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DIEHARD
28-06-10, 06:21 AM
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans
7:30PM - Friday 9 July 2010 - Campbelltown Stadium

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/westsvstitans.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/wests.gif

1. Wade McKinnon
2. Lote Tuqiri
3. Blake Ayshford
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Geoff Daniela
6. Benji Marshall
7. Robert Lui
8. Bryce Gibbs
9. Robbie Farah
10. Keith Galloway
11. Todd Payten
12. Liam Fulton
13. Chris Heighington

Interchange:
14. Mark Flanagan
15. Junior Moors
16. Simon Dwyer
17. Daniel Fitzhenry

Reserves:
18. Mitch Brown
19. Andrew Fifita

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/titans.jpg

1 Preston Campbell
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Mat Rogers
4 Bodene Thompson
5 William Zillman
6 Greg Bird
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 Ryan James
17 Luke O’Dwyer
19 Steve Michaels

Coach John Cartwright

DIEHARD
28-06-10, 06:22 AM
Time to look forward. Hopefully with a team led by Scott Prince at #7!

Also have to monitor te injuries to David Mead and Sam Tagataese.

DIEHARD
28-06-10, 08:13 AM
Bruised Titans look forward to the bye - and return of Prince the playmaker

GOLD COAST could pay a heavy price for their disappointing loss to Newcastle, with right-side backs David Mead and Sam Tagataese suffering potentially serious injuries.

Exciting winger Mead hobbled out of Skilled Park on crutches last night, having failed to re-emerge after being forced from the field with an ankle problem after only 20 minutes.

Tagataese, a promising centre who enhanced his reputation with a thundering hit on Knights five-eighth Ben Rogers yesterday, could also be facing a stint in the casualty ward after sitting out the second half with a shoulder injury.

The Titans' fitness synopsis was sadly appropriate for them on a day they looked anything but a top-four side. Missing ringmaster Scott Prince with a torn hamstring, NSW Origin candidate Greg Bird took the reins primarily but experienced a mixed afternoon, throwing in a couple of try assists with some poor kicking and questionable last-tackle options. Preston Campbell, the nominal halfback, played mostly at fullback in a reshuffle prompted by the departures of Mead and Tagataese.

The Titans have the bye this weekend and Prince is expected to be back for their next match, against Wests Tigers. On this evidence his return cannot come soon enough.

Despite a wave of possession, the hosts lacked cohesion, committed a succession of crucial turnovers and allowed their opponents over the line all too easily.

''We spoke after the game about our defence,'' Gold Coast coach John Cartwright said. ''You can't pick and choose when you want to be desperate, you have got to be desperate for the whole 80 minutes.

''If we had have won today that would have put us up there in that top two or three going into the bye next week. I mean, we are up there but we aren't playing well and the injuries are starting to mount up. That would have been a really nice two points.

''Our first half in particular was way down on some of the standards we set for ourselves. There were some pretty soft decisions made in defence.

''I don't think we ever really had any control over that game, save for a part in that first half where we led 12-6. It was pretty much their game after they hit the lead. After they got the lead, they had that confidence they could score tries so easily on us. It dented our confidence and they grew from it.''

Titans captain Luke Bailey, a standout in a losing side with 29 tackles and 17 runs, was also suitably disappointed.

''I think sometimes we just get a little excited. We seem to play a couple of good sets and tend to drift out of the game,'' Bailey said. ''If we had just stuck with the game plan - which was very simple - it would have been a win. But we got away from that, dropped ball started to creep in … it was just disappointing. We were pretty ordinary today.''

Source: Brisbane Times

DIEHARD
29-06-10, 09:26 AM
Injuries hurting but crying doesn't help

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/06/28/TITANSVSKN_WEB_PHOTO_EE375343_19653.JPG
Sam Tagataese will have scans on his injured shoulder today Picture: David Clark

IT's an easy out but John Cartwright said the mounting injury toll at the club could not be used as an excuse with the squad still boasting enough strike power to go on with the job.

With David Mead (ankle) and Sam Tagataese (shoulder) the latest to join the casualty ward, the Titans' depth is set to be tested over the coming month.

While skipper Scott Prince and Luke O'Dwyer (hamstrings) could make a return against the Tigers on Friday night, July 9, the news could be a lot worse for Mead and Tagataese, who both played no part in the second half on Sunday, with the pair to have scans today to confirm the severity of their injuries.

Regardless, Cartwright said there was no point becoming bogged down by concerns over his playing roster.

"You can't worry about it," fired Cartwright when asked about the loss of Tagataese and Mead.

"We have been without Princey for the last couple of weeks and if you spend time worrying about (who is out) you lose valuable time preparing for what is ahead."

"You can't dwell on your losses, we will deal with it and move towards the Tigers game in 10 days time."

While there were few highlights to come from the Knights defeat, one was the impact of Bodene Thompson, who highlighted his versatility with a pleasing effort alongside makeshift winger William Zillman, on the right-hand edge after Mead and Tagataese were forced out.

Thompson in particular was strong, especially considering he had just returned to the NRL squad after losing his sport when he was suspended for a high shot against Canberra in Round 3.

"Bodene has been impressive in the last two weeks," said Cartwright.

"He had to play in the centres and he has never played there before but I have been impressed with how he handled it."

"But Zilly too, he was out of position but he really stiffened up our defence out there when they went to him and it's nice to know he can play there."

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

DIEHARD
29-06-10, 09:29 AM
It's just a lack of urgency

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/06/28/down-not-out.jpg
With the Titans falling to their sixth loss of the season against Newcastle, coach John Cartwright insists it is just a case of lack of urgency

GOLD Coast Titans coach John Cartwright has scoffed at thoughts cracks had begun to surface in their on-field performances despite landing just two wins from their past six matches.

With the Titans berated from certain sectors after falling to their sixth loss of the season, Cartwright insisted it was a case of `no urgency' that brought about their most recent downfall to Newcastle and nothing else.

With another two points coming their way with this weekend's bye, the coach was confident they could iron out their deficiencies before their next encounter with the Wests Tigers.

The two teams sit in equal third place on the ladder with 20 competition points -- three wins behind leaders St George.

"When you look at the competition table there's only two sides ahead of us," said Cartwright of the Titans, who are guaranteed another two points with this weekend's bye.

"Everyone will want to paint a gloomy picture but the Dragons and Penrith are the only ones to win more games than us."

"The worrying thing is is that we are just off our best."

"There is a fine line between winning and losing and (against the Knights) we just weren't quite up to it."

Conceding there was little write home about in their 24-16 loss to Newcastle on Sunday, the coach stressed they had their opportunities to win with the 15-minute period before half-time costly.

In their worst effort of the season, the Titans stumbled, being out-enthused by the desperate Knights despite dominating many facets of the game.

The stats sheets read the same way, with the Titans dominating every major category except the final scoreline.

It's an area they will need to rectify over the next 10 days before heading into a tough month with games against the Tigers and Brisbane before the dreaded trek to Kogarah on July 23 to face St George Illawarra.

"I think our discipline was good but it was our will (plus) we fell off a few tackles and we were slow to get off our line," he said.

"(But) it's no excuse, there was a lot on the line and we had a great opportunity to consolidate in the top two or three and to be out enthused was disappointing more than anything."

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
29-06-10, 09:34 AM
Injuries force another reshuffle

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Recovered...Esi Tonga. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: The Daily Telegraph

HESITANT to throw the returning Esi Tonga in the deep end, the Titans are considering refashioning another back-rower into a centre following the loss of Sam Tagataese to a shoulder injury.

With Tagataese and winger David Mead both facing long stints on the sidelines, the Titans will be forced to rebuild their right side and the men who finished there on Sunday against Newcastle, back-rower Bodene Thompson and fullback Will Zillman, are likely to get the nod.

It could prove a long-term combination, with fears that the season of Mead, who will have scans on an ankle injury today, is over and Tagataese also in trouble.

The impressive Tonga, who hasn't played after suffering a shoulder injury in pre-season, is due to return this week in Queensland Cup, but coach John Cartwright admitted he was tempted to leave Thompson in the centres.

