 19-year-old one-game rookie Ben Hunt.

The Titans have an injury concern of their own, and will have to wait until this morning to find out if hooker Nathan Friend (ankle) will play.

Former Bronco Ian Lacey and 20-year-old Penrith product and Toyota Cup hooker Kayne Lawton were on standby. Friend appeared no chance of being able to play earlier in the week after injuring his ankle against the Bulldogs last Friday, playing his second game in four days.

"It was terrible two days ago, but we will just wait and see tomorrow," said Friend, who did not train yesterday. "I'll go see the physio in the morning and see if the swelling's stayed away."

With veteran dual international Mat Rogers ruled out, lightweight utility Preston Campbell will move to five-eighth, and William Zillman will take over at fullback.

New Zealand-born prop Aaron Cannings is also back from injury, adding some extra go-forward to the Titans pack.

Source: AAP

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 02:02 AM
Titans might be favourites but odds count for nothing in local derbies

THE PRINCE DIARIES by Titans captain Scott Prince

REPUTATIONS and favouritism count for nothing tonight.

Forget everything you thought you knew about footy.

It doesn't matter who is on the injured list or positions on the ladder.

We might be the ones heading in as the favourites with the bookies but odds count for nothing in local derbies.

Everyone has written the Broncos off without their star players but that is just another reason why they are desperate to come down here and smack us on our home turf.

The Broncos are a very good team with or without their stars and they have shown throughout their history, time and time again, that there is always someone ready to step up when a player falls over.

That is what is scary about tonight's game.

They will come here with a 'nothing to lose' attitude.

You can only imagine the challenge that has been laid down by Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak.

We haven't lost at home, it is Friday night footy and they have got most of their biggest names in the injury ward.

Something more important than two competition points are on the line for the Broncos -- they are playing for pride.

If you strip away all the talk, at the end of the day it is 13 on 13.

The team that wants it more will win.

I compare the Titans rivalry with the Broncos to when I was with the Wests Tigers and we played Souths at Leichhardt Oval.

It has got that same feel about it.

In Sydney, rugby league is like a religion to the supporters down there.

It is a culture that has been developed over decades.

It has grown into an intense rivalry.

We have achieved that in our short history at the Titans.

But you only have to look back to the Seagulls and Chargers days, when the Gold Coast played Brisbane it was the same.

That history of rivalries set in the past, from players and teams well before my time, affects the blokes taking part in tonight's match.

It creates a sense of hatred. We would love nothing more than demolishing big brother.

It is not just the players, supporters of both the Titans and the Broncos look forward to this game just as much to see who emerges with the bragging rights.

While all the talk is about the Broncos' injury woes, we must worry about ourselves and how we approach it.

We need to turn up with the right attitude and start well.

That is the thing with local derbies, it isn't about who is playing, it is about who turns up.

Throw the form guide out the window because passion, pride and bragging rights are all that matter.

Here's how my week has been.

SATURDAY: Recovery swim and massage at North Burleigh. Spent the afternoon at Julie Cowell's house with Preston Campbell, Brett Delaney, Mat Rogers and our mad wingers for the backline barbeque, which she successfully bid for at the Titans Charity Ball in May. The chef from the Titanium bar cooked for us. Great feed. Kicked back, shared stories and played a bit of tennis with the kids.

SUNDAY: Day off from training. Went down to Tweed Heads for a friend's 40th birthday party.

MONDAY: Had football in the morning, did skills and speed followed by a weights session. Still hurting after the close loss to the Dogs on Friday. Keen to make amends this week in preparation for the Broncos.

TUESDAY: Did Today show interviews in the morning then on to training. Did a defence session with Gilly in the sand pit. I had sand coming out of my ears all night and even the next day. Also filmed Titans TV at Event Cinemas at Robina. I was red hot as always, definitely carrying co-hosts Jason Sintome and Adam Gardini.

WEDNESDAY: Joint press conference with the Broncos at the Titanium Bar before Luke O'Dwyer's sportsman's lunch. Nice to see Darren Lockyer suited up for the occasion, even if he did turn up about 20 minutes late. It was Chalky's third lunch he has put on now and he has raised close to $20,000 for charity. The bloke is on fire. Then shot over to Skilled Park that afternoon to shoot So You Think You Can Play for The Footy Show with Fatty and Miss Australia Rachael Finch. She would look outstanding in a Titans jersey, or any jersey for that matter.