"Esi is available for selection this week, but he hasn't played for a long time so it would be a big ask to pick him in first grade," Cartwright said. "Bodene did a good job out there and handled it pretty well and same with Will Zillman playing out of position. I thought they really bolstered up our right side when they went out there."

The Titans have the bye this week before facing a tough run of matches against the Tigers, Broncos and Dragons.

Cartwright admitted he had been bitterly disappointed by his side's attitude in Sunday's shock loss to the Knights.

"We had a 15-minute period where we lacked a bit of want, desire or enthusiasm," Cartwright said. "In the end they wanted it more. There was a lot on the line, the chance to consolidate a place in the top two or three, and to be out-enthused was disappointing."

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/i

DIEHARD
29-06-10, 09:36 AM
Meyers rues missed opportunity

Gold Coast Titans forward Brad Meyers was left to rue a missed chance for his side to kick clear of a pack of pursuers on the NRL ladder after yesterday’s 24-16 loss to the Newcastle Knights at Skilled Park.

And the former Test forward was also left to lament what might have been after coming agonisingly close to a rare try-scoring double in the dying stages of the game.

With five minutes left on the clock and the Titans trailing by eight, Meyers burst through and had only 10m and overmatched Knights skipper Kurt Gidley between himself and the line.

The besieged NSW Origin skipper made an unlikely try-saver, denying the flame-haired Meyers his second try of the night. His first came in the 27th minute when he dived on a Greg Bird grubber in the in-goal just seconds after replacing prop Michael Henderson.

“He sort of come out of nowhere and I just pulled up a bit short,” Meyers said. “It was a bit unlucky and it might have changed a few things.”

Gidley, who will tonight learn his fate as NSW Origin skipper when the Blues name their team for game three, said he owed Meyers after the former Bronco had run over him three years ago.

“The first year up here I missed a tackle on him and I swore I’d never do it again,” he said.

“He’s a pretty scary guy when he’s coming through the line, but that’s part of my job to tackle him.”

With the loss, the Titans missed an opportunity to jump the Wests Tigers, their next opponents, into third spot on the NRL ladder.

Meyers said the team would dearly have loved to go into next week’s bye on a winning note.

“(Byes) are good and they’re bad,” he said. “You want to get out and play the following week, but it’s just the way it goes.

“It would have been good going through these couple of weeks with four points under our belt instead of two.”

The Titans are now in a pack of six teams within two competition points scrapping for home-field advantage in the finals.

But more concerning for coach John Cartwright is the list of clubs awaiting the Titans on the other side of next week’s bye.

July shapes as a testing month for the Gold Coast, with the Tigers, resurgent Broncos and competition pace-setting Dragons lurking on the schedule.

With that in mind, Cartwright said yesterday’s loss could come back to haunt his team.

“It’s disappointing because it was a good opportunity to skip clear of the pack chasing us with some tough games coming up,” he said.

“We’re up there on the competition table but we’re not playing well.

“We’ve got a few injuries starting to mount up as well, so that would have been a really nice two points.

“The first half was way down on some standards that they set for themselves. There were some pretty soft decisions made defensively.”

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-league

patskE
30-06-10, 03:45 PM
well if they keep the centres the way they are saying
lawton or some other back def needs to be on the bench.

karnage
02-07-10, 09:49 PM
Tigers looked ordinary tonight. Hopefully the late win lulls them into thinking they are travelling better than they really are and they turn up with the same attitude next Friday.

With our injury woes and disjointed attack we will need them to be off their game to be any chance at all...

Mushi
03-07-10, 07:44 AM
Yes I was thinking the same thing. They were very ordinary - just our luck they will be on fire next week :-( Lets hope our boys are too!

Supergoose
03-07-10, 12:25 PM
If we aim up in the forwards, we will win. The tigers pack is the softest in the competition and if benji is at halfback the tigers are clueless. Let's hope we can find a good combination for our right side and light up the powder puff tigers.

teke
03-07-10, 12:31 PM
If we aim up in the forwards, we will win. The tigers pack is the softest in the competition and if benji is at halfback the tigers are clueless. Let's hope we can find a good combination for our right side and light up the powder puff tigers.He def is clueless at halfback and dont know why they persist with this arrangement

Chaos
03-07-10, 09:47 PM
I agree...I also hope the Tigers leave Benji at Half back against the Titans.
Having Ellis in doubt for this game is a positive.

DIEHARD
05-07-10, 03:57 PM
Titans wary of 'under the radar' Tigers
Adam Gardini

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans forward Anthony Laffranchi believes the Wests Tigers have been flying dangerously under the radar ahead of Friday night?s blockbuster clash at Campbelltown Stadium.

The former premiership winning Tigers forward said Friday night?s battle against the third-placed Tigers would be a good indication of where the fourth-placed Titans are at heading into a tough three week period where they face the Tigers, Broncos and Dragons.

?They?ve gone a little bit under the radar I think,?? said Laffranchi of the Tigers.

?They?ve cemented third spot on the same points as us but they keep ticking the wins over.

?Its going to be a great game and obviously back at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night it?ll be a big clash.

?I?ve had some good memories there (at Campbelltown) and we?ve also had some good ones with the Titans.

?I know from personal experience the Tigers love playing down there, especially on Friday night and with them winning, they?ll get a big crowd out there and plenty of support.''

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

DIEHARD
05-07-10, 04:05 PM
I hope everyone had a great break from the footy with the BYE. It was fantastic to catch up with so many of you yesterday to play some touch and have a BBQ and have a fantastic social occasion.

But now it is time to gear up for our next game against the Wests Tigers. They aren't looking flash at all, woeful you could say. But teams have a habbit of turning it on for us.

Where is everyone watching it?

DIEHARD
05-07-10, 04:10 PM
Tigers set for titanic struggle after Broncos victory

WESTS Tigers will roar into Campbelltown on Friday, charged by their last-gasp 16-14 win over the Broncos in Brisbane on Friday night.

The win reversed the disappointing 20-18 loss the last time the two sides met in Campbelltown in 2009 and consolidated the Tigers confidence heading towards the business end of the NRL season.

Most supporters admitted the win wasn’t “pretty” and the Broncos were under strength, but coach Tim Sheens only found positives in the dog-eat-dog encounter.

He spoke of his pride in the players after the match, highlighting they also had lost a few key personnel for the game and had to juggle team positions.

Chris Lawrence had stepped up into the unfamiliar five-eighth role to accommodate Benji Marshall’s move to halfback for the injured Robert Lui.

Wests Tigers will need to move up a gear for Friday’s match against the Titans.

The team is hoping there is a bumper crowd to support it as it fends off a challenge from the Gold Coast club who are equal third on the NRL ladder and only behind the Tigers on differentials.

The round 18 clash kicks off at 7.35pm. Tickets are available at www.weststigers.com.au

http://macarthur-chronicle-campbelltown.whereilive.com.au

DIEHARD
05-07-10, 04:14 PM
Wobbly Titans relish testing title credentials

Second rower Anthony Laffranchi says the Titans are confident ahead of a busy July - 'This time of the year you really want to test yourself against quality opposition'. Photo: Getty Images

July shapes as an arduous month for the Gold Coast Titans but Anthony Laffranchi believes a string of games against NRL heavy hitters will let the team flaunt its premiership credentials.

The Titans travel to Campbelltown this week for a Friday night date with the third-placed and in-form Wests Tigers.

The table-topping St George Illawarra Dragons and the resurgent Brisbane Broncos lie in wait in the coming weeks.

Advertisement: Story continues belowAny slip could prove costly as the Titans sit precariously in fourth spot on a congested ladder, but former Test second rower Laffranchi says the Gold Coast is up for any battle over turf in the top four.

“We're confident. This back end of the year - the next nine rounds - are really going to test us out,” he said.

“This time of the year you really want to test yourself against quality opposition – we have the Tigers this week and in the month coming up we have the Broncos and Dragons.”

The Titans were bettered by only the Dragons and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at the end of the home and away season last year and Laffranchi said falling short of a top-four finish this season would be met with disappointment at Skilled Park.

The side's cause wasn't helped by a shock loss at home to the Newcastle Knights before a bye last weekend.

A win over the 11th-placed Knights would have seen the Titans claim third spot as their own but they'll now have to wrestle that honour from the Tigers on Friday night.

Even with nine rounds still to play, the two competition points are vital as just four points separate seven teams behind the pace-setting Dragons and Penrith Panthers.

“You want to cement yourself in the top four,” said Laffranchi, who won a premiership with the Tigers in 2005. “Obviously we did last year and you want to keep improving year after year.

“From personal experience I know the Tigers love playing down there and they're winning, so they'll get a big crowd out there on Friday night.”

The Tigers were far from their best at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, when they squeaked past the Broncos in a scrappy affair in the wet.

But rather than sensing a weakness, Laffranchi said the 16-14 win - on the back of a 78th-minute try to Mitch Brown off a Robbie Farrah kick - proved how dangerous the Tigers can be, even on an off night.

“It was in tough conditions, I think it was a bit disjointed with a lot of dropped ball,” he said.

“But it just goes to show the class of Marshall and Farrah – the vision of the guy to put that kick across field and they score in the corner.

“It's funny, those kind of wins when everything goes against you and to win away, they'll be hard to beat. Friday night in Campbelltown, they'll be quietly confident.”

[B]Source: http://www.leaguehq.com.au

DIEHARD
05-07-10, 04:14 PM
Toopi gives it one more try

Former Kiwi international Clinton Toopi is determined to finish off the season with the Gold Coast Titans on a good note

FORMER Kiwi international Clinton Toopi has revealed he seriously contemplated retirement, after struggling with a chronic calf injury over the past month.

The veteran centre, who has been sidelined since Round 13, was granted extended leave by the club to return to his wife Turenga, who has remained home in New Zealand this year with the couples two young daughters.

Toopi returned to the Gold Coast last Monday but not before a bit of soul searching.

"There were a lot of the questions going through my mind when I was back home," said Toopi, who has battled homesickness since joining the Coast this season.

"I just wanted to come back and make the most of the privilege I have at the club and the opportunities that they have given me.

"I have got a few months left, so I want to do everything I can to finish off on a good note.

"But there is so much going through my mind, especially with the wife and kids away and then this injury all piling on top of each other.

"I just have to try and stay positive and get through this and regroup at the end of the season."

Toopi will have his first run with the team since early June today, when the Titans resume training ahead of their blockbuster against the Wests Tigers on Friday in Sydney.

With winger David Mead (foot) out for the season and centre Sam Tagataese (shoulder) in doubt to take on the Tigers, Toopi will come into calculations on the right flank for the Tigers clash.


With three tries from five games this season, Toopi has the highest try strike rate of any Gold Coast player.

"There is opportunities open there," he said.

"But that is a call for the coaching staff.

"At this stage I am looking to come back for the Burleigh Bears.

"My focus at this stage is to train well and if anything pops up and the club needs me to step in I will gladly step up."

The 30-year-old was hopeful his calf injury was behind him, but hinted he could be forced to manage it for the remainder of the season.

"I have got a bit of movement in my knee joint, so we are thinking that I am over compensating and that calf muscle takes all of the impact when I am trying to stop and start," he said.

"It is a constant strain.

"I have done a few running sessions and progressed pretty good, so hopefully we are on the right track to getting it right.

"It has been really frustrating and that is why I asked the coach if I could go home and spend a bit of time with my wife and kids and think about everything.

"I just feel like I have been given a perfect opportunity here and sometimes I feel like I am letting them down, because I have got these constant niggles.

"The coach was really understanding and told me not to think I had let anyone down and they had appreciated what I had done since coming here."

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

timor 2
06-07-10, 02:23 PM
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans captain Scott Prince and utility Luke O’Dwyer have been named to return from hamstring injuries for Friday night’s heavyweight clash against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

Prince missed the club’s last-start loss to the Newcastle Knights but in a significant boost for the fourth-placed Titans is expected to be given the all clear to return from injury against his former club along with O’Dwyer, who has been added to the interchange bench.

Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright said a final decision on Prince's fitness would be made on Friday.

In further team changes, backline utility William Zillman has been shifted to the wing in place of the injured David Mead (foot) while Bodene Thompson will replace Sam Tagataese (shoulder) in the centres.

Queensland Residents centre Steve Michaels has been named on an extended five-man bench and if required to play, it will mark the 23-year-old’s first appearance in Titans colours since joining the club from the Broncos five weeks ago.

The Jetstar Titans have won three of the five clashes between the two clubs, including a 16-14 win the last time they met at Campbelltown Stadium during the club’s inaugural year in 2007.

Titans v Tigers
7.35pm - Friday, July 9
Campbelltown Stadium
1 Preston Campbell
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Mat Rogers
4 Bodene Thompson
5 William Zillman
6 Greg Bird
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 Ryan James
17 Luke O’Dwyer
19 Steve Michaels
Coach John Cartwright

Ryan
06-07-10, 02:49 PM
Interchange
14 Matthew White
15 Brad Meyers
16 Ryan James
17 Luke O?Dwyer


Love the bench! :thumbsup:

titansrawesome
06-07-10, 03:36 PM
i want cannings back in

DIEHARD
06-07-10, 04:26 PM
Great team! Thank God Prince is back!

Love seeing Bodene in the team. And Chalky too.

I'll be looking at making either a O'Dwyer, Minichiello or Bodene banner. Hmm...

Hopefully we bag another win in NSW. It's been a pretty good year down south. We even went close in Canberra.

DIEHARD
06-07-10, 05:18 PM
Here is both teams...

Tigers: 1. Wade McKinnon 2. Lote Tuqiri 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Geoff Daniela 6. Benji Marshall 7. Robert Lui 8. Bryce Gibbs 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Todd Payten 12. Liam Fulton 13. Chris Heighington

Interchange: 14. Mark Flanagan 15. Junior Moors 16. Simon Dwyer 17. Daniel Fitzhenry

Reserves: 18. Mitch Brown 19. Andrew Fifita

Titans:

1 Preston Campbell
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Mat Rogers
4 Bodene Thompson
5 William Zillman
6 Greg Bird
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 Ryan James
17 Luke O’Dwyer
19 Steve Michaels

Coach John Cartwright

eelectrica
06-07-10, 06:45 PM
We've named a strong line up. The boys should be fired up by the prospect of going into hostile territory in a must win game.
I think this game will gave us an indication of just how big a chance the Titans really are in this years comp.
Time to shed the 'pretenders' tag and become contenders...

teke
07-07-10, 12:53 AM
Hmmm Thompson in the centre again with Zilly on the wing. Could be worse I guess.

TITAN PETE
07-07-10, 07:07 AM
A very mobil Bench..Love It

Very glad to see Zillman,Presto & Prince on the park at the same time !!

DIEHARD
07-07-10, 10:37 AM
Carty conundrum

GOLD Coast Titans coach John Cartwright says he is yet to settle on a right edge combination to tackle the Tigers on Friday, despite yesterday naming Bodene Thompson and William Zillman out wide.

With its flank in tatters following injuries to winger David Mead (foot) and centre Sam Tagataese (shoulder), Cartwright must now find a pairing capable of taking the Titans through to the finals.

Mead is gone for the season, while Tagataese is out for an indefinite period after being forced from the field against the Knights a fortnight ago.

"I am still undecided," said Cartwright. "We'll train with different combinations this week but we will make it clear before our last session.

"We have had to make a lot of changes during games the last couple of weeks.

"We had to do things on the run (against Newcastle) and Bodene handled himself really well and Zillman handled himself really well.

"It is all good for down the track but we have got to start winning."

In a boost for the Titans, skipper Scott Prince and utility Luke O'Dwyer both appear certain to return from hamstring injuries against the Bulldogs in Round 15.

Former Broncos centre Steve Michaels has been added as cover on a five-man bench. He is already in Sydney with the Queensland Residents side.