THURSDAY: Final training run before the Broncos showdown. It is a massive occasion. We started poorly last week against the Dogs so we are looking to rectify that. Won't be taking the Broncos lightly even though they have a few stars out.

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 02:04 AM
Kayne just as ableLuke Turgeon

FEAR of losing his first-team place to rookie Kayne Lawton is spurring Titans hooker Nathan Friend's determined bid to tackle the Broncos in tonight's southeast Queensland derby at Skilled Park.

While he sat out the Titans final training session at Robina yesterday, Friend successfully ran on his injured ankle earlier in the day during a solo hitout at Runaway Bay and will be given every chance to take the field tonight.

Lawton will make his NRL debut if Friend cannot recover in time, with former Bronco Ian Lacey to share the dummy-half role from the interchange bench.

Despite having his right ankle strapped and struggling to fit his shoe on due to the swelling, Friend was yesterday refusing to rule himself out of tonight's derby.

In a backhanded compliment for Lawton, Friend said the pressure being applied by the under-20s skipper was behind his bid to run out in front of a packed house at Skilled Park.

"In this day and age you don't want to give too many people opportunities in your position," he said.

Asked how Lawton would go, Friend said: "Really good, that is why I am worried about giving the guy an opportunity.

"He has got all the attributes to be a great player.

"He will handle it no worries.

"(Lacey) has proven himself at NRL standard before so there will be no problems there."

Friend said he would wait to see how his ankle recovered this morning before making a decision.

"I will roll out of bed and go see the physio in the morning to see if the swelling has stayed away," said Friend.

"Obviously playing against Brisbane (is going to be a massive game) and there are seven games leading into the semis, so you don't really want to miss a game.

"It is just my attitude, I want to play NRL firstly and with the big occasion coming up, I really don't want to miss that either."

Friend, who has minor lateral ligament damage, said it was unlikely he would do further damage by playing hurt and just had to put up with the pain.

He said he would not have a pain killing injection.

"The doc said to me I shouldn't hurt it if I wanted to play," he said.

Friend initially feared the worst when he twisted awkwardly making a tackle in the seventh minute of last Friday's 23-16 loss to the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

"I heard a little click there and I didn't really want to look down," he said.

"I immediately thought the worst but then as I looked down and I walked around on it, it felt OK.

"If we keep the swelling down, it shouldn't impinge too much."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 02:07 AM
Ruthless streak must start tonight, says Cartwright

TITANS coach John Cartwright has called on his side to ramp up their intensity in the run to the finals -- starting with putting the wounded Broncos to the sword at Skilled Park tonight.

The Gold Coast boast a dream run to the finals, with four of their remaining seven games at their Skilled Park fortress and just two more against top eight teams.

Needing just four more points to put a spot in the finals beyond doubt, the third-placed Titans appear destined for September action.

Cartwright yesterday said he wanted his side to become more ruthless over the remaining seven rounds as they continued to hunt a top-four finish and a home semi-final.

"I think we do have to get more ruthless," he said. "We have shown that at stages this year.

"There are times there our defensive line has held very well.

"At stages we have struggled to put on points.

"But (that doesn't matter as much) as long as defensively you are turning the opposition away, which is something we haven't done well over the past couple of weeks and we have to get back to that form."

The Titans' only matches against top eight sides are the sixth-placed Cowboys at Skilled Park next Friday and the eighth-placed Sea Eagles at Brookvale in the final round.

In between they meet the Warriors (12th), Rabbitohs (10th), Sharks (15th) and the Wests Tigers (11th).

While the Titans appear set to storm into the finals, Cartwright is taking nothing for granted.

The Gold Coast boss remains cautious about the weeks ahead, despite the Titans sitting high on the ladder.

While conceding it was the perfect opportunity to rack up a big score against the Broncos without their usual star-studded side, Cartwright said there would be no complacency tonight.

"You only have to go back to history and history shows that it doesn't matter who takes the field," he said.

"It is a local derby and it is going to be close to a full house, if not a full house, and there is plenty to play for for both sides.

"It is a game where it doesn't matter who is chosen to play.

"We have been up there the last couple of years with makeshift outfits and the occasion will bring out the best of who is on the paddock.

"We are just playing a Broncos jumper. Both sides are going to turn up ready to go."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 08:19 AM
Big rush on tickets this morning!