If called on, it will mark the 23-year-old's first appearance in Titans colours since walking out on the Broncos five weeks ago.

Promising rookie Ryan James returns to the fray, moving on to the bench with backrower Thompson shifting to the centres.

Cartwright said he would wait to discover the condition of Origin representatives Ash Harrison and Greg Bird before finalising his side for the Campbelltown clash.

"It would be nice for them to come through but ... I would imagine it is going to be a very physical game," he said.

"We are just working on the fact that they will get through but we have trained with 20-odd players this week, so we will be covered if they aren't there."

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

teke
07-07-10, 01:05 PM
I def want to see Michaels in the side in the centre position before Bodene. Everyone talks about his defence but his attack esp his line running is 1st class.

TITAN PETE
07-07-10, 01:12 PM
I def want to see Michaels in the side in the centre position before Bodene. Everyone talks about his defence but his attack esp his line running is 1st class.

I'd prefer he starts this week rather than next Friday against the Donkeys ;)

Chaos
08-07-10, 05:07 PM
Don't underestimate how big this game is and don't underestimate how strong the Tigers will be with Lui back at half back.
In or out of form Lui is a genuine half back and Benji is at his dangerous at 5/8.

On the Titans side...we have Prince back and I'm hoping to see some attacking plays produced.

Don't miss this game!

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 05:27 PM
Too right Chaos. Wests Tigers have floundered without a halfback and deminishes Benji. With Lui back ot truly is dangerous territory for the Gold Coast! Tigers are at one of their traditional homes as well.

The Wests Tigers also possess a formitable forward back to contend with.

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 05:46 PM
Origin duo set to boost Titans
Adam Gardini

Representative duo Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird are set to back-up for the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans in tomorrow night?s blockbuster against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

In a further boost for the club after captain Scott Prince was passed fit to play against his former club, State of Origin duo Harrison (Queensland) and Bird (NSW) are also expected to line-up for the Jetstar Titans after coming through unscathed from Wednesday night?s final match of the series.

The inclusion of the Origin pair will see the Jetstar Titans line-up from 1-17 as named earlier this week by coach John Cartwright.

Prince said the Titans were ready for the challenge against the third-placed Tigers after departing for Sydney today, with tomorrow night?s clash marking the start of a dangerous month ahead of matches against heavyweights the Tigers, Broncos, Dragons and New Zealand Warriors.

?They?re going to be hard to beat and without looking too far ahead, we?ve got a tough month ahead of us,?? said Prince.

?It?s going to be a tough task and I?m personally looking forward to the challenge.

The Round 18 clash is the first time Prince has ventured to Campbelltown Stadium since leading the Titans to a gritty 16-14 win against the Tigers during the club?s inaugural season in 2007.

?Being at Campbelltown, it?ll be a great reception I?m sure,'' he joked.

?It?s a great venue to play at. I always enjoy playing against my old teams and the Tigers are one of those.

?It?s going to be a tough game, I?ll catch up with a few old teammates and lets just hope that I?ve got a smile at the end of the game.??

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

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 07:00 PM
SMH Preview


Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans
Friday, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7.35pm

Referees: Gavin Badger and Ashley Klein
Head to head: Titans 3, Tigers 2
Last clash: Titans 36-24 at Skilled Park (Rd 25, 2009)
TAB SportsBet: Tigers $1.60, Titans $2.30
FootyTab: Titan +2.5

If the Tigers are the real deal, then this is a game they should win at home. The Titans will be no pushover, but they haven't played as well as the Tigers have through the middle stages of the season and now they have to make the trip out to Campbelltown. It's not a proposition opposition teams look forward to. The last time the Tigers hosted a game there, they thrashed the Warriors 50-6 on a Friday night, in round 12, so the home team is certainly going to look forward to the experience.

The Tigers had to battle hard to beat a Broncos side that was minus its State of Origin stars last weekend. It was far from a classic win, but it was exactly the sort of game the Tigers would have lost in previous years. They have learned how to win when not playing well, which can only boost their confidence. The Titans had the bye last weekend, and in the round before that they lost at home to the Knights. The Titans have been more down than up recently, losing four of their last six games.

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

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 07:01 PM
Wests Tigers v Titans
Friday 7.35pm Campbelltown Stadium

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/westsvstitans.jpg

Things might get ugly in Sydney?s outer west on Friday night ? but we don?t mean these sides will be engaging in a battle of the biff.

Rather, the Wests Tigers have made it clear they?ll do anything they can to win games, and if that means doing away with their flashy plays to grind out a win against the odds, then so be it.

That?s exactly what they delivered in shocking conditions at Suncorp Stadium last week against the Broncos, doing everything wrong and being on the wrong end of all the important statistics categories.

Nevertheless, they got out of jail courtesy of a Robbie Farah cross-field kick for Mitch Brown, which sealed their hollow victory in the 78th minute.

Even though they haven?t looked impressive for the past month or so, the Tigers have won five of their past six. They enter this game in third place on the ladder, four points adrift of the co-pacesetters St George Illawarra and Penrith.

The Titans are in a similar boat to their opponents; they have four losses from their past six outings, including a worrying 24-16 defeat to the Knights at home before their bye last week.

Personnel-wise, the Tigers gain a player and lose a player ? Robert Lui returns in the no.7 after missing several weeks with a knee injury, pushing Daniel Fitzhenry to the bench. But ?British bulldog? second-rower Gareth Ellis is out with a groin injury; his place is taken by Liam Fulton. Mark Flanagan and Junior Moors join the extended bench which also retains Mitch Brown and rookie Andrew Fifita.

The Titans have some injury disruptions although a huge plus for them is the return of skipper Scott Prince after two games on the sideline with a hamstring strain. This sees Preston Campbell revert back to fullback, with William Zillman shifting to wing to cover for the injured David Mead. Bodene Thompson slots in at centre in place of the injured Sam Tagataese. Luke O?Dwyer joins the bench at the expense of Kane Lawton, with ex-Bronco Steve Michaels in jersey no.19.

The Titans will be sweating on Origin reps Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison backing up.

Watch out Wests Tigers: It?s been a long time since the flamboyant Tigers have languished as far down as 11th in the comp for tries scored (47). Why are they suffering in 2010? Because it?s all revolving around Benji Marshall, and when you?ve only got the one go-to man, it?s easier for opposition defences to nullify raids.

The stats show Marshall is pulling his weight ? his 12 line-break assists ranks him fourth in the comp while he?s also added 13 try assists. (Incidentally, he needs just one more try to register 50 in his career.)

But compare that to the Titans: Prince matches Marshall for line-break assists with 12 and has nine try assists (from just 10 games), while five-eighth Greg Bird has 11 line-break assists and 10 try assists. Bird is also one of the most prolific offloaders in the NRL (33, ranks fourth).

So the dangers for the Tigers are two-fold: Not enough internal spark and the need to shut down the opposition playmakers.

Watch out Titans: Wade McKinnon has played less than three games in the black and gold since shifting from the Warriors but has stamped himself the buy of 2010.

In just 210 minutes he?s averaging 18 runs for 163 metres ? with more than five tackle-breaks a game. In their loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago he made 247 metres, with nine tackle-breaks.

McKinnon brings a great running game to complement fellow Tigers flier Lote Tuqiri, who has been in great form too. Tuqiri?s 81 tackle-breaks ranks sixth most in the comp and has helped him to the seventh most metres gained by any player (2000).

The Titans? backs, already affected by the loss of Tagataese and Mead, need to hold their structure or else they?ll be made to pay.

Where it will be won: Keeping the foot to the pedal. For two sides occupying spots in the top four, neither is giving their fans cause for great celebrations.

The home side has a lacklustre +11 points differential, while the Titans have returned a woeful -7 differential.

Neither side has shown any great ability to put an opposition to the sword and often let their opponents back into the contest.

It?s about time one of these spluttering sides made a statement if they are to be considered premiership hopes.

The history: Played 5; Titans 3, Wests Tigers 2. The Wests Tigers have won two of the past three times they?ve met, although the Titans won the only clash at Campbelltown Stadium between the sides.