Availability:
Titanium Single seats only
Titanium Unlicensed Limited seats only
Gold Single seats only
Gold Unlicensed Alloc. Exhausted
Legion Unreserved Alloc. Exhausted
Steel Available
Steel Unlicensed Single seats only
Away Supporters Bay Available

Get your tickets asap Titans fans! We want you all there!

GCT_07
24-07-09, 08:26 AM
Away Supporters Bay Available


http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww70/designright/LAUGHING/da51931f.gif

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 08:41 AM
Away Supporters Bay Available

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww70/designright/LAUGHING/da51931f.gif

I was thinking the same thing myself!

titanstattman
24-07-09, 08:48 AM
Im just hoping i can make it and if i do it might be the 1st time with the singlet

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 08:52 AM
Im just hoping i can make it and if i do it might be the 1st time with the singlet

I hope so mate, you looked very well at the Bulldogs game but on Wednesday you looked under the weather. Good luck, hope to see you there tonight.

If not, even though I promised I wouldn't give it to Hodges, because I am such a fan, I will for you if you can't make it!

You can always wear the singlet under a jumper. It'll be a cold night.

Adelaide Titan
24-07-09, 09:41 AM
good to see there will be a big home crowd at the game! Hunt is confirmed out now which is good for the Titans and Nathan Friend will wait til last minute to see if he's fit to play, lets hope he is!

I'll be watching this game at 12.30 in the morning on Foxtel :thumbsup:

titanstattman
24-07-09, 09:43 AM
I hope so mate, you looked very well at the Bulldogs game but on Wednesday you looked under the weather. Good luck, hope to see you there tonight.

If not, even though I promised I wouldn't give it to Hodges, because I am such a fan, I will for you if you can't make it!

You can always wear the singlet under a jumper. It'll be a cold night.

Yeah if i get to the game i will be coved up for sure....

Steve
24-07-09, 12:44 PM
It'll be interesting to keep an eye on the crowd figures.
Highest this year was 20,031 against the Warriors.
Highest ever was last year, 27,176 against the Broncos.

Capacity is 27,400 but I think there'll be a lot of Broncos fans staying away, so hopefully we can fill it with Titans fans and set a new ground record!

Adelaide Titan
24-07-09, 01:13 PM
this years crowds havnt seemed to have been as good as last years at Skilled Park and i'd say theres various reasons behind that. Any less than 25k tonight though, would be a disappointment considering its a local derby.

Steve
24-07-09, 02:21 PM
Right! I'm on my way to the train station now, get there for gates open! :thumbsup:

Paul
24-07-09, 02:26 PM
I'm leaving work in an hour. I'm actually getting nervous haha

DIEHARD
24-07-09, 02:26 PM
I'm off soon as well. Just puting the finishing touches on this banner.

Boofhead
24-07-09, 02:33 PM
We are almost at full strength, there is no reason why we don't put 30 points on the ponies tonight.

Won't be sitting with the legion tonight, me and a group of eight mates are sitting in steel (couldn't get legion tickets!) will take a few photos of you guys.

If anyone in the Legion wants to borrow my card for the game send me a PM or message me if you got my number.

Go TITANS! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

digeze
24-07-09, 02:34 PM
Any final news on Friend yet?

Boofhead
24-07-09, 02:37 PM
He's playing. :thumbsup:

Nathalie
24-07-09, 03:09 PM
Leaving for the station in about 20! :thumbsup:

Paul
24-07-09, 03:42 PM
I'm on the platform at helensvale. Train leaves at 4:59. I'll be on the final carriage as always if anybody checks the forum on their phone

Adelaide Titan
24-07-09, 04:31 PM
LETS GO TITANS!!! We want a big win tonight!

FIRE UP!! :D

Paul
24-07-09, 05:53 PM
Omg the 20's just finished and it's freakin freezing cold

bigjim
24-07-09, 08:29 PM
It's funny. We won that game by a fair margin but I feel like we lost.
We had an opportunity to really ram our advantage home and the Titans just went into cruise control.
They just don't like playing from in front.
Now, all the commentators will be talking about how well the Broncos played to win the second half.
The Titans have gained no credit for their efforts.