The last time they met in Round 25 last year the Titans won 36-24 at Skilled Park.

Conclusion: The loss of Gareth Ellis is a huge one for the home side, who have relied on his starch up front all year. It means others, including Chris Heighington (222 hit-ups, seventh in the NRL), Liam Fulton and Todd Payten will need to take on added responsibility.

It?s a difficult game to predict with any sort of confidence. Intensity will be the critical factor; the Titans should play upbeat given Prince?s return but there?s no question the home side would have been delivered a no-holds-barred spray for their plodding display against the Broncos last week and should be a different side from the kick-off.

Maybe the Wests Tigers? just.

Match officials: Referees ? Gavin Badger & Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials ? Russel Turner & Phil Haines; Video Ref ? Sean Hampstead.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live 7.30pm (Qld), delayed 9.30pm (NSW); Fox Sports ? Delayed 1am

Source: http://www.nrl.com

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 07:03 PM
Article from Wests Tigers official website...

FARAH SAYS TEAM'S MENTALITY HAS CHANGED

Wests Tigers Captain Robbie Farah says the team will continue to play grinding football if it means securing two vital competition points in their bid to grab a finals berth.

Speaking on the eve of the round 18 blockbuster against the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium tomorrow night, Farah says the team is now more experienced in grinding the wins out instead of relying solely on their attacking flair.

“We are definitely a lot better this year than we have been in previous years. At times we haven’t been too pretty in what we have been doing but we have been getting away with the wins,’’ Farah said.

“I guess that is a sign of a good side as well. Hopefully we can start playing some good footy and can be even better.

“It does help when you have kind of got that cushion behind you in that you have won a few games already and you don’t have that pressure or burden of trying to win games to stay in reach of the eight.

“It is a different scenario and one that we are enjoying.

“We are more experienced and our mentality has changed. It has been documented that we haven’t been pretty of late.

“Some parts of our wins have been quite ugly to be honest but we are prepared to do that now whereas in the past, we have tried to win on the back of our attacking flair.

“At the moment, our attack hasn’t been the best part of our game but we have been hanging in there through our defence.

“We have to be better than what we have been in the last month. We have gradually got to improve going into the semis if we are going to be a chance this year.”

With Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast sitting on 22 points in third and fourth place respectively on the Telstra Premiership ladder, Farah is hoping a large crowd will be on hand to get behind the home team.

“It is a big game especially coming down towards the business end of the season. It is a crucial game but we are at Campbelltown, so hopefully that will be an advantage for us,’’ Farah said.

“Every game is important now in the run into the semi-finals. Every two points you can pick up, you deny the opposition two points as well.

“It is a pretty important game but in no means is it make or break. We are sitting in a pretty good position and every win you do get at this time of the year, it does make you a little bit more comfortable. A win would really cement our position in the top four.”

Farah said his forwards must stop the momentum of the Titans pack to help stop their captain and half-back Scott Prince. He added he was looking forward to taking on his former Tigers team-mates in Prince and forward Anthony Laffranchi.

“It is always good fun coming up against Princey and ‘Boof’ Laffranchi . They are two very close mates and it is always a good challenge,’’ Farah said.

“We know what they can do but it is another thing trying to stop it.

“Across the park we have to be good. Our forwards have to stop their momentum up the middle and if we can do that, then we will get a good look at what Princey is going to do.”

Farah admitted he and his team-mates were not going to use the disappointment of not being picked in the NSW side as extra motivation. Farah, lock Chris Heighington, prop Keith Galloway and centre Chris Lawrence were all touted as possible NSW players throughout the series.

Lawrence was the only Wests Tigers player called up to the Blues team after a late inclusion on Monday night as 18th man for Origin 3.

“The rep season is gone now. There is nothing we can do about it. There is point dwelling on it,’’ Farah insisted.

“ All we can do now is focus on our run into the semis and I’m sure come the first weekend in October, if we are lifting up that NRL trophy, I wouldn’t give two hoots or would the other guys about missing out on Origin this year.”

Gates open at 4.45pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in time for the Toyota Cup match kicking off at 5.20pm.

The NRL match kicks-off at 7.35pm.

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

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 07:03 PM
Crunch time for Titans

Gold Coast Titans foundation player Luke O'Dwyer has labelled Friday night's heavyweight bout with the Wests Tigers as 'crunch-time' with the club striving to cement itself as a genuine finals contender.

Hardly setting the world on fire with recent performances, the Titans will be looking to gain some desperately needed momentum as they charge into the business end of the season, notching up just two wins from their past six outings.

Sitting equal with the third-placed Tigers on 22 points, a win for John Cartwright's men would ideally place them back in amongst the hotly contested top-four, with Penrith's upset over St. George Illawarra on Monday night effectively throwing the race to the NRL summit wide-open.

Always one to stare adversity head-on after making his way back from a major knee reconstruction sustained last year, O'Dwyer said Friday night's game will play a large part in directing where the Titans' 2010 season heads.

"It (playing Wests) is a crunch game - at the moment the top-four with Penrith beating the Dragons on Monday night it's just so tight," the 27 year-old told Sportal.

"You win two and you're up to second, but if you lose two you could be out of the eight,"

"You just have to mindful and careful that every game means two-points and that it will help you at the end of the year,"

With injuries to David Mead (ankle - season) and Sam Tagataese (shoulder- indefinite) forcing an un-welcome re-shuffle to Gold Coast's structure, Skipper Scott Prince's return from a hamstring injury will boost the struggling outfit as will O'Dwyer's – whose tackling prowess in the centres saw him register a 91-percent effective tackle rate last season.

"Injuries are always hard they play more on your mental side than physical side,"

"I was lucky it wasn't as bad as I first thought, initially when I first did it (hamstring) I thought maybe four-to-six weeks but it was only a two week injury,"

"It was just another hurdle that I had to overcome... it was a kick-in-the-teeth but you just have to step-up and it's how you react to it,"

"Overall it makes you a better and stronger person and I knew I just had to cop it on the chin,"

Taking to the road for the Round 18 clash O'Dwyer also stressed the importance of Gold Coast's mental preparation and focus, citing the stark contrast that exists between playing matches at home and travelling to play in foreign surroundings.

"It's being out of your comfort zone - you're on the coast, you're at home in your own bed eating your own food and you feel comfortable. Obviously when you get taken out of that comfort zone you rely on your mental strength,"

"It's something we're trying to concentrate on and I think we're doing it a lot better than in previous years,"

"We've got a tough month ahead in football and it starts down in Campbelltown on Friday." he said.

http://sportal.com.au/

DIEHARD
08-07-10, 07:09 PM
Tigers focussed on finals, not Origin

WESTS Tigers captain Robbie Farah reckons his club is over being snubbed by State of Origin selectors and is instead focussed on the finals.

At a Tigers training session at Concord Oval today, Farah was asked about the brain explosion his arch-rival Michael Ennis had for the Blues in State of Origin III.

Farah was also questioned about how he felt about the third-placed Tigers being repeatedly overlooked by Origin selectors.

?The rep season is gone now. There is nothing we can do about it. There is point dwelling on it,?? Farah said.

?All we can do now is focus on our run into the semis and I?m sure come the first weekend in October, if we are lifting up that NRL trophy, I wouldn?t give two hoots or would the other guys about missing out on Origin this year.?

The Tigers are fighting to make their first finals series in five seasons and must navigate a difficult path home including games against the Titans, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Panthers and Storm.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 11:34 AM
GOOD CONDITIONS FOR TONIGHT'S MATCH

Campbelltown Sports Stadium is surrounded by fine conditions this morning for tonight?s blockbuster between Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans.

The field is in remarkable condition and the playing surface will be fast for the clash between the third placed Wests Tigers and the fourth placed Titans.

A large crowd is expected to be on hand for the match and plenty of tickets are still available. Supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets to avoid queues.

Gates open at 4.45pm. The Toyota Cup kicks off at 5.20pm with the NRL match starting at 7.35pm.