Cowboy Titan
24-07-09, 08:42 PM
A great first 60 minutes by the Titans. The ref totally handed the momentum to the Broncos by calling a scrum when Prince & Presto were in the clear - it was a shocking call by the ref.

Well done to the Legion. We could hear you loud & clear all night and all the flags looked great.

hammer
24-07-09, 08:55 PM
A win is what we were looking for and I am satisfied with that! To be honest I was nervous about this game as the Broncos had nothing to lose...they had been written off all week...but credit to the Titans they were focussed for the first 65 minutes and deserved their win.
I can feel some finals footy coming!

Paul
24-07-09, 09:03 PM
We fell apart when friend went off

end of story

karnage
24-07-09, 09:20 PM
There is a good reason why we don't get talked about as a serious finals contender, just watch the last 12 minutes.

Geez it was a flat feeling at the end of that game...

eelectrica
24-07-09, 09:27 PM
I agree Karnage. Hope Carty reads them the riot act for that. Making the finals will be nice, but it would be nice to do more than make up the numbers.

Missed a golden opportunity to improve points for and against which is need of improvement.

Paul
24-07-09, 09:46 PM
TsIT's a shame because the first 65 mins Brisbane never looked like scoring. Our boys just battered them but the last 15 was completely unacceptable.

When we start stringing together an entire 80 mins we will be awesome but until then we won't be a serious threat

but congrats boys, most of the night you were totally dominant and a wel deserved win

you did us proud

Ryan
24-07-09, 09:54 PM
There is a good reason why we don't get talked about as a serious finals contender, just watch the last 12 minutes.

Geez it was a flat feeling at the end of that game...

I second that...........

TITAN PETE
24-07-09, 10:14 PM
It was a good win but it looked like Carty put the cue in the rack with 20 to go , resting Friend,Mini (looked like a cork) & Harrison :ugh:

Welcome back Scott Prince :fist: , his best game in 3 months :thumbsup:

The stats tell the story
1st half Titans missed tackles 10
2nd half Titans missed tackles 34

Still plenty of work to be done there but atleast we still got the 2 points..

Paul
24-07-09, 10:25 PM
Welcome back Scott Prince :fist: , his best game in 3 months :thumbsup:



He looked awesome running at the line,side stepping and dancing around defenders

and also good man Princey for spending a good 20 minutes at the northern end signing stuff and having your pics taken with all the kids

Tamwelg
24-07-09, 10:28 PM
There is a good reason why we don't get talked about as a serious finals contender, just watch the last 12 minutes.

Geez it was a flat feeling at the end of that game...

Yep, you got my vote as well. We killed the Ponnies, but I felt very flat at the end of the game because of the last 15mins.

Tamwelg
24-07-09, 10:32 PM
Scott Prince was brilliant. Zillman was in great position all night and was involved in a nice set play with Princey to put Mini for the first try. Ash and Laffranchi player really well and Mini was starting to get his strong running back. All the bench did there job, especially big red :salute: . Delaney was very ordinary, he's just not a centre IMO, Rogers to Centre and Delaney bench or Qcup.

TITAN PETE
24-07-09, 10:40 PM
Rogers to Centre and Delaney bench or Qcup.

I vote Tam to become a selector for next week :fist:

Steve
24-07-09, 10:55 PM
Our best win against the donkeys, but yeah, they took the foot off their throat and let them back into the game when we should have finished them off.

It was a decent crowd considering both the cold and the trains breaking down!

Coaster
24-07-09, 11:15 PM
Players should only get 65% of there match payments as far as I'm concerned. Someone remind me why delenay is playing for us again?

TITAN PETE
24-07-09, 11:19 PM
Someone remind me why delenay is playing for us again?

I'm sure there must be a video involved :?)

heidstar
24-07-09, 11:39 PM
What a great win...We all left pretty excited after an awesome game.However when we got to Springbrook road in mudgeeraba,all traffic stopped.Very unusual for a quiet road.The roads are still shut(nearly 2 hrs) and we are (approx 20 cars) are all titans fans still all decked in our supporters gear outside our cars waiting to get through.we are talking positively about the legion supporters how awesome you are and even though not great circumstances looks like you may get a few members next year.What great human beings titans supporters are that i am with right now,chating about the game,supporters and the g.c locals .we are aware that the accident is very serious and lets hope (we have been told they are titans supporters)that they will be ok.But it does not look good.But you legions really stood out tonight more than ever.It was a pleasure to watch and can not wait to join you all next year too!!!

Paul
24-07-09, 11:46 PM
awesome,thanks for the kind words.We were all pretty chuffed tonight that the rest of the crowd seemed to join in when we started a chant.It was very noticable to us for pretty much the first time and we loved it.

Feel free to come say hello to all of us in sec 30 (if you haven't already) at the next home game

heidstar
25-07-09, 12:17 AM
Thanks...we really need to do the victory song at the end of a victorious match like the cronula sharks do.Over a loud speaker the song goes off and the crowd just sing so loud, part of the words still in my head even after one match watching them 5yrs ago.Its not their sheds song just a supporters song,easy to remember and gets stuck in your head when you are bored at work!!!

Tamwelg
25-07-09, 06:50 AM
Titans need a `Friendly' attitude

Daniel Meers

July 25th, 2009

NATHAN Friend. Words simply can't describe the bravery and unrivalled attitude he takes into a footy game.

For 60 minutes Friend carved out 29 tackles and looked one of the best players on the field.

In reality he was playing on one leg, probably shouldnt have been there, and in a hell of a lot of pain.

After he got dressed late last night his injured ankle was black and blue, swollen and back in a pressure bandage and boot.

Walking was a big effort.

Few if any players would have taken the field last night.

His summation was simple.

"I always wanted to play. Some people take it for granted to play NRL and I certainly love being out there in the contest," he said.

"We can't really hurt it too much structurally so we'll just have to put up with a bit of pain."

Friend hobbled out of Skilled Park on one leg last night, but said he'd be back for more next week.

"I was happy with how it felt out there, it started to hurt a bit after 60 odd minutes, just after we come out at half time it cooled down a bit."

Looking at Friend last night you'd say he would be 1000-1 to play next Friday night, but it's odds-on he will.

Coach John Cartwright said nothing Friend did surprised him any more.

"He's very strong willed, as soon as he came off and took his boot off he had a bad limp, when it really counted he never showed any sign of pain or discomfort," he said.

"I didn't think he was any chance of playing when I saw his leg on Tuesday."

Call it coincidence, but when Friend went off about the 60th minute the Titans switched off.

Three tries followed and the Titans yet again failed to run out a full 80 minutes.

For 60 minutes the Titans had set up the perfect 40-2 victory, even 50-2 victory, yet the plucky big brothers put respectability on the scoreboard.

Gaps opened, the Titans went into auto-pilot, perhaps because they knew the game was over.

The Titans looked like scoring their biggest ever winning margin, that went out the window.

Gold Coast will play semi final footy this year, they'll need to be playing the full 80 by then.

The Nathan Friend attitude of playing 80 minutes in fifth gear and going into a sixth if needed has to be found.

That's the only thing stopping the Titans from being the total package in 2009.

Having 17 with the Nathan Friend attitude.

www.goldocast.com.au

Tamwelg
25-07-09, 06:52 AM
Prince just magic

Luke Turgeon

July 25th, 2009

THE Gold Coast Titans unleashed their ruthless streak with a 34-18 demolition of the Brisbane Broncos last night.

In a convincing display, the Titans flexed their premiership muscle by putting the battling Broncos to the sword in front of 26,336 fans to maintain their unbeaten run at their Skilled Park fortress this season.

Miracle man Nathan Friend completed an incredible recovery from an ankle injury to take his place in the No.9 jumper while skipper Scott Prince was simply marvellous, scoring one try, having a hand in his sides five others and kicking five conversions from six attempts.

The Broncos travelled to Skilled Park with nothing more than pride on the line.

By the time they left, they barely had that.

A flurry of three quick tries in the dying minutes was the only positives the Broncos could draw out of what was for the most part a hugely lopsided encounter.

"I thought the first 40 minutes was as good as we have put together all year, said Cartwright.

"But the back 20 minutes was very disappointing.

"We missed a lot of tackles and a lot offloads and probably gave them some points they didnt deserve.

"I think there is still a mile of improvement in us.

Missing seven top liners in skipper Darren Lockyer, Karmichael Hunt, Sam Thaiday, Peter Wallace, Israel Folau, Nick Kenny and Tonie Carroll, Brisbane were always going to struggle.

But nothing could have prepared them for the blue and gold bloodbath.

Or for that matter, the sizzling performance from playmaker Prince.