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

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 11:36 AM
Laffranchi ready to faces old friends as foes

Anthony Laffranchi is confident of the Titans' chances during the business end of the season. Photo: Getty Images

Campbelltown has been good to Anthony Laffranchi.

From his days as a Western Suburbs Magpie in the NSWRL to the NRL title he won with the Wests Tigers, the Campbelltown faithful cheered every step from the stands or from the hill.

However, tonight the former Test second rower returns to western Sydney in enemy colours as the Gold Coast Titans bid to wrestle third spot on the NRL ladder from the hometown Tigers.

Advertisement: Story continues belowAfter six years in western Sydney, including the Tigers' premiership season in 2005, the Murwillumbah product packed his bags and headed home to join the start-up Titans in 2007.

The 103kg tackling machine has been a vital cog in the Titans squad as have they gained a foothold on the Glitter Strip, but he still relishes the chance to catch up with old friends in Tiger territory.

"I have plenty of good mates down there," he said. "Even the coaching staff and the club in general - it was a good club to be involved with.

"It's gonna be fun coming up against those guys who I won a premiership with.

"Campbelltown has a great atmosphere, they really get behind you. Leichardt on a Sunday afternoon was always good too.

"But being a Wests boy I suppose out Campbelltown way is always good. They're pretty passionate fans out that way."

Five years after beating the North Queensland Cowboys to become the first amalgamation club to win an NRL crown, the Tigers have retained much of the core of their champion team.

Title winners Robbie Farrah, Benji Marshall, Todd Payton, Bryce Gibbs, Daniel Fitzhenry, Liam Fulton and Chris Heighington are the backbone of the 2010 Tigers.

One key omission is premiership skipper Scott Prince, who also headed north in 2007.

But Laffranchi said relationships forged by a premiership victory can endure for years regardless of what colours players wear down the track.

"It's got that unwritten bond," he said. "It's a tremendous thing (winning a premiership) and that's why we all play the game.

"We work so hard for each other and we were lucky enough to win it in '05. There's still about half a dozen guys there who did it together.

"Princey and myself have that unwritten bond purely from our years at the Tigers together."

Currently third among NRL second rowers on the season tackle count, Laffranchi was unlucky not to find himself among the 33 players the Blues used in this year's disastrous State of Origin series.

Despite missing a round four game against the Cowboys due to a back injury, he has still amassed 467 tackles on the year to date. The only busier second rowers in the game are Bulldog Andrew Ryan and Parramatta's Nathan Hindmarsh.

He's also crossed for six tries and been integral to the Titans' 9-6 start to the season.

And it's a season Laffranchi believes the Titans could end the same way the Tigers did in 2005.

"We're not far away at all," he said. "It's just a matter of belief and confidence.

"I believe that we've got the squad here to give the premiership a good shake and everyone here is on the same page, hopefully."

But after a disappointing loss to the Knights going into last week's bye, and with a log jam of seven teams separated by just four points fighting for finals spots, Laffranchi says there is little margin for error in the run into the finals.

"At this time of year it's important to put our best foot forward because before you know it it's finals time," he said.

"You just look at when we won in '05 and I suppose Parramatta last year, you want a bit of momentum going into the end of the year."

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

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 11:44 AM
Battered Chalky is back to his best

INJURY-hit Gold Coast Titans utility Luke O'Dwyer is confident he still has his best football in front of him and is determined to get his career back on track tonight.

O'Dwyer's comeback from a knee reconstruction stalled against the Bulldogs in Round 15, the Tweed Heads product forced from the field with a hamstring injury.

Despite initial fears he faced another extended stint in the sideline, O'Dwyer was cleared of major damage and will finally rack up his 50th game for the club against the Tigers.

"I ended up not even getting a scan -- it was just a deficiency in the muscle," said the foundation Titan.

"It is 100 per cent this week and I am looking forward to playing."

"When I did it I thought the worst.

"But I have got through these past couple of weeks and I am feeling great."

In a further boost for the Titans, Origin players Ash Harrison and Greg Bird were last night given the all clear to back up from representative duties, while skipper Scott Prince (hamstring) will also return from injury.

O'Dwyer has battled more than his fair share of injuries throughout his football career.

He has had two knee reconstructions, an ankle reconstruction, syndesmosis injury, broken collarbone, broken jaw and a separated AC joint in his shoulder -- and they are just the major injuries.

"I always say to my wife that she will probably be pushing me around in a wheelchair one day," said O'Dywer, who earned the nickname Chalky from his mates as a joking reference to his brittle bones.

"But now I have just had my little son Jax, I have to make sure I can still chase him around and play with him. It is all part and parcel of the game. I am doing something that I love and I enjoy it immensely.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play rugby league and I am living the dream at the moment.

"Like everything you do in life, there will always be hurdles.

"You have just got to overcome them and I think it only makes you stronger.

"But I feel like I have had my share of injuries and hopefully it is all good ahead."

The Titans had a disrupted final session in Sydney last night, with rain in the NSW capital forcing the closure of the club's scheduled training venue at Coogee, causing the players to train in a local park.

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

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 11:45 AM
Winning ugly beats losing, says Sheens

TIM SHEENS believes his side was not given enough credit for its gritty win last week, and will be more than happy with another ugly win tonight against Gold Coast.

The third- and fourth-placed sides play each other for the first time this year, and with a wet surface predicted at Campbelltown Stadium, Sheens was hesitant to predict razzle dazzle despite the pace of both teams.

''Any win at this stage of the year is important, I don't care how we get them,'' Sheens said. ''We did play better than what we were given credit for. When we did finally get a penalty in the 70th minute, we gave ourselves a chance to get out of our own territory. Outside of that all we did was defend.

Advertisement: Story continues below''If that happens again, we can't open the game up again. We managed to put a big score on the Warriors [at Campbelltown] earlier this season, but you don't know what sort of game you're going to get. We are trying to learn how to work hard in the conditions and when they are not conducive to open football, and not throw the fancy pass or run out of your own end.''

The Titans are great front-runners, but not great at getting in front; they have led at half-time on only five occasions in their past 20 matches but have won all of those five contests. Sheens, however, dismissed statistics. ''They don't help you,'' he said.

Titans forward Mark Minichiello said his side was confident with captain Scott Prince returning from injury and representative duo Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird passed fit to play. ''Princey is our captain and a quality player, and the two Origin boys are going well for us, every game is important and we want to stay in the top four,'' he said.

''They are a good team, they play some expansive football and our defence is really going to have to be on song, they have plenty of good players.''

Sheens said if there was any potential weakness in the Titans, it is that they will not have trained together often this week. An advantage for the Tigers has been their lack of Origin representatives.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 11:47 AM
Bird's the man to watch in national trial

THE Blues job is his for the taking and now Gold Coast Titans playmaker Greg Bird has the chance to step up his push for a return to Test duty when he goes head to head with Kiwi superstar Benji Marshall tonight.

Bird has been anointed as Trent Barrett's successor for NSW but is desperate to fire for the Titans at Campbelltown tonight in what could be a huge pay day.

Marshall returns to five-eighth for Tigers while their coach Tim Sheens will have one eye on Bird in his role as Australian coach for the end of season Four Nations Tournament.

"It's an important time for us," said Bird, with the Titans coming off the bye after a loss to Newcastle.

"We've been a little bit hot and cold. I guess how tight it is in the top eight at the moment any team with a few bad performances could slip out of the eight.

"We definitely don't want to be one of those teams so Friday night's a massive game for us to really stamp our authority on the top four."

For Bird, it's also a significant chance to take another step towards the Test team.

The 26-year-old has played two Tests for Australia but with Queensland captain Darren Lockyer now 33, it's not just the Blues who are looking for someone to wear the No.6 jumper on a long-term basis.

Former NSW captain Kurt Gidley labelled Bird 'a guy New South Wales certainly need to keep for the future' after he scored the try which put the Blues in a winning position before Queensland ran them down.

Barrett's imminent retirement means Bird is seen as the logical successor at five-eighth for the Blues.


"If they need one I'd love to play six," said Bird.