The struggling Broncos, who have lost six of their past seven games, must now win four from their remaining six games to make the finals, while the high-flying Titans only need one more victory to cement a spot in September.

The Broncos got on the scoreboard first with a penalty goal to stand-in captain Corey Parker in the opening minutes, but from then on it was all the Titans.

Showing superb touch, Prince set up three tries in nine minutes, first sending back rower Mark Minichiello, Origin star Ashley Harrison over with clever passes and then putting in a grubber kick for prop Michael Henderson to pounce.

The Sultan of Skilled Park struck again before the half was out, this time shifting the play to the blindside at the last minute and finding the chest of winger Kevin Gordon with a bullet-like pass to stretch the home sides lead out to 22-2 heading into the sheds.

Not content just adding to his teammates try tallies, Prince scored the best four-pointer of the match five minutes into the second half, when he pulled in a Preston Campbell grubber from under the nose of rookie Broncos trio Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein and Dale Copley to touch down without so much as a hand laid on him.

Gold Coast centre Esi Tonga then followed the procession of Titans try scorers, before the Broncos, to their credit dug in refused to let the Titans crack the elusive 40-point barrier, which they are yet to do since entering the competition in 2007.

Back rowers Harrison (rib cartilage) and Minichiello (cork) are the main injury concerns for the Titans, while Friend's ankle pulled up sore but is expected to take on the Cowboys next Friday.

www.goldcoast.com.au

Paul
25-07-09, 06:53 AM
What an absolute champ Friend is :thumbsup:

TITAN PETE
25-07-09, 08:18 AM
What an absolute champ Friend is :thumbsup:

You can keep your Smith & Farah this bloke is the games best no9 & just to add to his toughness the guy doesn't take Any Painkillers , he doesn't beleive in them ;)

kwigibo
25-07-09, 12:41 PM
Okay, Walker is probably fit next week, Tagataese, Graham, Akau'ola all playing QLD cup this weekend. 4 guys who could be wearing #4 instead of Delaney. Who do you choose?

Coaster
25-07-09, 12:59 PM
I would rather a broom handle stuck in the ground near the halfway then Delaney, so any of those options are better Imo

Coaster
25-07-09, 01:00 PM
In reality it has to be walker and then Rogers

DIEHARD
25-07-09, 01:31 PM
Loved seeing the Titans hammer the Broncos. That is what it is all about, that derby!

Ash was a welcome return and celebrated with a try. Prince was in fine form, fantastic form, just at the right time of year. Keep it coming.

Friend was great once again, I wouldn't trade him for anyone. When he left the field we did fall apart in defence and we eased in attack. Not good. Well done to Nathan for playing with a crook ankle, wouldn't have been easy. Hopefully he can further recover for the Cowboys game. The Broncos truly did lift in the last 20 and while things we did did help that, I can't take away from that purple patch from the Broncos.

I will have to agree that Delaney should be replaced. Rogers, Walker or Tags would be good options.

Gordon, he is turning into my favourite winger since Willie Carne and Mead isn't far behind! How lucky are we to have such tremendous wingers? Certainly a highlight of the Gold Coast line up and something to be feared.

Hodges flick pass from dummy half was rugby league magic. I had never seen that before and it sucked us in 100%

Awesome crowd, especially with most Broncos fans sooking off and staying home. All that attended are a credit to the Broncos. It was also very vocal and loud. I have only watched half the Tv coverage, but the atmosphere was electric. And Vossy mentioned "Gee it's a noisey crowd tonight!" and someone else commented "And the atmosphere, it's rugby league paradise." Well done Titans fans and the Broncos fans who added to it.

And to repeat the obvious, we need to play 80 mins and have a killer instinct.

See you at the Gold Coast vs Cowboys! http://www.ticketek.com.au - get ya tickets folks!

bigjim
25-07-09, 01:54 PM
Got no problem with Delaney, I thought he had a good game. Just wish he wouldn't drop those odd balls every so often.

Titans bad last period wasn't even a bad 20 minutes, it was just that last 15.
Broncos scored 18 points in just 15 minutes, not good enough.