"I play six every week but I just want to be there from start to finish next time.

"If we can keep this team we've got here from start to finish, minus a few players, I really think we can be a dominant force."

Bird was the player most likely for NSW in his return to the Origin arena.

Fullback Jarryd Hayne provided headaches as did Gidley off the bench but Bird was a handful every time he touched the ball at lock.

"I had fun out there running wide of the ruck and causing some havoc," said Bird.

"A little less responsibility, a little bit more running and I really enjoyed that."

While Bird's focus now is on steering the Titans to the finals, he's also excited about the future for the Blues.

"I think the young blokes got a lot out of it," he said.

"A lot of blokes got an opportunity probably a lot earlier than they normally would. I think we can really build on that performance."

"I think NSW fans should be proud of the performance the boys put up.

"It wasn't to be but we can come back next year and do it all again."

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

lonegull
09-07-10, 12:04 PM
I have heard today Lui is out and Marshall is returning to halfback? has anyone else heard this

TITAN PETE
09-07-10, 12:05 PM
I have heard today Lui is out and Marshall is returning to halfback? has anyone else heard this

I hope u are right :thumbsup:

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 12:10 PM
If that is true, we will firm as favourite. Great news for us if he is out.

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 12:22 PM
We are paying....

Head to Head - Wests Tigers 1.57
Head to Head - Gold Coast 2.35

On http://www.titansbet.com.au

lonegull
09-07-10, 12:55 PM
just watched Gibbsy's late mail on NRL.com.au and it stated that Lui is out and Benji will be going back to halfback with Lawrence at 5/8th

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 02:29 PM
Good news is that it seems to be clear and dry out Campbelltown way!

DIEHARD
09-07-10, 04:53 PM
Greg/Travelling Titan confirms that it is a dry track in Campbelltown.

titansrawesome
09-07-10, 08:28 PM
i have had it with NRL REFS, trust them to screw us over

TITAN PETE
09-07-10, 08:30 PM
Robbed again , Farah is a Dirty lying Terrorist & he gets Man of the Match

gotitans101
09-07-10, 08:32 PM
Besides his try in the first half, Rogers blew 3 easy try scoring chances for us in the first half.

Oh yeah and I agree about the refs in this game - not often you see me have a cry about them but why Farah got to stay on was just ridiculous.

titansrawesome
09-07-10, 08:34 PM
Robbed again , Farah is a Dirty lying Terrorist & he gets Man of the Match

im pretty sure he threw the 1st punch yet he stays on, mini goes off,they get a penalty, they then eventually get the game winning try

gotitans101
09-07-10, 08:53 PM
Well done to Benji for his terrific field goal though, that was absolutely stunning!! I've always had a soft spot for the Tigers anyway so if they were to go on and stay in the top 8 (which looks likely now) I'd be cheering on both them and the Titans (providing we make it of course!).

jimbeam06
09-07-10, 08:56 PM
How many games in a row is this now what a joke we wont even finish in the top 8

jimbeam06
09-07-10, 08:59 PM
Besides his try in the first half, Rogers blew 3 easy try scoring chances for us in the first half.

Oh yeah and I agree about the refs in this game - not often you see me have a cry about them but why Farah got to stay on was just ridiculous.


Get toopi back in the side for **** sake

Boofhead
09-07-10, 09:02 PM
http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/10/13/128999656237206825.jpg

titansrawesome
09-07-10, 09:04 PM
also that call about will zillman 4ward pass was BS

kwigibo
09-07-10, 09:07 PM
After all the nice things I said about Badger.

titansrawesome
09-07-10, 09:13 PM
After all the nice things I said about Badger.

thinking the same thing, i really dont know what to think about the titans, they had heart but no execution, 3 botched certain 4 pointers, 40 missed tackles, 24/38 completed sets,these games give me headaches

karnage
09-07-10, 09:54 PM
It's another loss but I thought there were plenty of positives to take out of this one.

Mushi
09-07-10, 10:10 PM
I didn't think the refs were that bad tonight. There is always going to be dodgy calls in all games and we def had a big penalty count against us but I don't think they lost us the game. We missed opportunities, tackles and didn't complete enough sets. We should have had that won in the first half and we didn't. I thought our defense was ok - until I just read we missed 40 tackles :O Thats not how you win games. We need to find that missing spark and knuckle down in both defense and attack. some tough games coming up and we need to fire up and start winning again! Was an exciting game to watch though - would have finished off nicely with a win for our boys though!

Beachbub23
09-07-10, 10:35 PM
im pretty sure he threw the 1st punch yet he stays on, mini goes off,they get a penalty, they then eventually get the game winning try

Farah even dobbed imself in to the ref, obviously thinking the ref was penalising him!! He said he was defending himself from a headbutt not a punch so he threw the first punch!!
Serves him right anyway as he was mouthing off to prince before packing the scrum!!
Grrr time to start learning from all these losses and start winning!! Bring on the Broncos!! :)

DIEHARD
10-07-10, 02:25 AM
We were the better team, but had no luck with penalties and possession and blew so many scoring opportunities with bad handling. We even got the ball striped off us twice and they also threw Presto into the ingoal like a rag doll.

What do we do to deserve opposition always being in red hot form when we play them? They were an absolute rabble last week. This week we get every trick in the book thrown at us.

But Im proud of the Titans. They showed alot of heart and steel. And stuck up for each other out there. And to lose to such an amazing piece of Rugby League brilliance as Benji's 50m field goal.... no dishonour in that.

And they could only cross our line with us with 12 defenders.

Farrah as an absolute pest the entire game and was even squrting Scott Prince with his water bottle and mouthing off at him all game. I'm not sure what happened in that scrum, maybe Farah was a dog and punched Friend or maybe Friend stuck up for our captain and gave him some love. Then Mini came in to help out Friendy. And boy did he throw them!

Fate just wasn't on our side. But I am still proud of them and I think we will go on with it next week against the Broncos. I certainly don't see us going backwards as a team. Yea we didn't get the two points, but I think we proved ourselves to be a tough team with a never say die attitude.

Princey didn't look fully fit either, so Im glad he got out of the game ok. Ryan James looked great out there. Preston was at his usual brilliance. And Bird was great, great kicking and hard running.

Well done to our NYC team for winning their th straight match. Let's all make sure we cheer for them before the NRL game next Friday!

DIEHARD
10-07-10, 02:28 AM
Marshall pearler knocks out Titans

A SENSATIONAL field goal from halfway by Tigers star Benji Marshall was the only difference between the teams as Wests edged out the Gold Coast Titans, 15-14 in Sydney.

Scores were locked at 8-8 in the dying seconds of the first half when Marshall decided to emulate Darren Lockyer's State of Origin stellar drop kick and nudged the Tigers in front, 9-8 at the break.

The Titans bombed three near-certain tries in the first half, but in the second period it was the Tigers with all the ball as the Gold Coast team repelled attack after attack.

A brawl from a scrum close to the Gold Coast tryline in the 57th minute proved crucial as Titans second-rower Mark Minichiello was sin-binned for 10 minutes for being the third man in, despite the two hookers sparking the stoush.

In his absence the Tigers scored only the third try of the game, veteran dual international Lote Tuqiri stripping Titans fullback Preston Campbell in a one-on-one tackle.

The ball travelled across the park and back again, before Tigers flyer Blake Ayshford scored in the left corner, putting Wests up 15-8 after Marshall's conversion.

Three minutes later the Titans gave themselves every chance as left winger Kevin Gordon flew on to a Greg Bird grubber kick deep in the try zone, and stand-in kicker Mat Rogers slotted a brilliant conversion from the sideline, to leave the Titans just one point in arrears, 15-14.

Six minutes from time the Gold Coast looked to be on their way to another comeback win, but a Bird pass was deemed forward by referee Gavin Badger.

Things compounded when Bird gave away a penalty for dissent and from there it was an uphill battle for the Titans trying to get back into scoring territory.

The win puts the Tigers in third place, while the Titans now play arch rivals the Brisbane Broncos in what should be a stellar match-up at Skilled Park next Friday night.

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

DIEHARD
10-07-10, 02:29 AM
I would also like to thank Darren Lockyer for inspiring Benji's field goal. NOT!

Mushi
10-07-10, 07:12 AM
Yep for me thats two awesome field goals - against my teams!!!! :-(

TITAN PETE
10-07-10, 08:47 AM
Reading this mornings paper I almost choked when poor Robbie complained that Friendy was picking on him all night :cry: , what an absolute Wanker .. I would love to tell u what Nathen said to me this morning about the fight but censorship will prevent me from doing so , all I'll say is lookout for the rematch in 6 weeks time :fight:

dee13
10-07-10, 08:47 AM
But Im proud of the Titans. They showed alot of heart and steel. And stuck up for each other out there. And to lose to such an amazing piece of Rugby League brilliance as Benji's 50m field goal.... no dishonour in that.


I agree with you there. Benjis field goal was an amazing piece of rugby league brilliance.

We have to stop using refs as an excuse and capitalise on opportunities. But all in all, Im not unhappy with that loss. It was a great game to watch. Both teams played with alot of heart.

Tamwelg
10-07-10, 09:00 AM
The better team on the night did not come away eighths 2 points on this occasion. I have never yelled at the TV as much in my life, for both the ref decisions and the amount of tries we bombed. I was an entertaining match despite my anger.

teke
10-07-10, 12:42 PM
I thought the teams were evenly matched with only brilliance separating them with the field goal. Titans butchered some tries as did the Tigers. Good match though and shows Titans are a force

Supergoose
10-07-10, 12:55 PM
It was good to see our scrambling defence hold up so well under immense pressure. Unfortunately we put ourselves under that pressure with prince, Rogers and Campbell all executing poorly and Gordon not having one of his best nights diffusing kicks. Bird was going okay but his execution suffered late in the game when he was no doubt fatigued. Our forwards were mighty and zillman went well on the wing. Thompson was great in defence but didn't seem to offer much in attack. I reckon we definitely need a back on the bench as between James and white they only offered us about 30 minutes of game time and surley one of them could do that. Imagine onthe last 20 if we couldve brought on walker or michaels to light things up. The tigers didn't use fitzhenry for some reason but I bet they would have if i
they were in our position.

jeffro76
10-07-10, 01:22 PM
We were the better team, but had no luck with penalties and possession and blew so many scoring opportunities with bad handling. We even got the ball striped off us twice and they also threw Presto into the ingoal like a rag doll.

What do we do to deserve opposition always being in red hot form when we play them? They were an absolute rabble last week. This week we get every trick in the book thrown at us.

But Im proud of the Titans. They showed alot of heart and steel. And stuck up for each other out there. And to lose to such an amazing piece of Rugby League brilliance as Benji's 50m field goal.... no dishonour in that.

And they could only cross our line with us with 12 defenders.

Farrah as an absolute pest the entire game and was even squrting Scott Prince with his water bottle and mouthing off at him all game. I'm not sure what happened in that scrum, maybe Farah was a dog and punched Friend or maybe Friend stuck up for our captain and gave him some love. Then Mini came in to help out Friendy. And boy did he throw them!

Fate just wasn't on our side. But I am still proud of them and I think we will go on with it next week against the Broncos. I certainly don't see us going backwards as a team. Yea we didn't get the two points, but I think we proved ourselves to be a tough team with a never say die attitude.

Princey didn't look fully fit either, so Im glad he got out of the game ok. Ryan James looked great out there. Preston was at his usual brilliance. And Bird was great, great kicking and hard running.

Well done to our NYC team for winning their th straight match. Let's all make sure we cheer for them before the NRL game next Friday!

mini,s the dog,jumps in from behind.think friend is upset cause he knows he only has a contract cause robbie knocked it back.think twice next time friend,you got smashed.:laugh:and you only crossed the line twice from kicks

Ryan
10-07-10, 02:00 PM
mini,s the dog,jumps in from behind.think friend is upset cause he knows he only has a contract cause robbie knocked it back.think twice next time friend,you got smashed.:laugh:and you only crossed the line twice from kicks

Robbie is the one upset, cause he still cant get picked into an Origin side that has gone through 60 odd players and lost for the last 5yrs straight :cry:
Tigers had the home ground advantage, the ref's in their pocket, sin binning of the opposition, got lucky from the Titans dropped ball - and still only won by a flukey 50m field goal.......

titansrawesome
10-07-10, 02:42 PM
1. EVERYONE needs to give robbie hell at the season finale in 6 weeks
2.jeffro please go away

DIEHARD
10-07-10, 02:58 PM
Ask Titans fans who we always wanted as hooker. NATHAN FRIEND. No one else!

bigjim
10-07-10, 11:53 PM
I know this is an old thread but I have to say something. It has taken me this long to cool down after that game.
The difference between the teams was a arsy 50metre kick.

I know it's been mentioned before but I heard it from Farah's own mouth. He said, and I quote 'He head butted me. I'm going to stick up for myself.' Ref said ' I didn't see the first contact but I saw your reaction' Or words to that effect. The ref then went over to Friend and penalized him for the first punch when he had just admitted that Farah threw the first punch.
What was that about?
He then sends Mini off for being the third man in, when he was in the middle of it all along. With everybody else.
It certainly makes me think.

Tamwelg
11-07-10, 07:08 AM
I know this is an old thread but I have to say something. It has taken me this long to cool down after that game.
The difference between the teams was a arsy 50metre kick.

I know it's been mentioned before but I heard it from Farah's own mouth. He said, and I quote 'He head butted me. I'm going to stick up for myself.' Ref said ' I didn't see the first contact but I saw your reaction' Or words to that effect. The ref then went over to Friend and penalized him for the first punch when he had just admitted that Farah threw the first punch.
What was that about?
He then sends Mini off for being the third man in, when he was in the middle of it all along. With everybody else.
It certainly makes me think.

And that was about the moment I nearly put my beer through the TV.

titansrawesome
11-07-10, 10:57 AM
here i thought badger was the only decent nrl ref in the comp, wrong

Mushi
11-07-10, 11:09 AM
Ask Titans fans who who always wanted as hooker. NATHAN FRIEND. No one else!


Hell yeah!!! Was sooo happy when they finally stopped looking for "stars" and stuck with the one we already had under our belt. One of our most consistent players and 10 times the player that Robbie Farah is! you go Friendy and we will give Farah heaps when they play us at skilled!

Chaos
11-07-10, 01:08 PM
I agree with every other Titan fan here...the better team lost Friday night.
I tried watching with unbias but jeez we have some bad luck.


I was one that was hoping Cam Smith came to the Coast as I believe he's the best League player in the world but Friend is getting better and better.
Friends defense is a lot more affective this year...they're not just stats, they're dominating tackles.*Two he made Friday night were crucial.

hully gully
11-07-10, 01:38 PM
Ask Titans fans who we always wanted as hooker. NATHAN FRIEND. No one else!

OUR BEST FRIEND IS A HOOKER .....(say no more).:salute:

jeffro76
11-07-10, 04:09 PM
OUR BEST FRIEND IS A HOOKER .....(say no more).:salute:

everyone keeps saying friend is a better hooker,how many tries he set up,if you had farah you might have just one.2 try assists,say no more:banana:

jeffro76
11-07-10, 04:16 PM
Robbie is the one upset, cause he still cant get picked into an Origin side that has gone through 60 odd players and lost for the last 5yrs straight :cry:
Tigers had the home ground advantage, the ref's in their pocket, sin binning of the opposition, got lucky from the Titans dropped ball - and still only won by a flukey 50m field goal.......

how did friend go in his last origin.o thats right he can,t get a run.even when smith was out he couldn,t get a run.:cry:

Ryan
11-07-10, 04:32 PM
how did friend go in his last origin.o thats right he can,t get a run.even when smith was out he couldn,t get a run.:cry:

Nope, but did you see him in the paper having a sook? :nope:
Friend is being kept out of rep footy by the best Hooker the game has ever seen, and Matt Ballin had been