The problems started when, I think it was Laffranchi, tried to barge over on the last tackle rather than kick it into the area and get another set of tackles. Broncos got possession and scored in the next set, I think.
After that there was just a serious of bad decisions at the wrong times.

kwigibo
25-07-09, 02:11 PM
The problems started when, I think it was Laffranchi, tried to barge over on the last tackle rather than kick it into the area and get another set of tackles. Broncos got possession and scored in the next set, I think.
After that there was just a serious of bad decisions at the wrong times.

Prince was apoplectic after they screwed up the 5th there. Did it a few times this game and a lot over recent weeks, should be a focus in training to execute last tackle plays better.

kwigibo
25-07-09, 02:15 PM
Got no problem with Delaney, I thought he had a good game. Just wish he wouldn't drop those odd balls every so often.



Walker and Mead have 13 tries between them this year, and I think the only one Delaney touched the ball for was the buzzer beater against the Roosters. Delaney has 1 try. He still gets great metres and is a solid defender, but if he insists on playing like a backrower get him out of the centres, especially if he's not part of the team's future plans.

TitansFan
25-07-09, 02:58 PM
I don't want to be too negative. After all, a win is a win....
However, someone needs to tell the players that 'clocking off' every time they have a comfortable lead isn't going to cut it in the finals.

DIEHARD
25-07-09, 03:01 PM
I don't want to be too negative. After all, a win is a win....
However, someone needs to tell the players that 'clocking off' every time they have a comfortable lead isn't going to cut it in the finals.

Yea mate it is frustrating and it shreds our Premiership crediability. We need to DIE HARD and PUT EM TO THE SWORD. And other appropriate cliches. I think we do die hard to an extent, just need to kill 'em.

isaiah
25-07-09, 03:18 PM
Yea mate it is frustrating and it shreds our Premiership crediability. We need to DIE HARD and PUT EM TO THE SWORD. And other appropriate cliches. I think we do die hard to an extent, just need to kill 'em.

premiership cred will come when we play well in our first finals game, wait for it. we have choked before the finals even arrived last 2 seasons

Rage
25-07-09, 03:40 PM
I don't want to be too negative. After all, a win is a win....
However, someone needs to tell the players that 'clocking off' every time they have a comfortable lead isn't going to cut it in the finals.

I'm sure that if Mini, Friend and Harrison didn't come off in the last 20 minutes or thereabouts, it wouldn't have looked as bad as it did.

karnage
25-07-09, 05:51 PM
Harro did not play at all in the second half and Friend and Mini only played small minutes.

Apparently those three are no sure thing for the Cowboys game with Harro (rib cartlidge from Origin:mad: ) and Mini with a corked knee described as 'touch and go for Friday' at recovery this morning.

The way Friend goes you would imagine it would take nothing short of a broken leg to keep him off the park, and God knows we need him - he is the glue that holds our centre third in tact.

Adelaide Titan
25-07-09, 07:56 PM
The first 60 minutes was the Titans at their best! The next 20 they took their foot off the gas and let the Broncos score 3 tries which i found disappointing. Yes the Broncos were depleted but still, its 17 v 17 so it really comes down to who plays better not whos in each team. Hodges was a threat all night for us but we kept him at bay. Prince...what a champ, his try was great and Zillman was as strong as ever in fullback.

GO YOU TITANS! :clap:

teke
25-07-09, 09:20 PM
Everyone who i know that follows the Titans has had a word about Delaney. Personally I like him as a player, a player that plays in the second row. He is not a dangerous centre and never will be but his defence is pretty dam good.

What we might make up in attack with Rogers or Walker we might lose something in defence. Im pretty sure the coaching staff is well aware of the Delaney situation.

Cowboys just went down to the Panthers so I am expecting the Titans to convincingly beat them this week.

Adelaide Titan
25-07-09, 10:33 PM
To be honest, i think Delaney had a decent game last night.

karnage
25-07-09, 11:03 PM
Everyone who i know that follows the Titans has had a word about Delaney. Personally I like him as a player, a player that plays in the second row. He is not a dangerous centre and never will be but his defence is pretty dam good.

What we might make up in attack with Rogers or Walker we might lose something in defence. Im pretty sure the coaching staff is well aware of the Delaney situation.

Cowboys just went down to the Panthers so I am expecting the Titans to convincingly beat them this week.

I'd prefer to get the Cowboys coming off a win, they have lost 2 in a row now to both of the big cats (Tigers and Panthers) and will be breathing fire when they run out onto Skilled.

But yeah, we will still kill 'em:thumbsup: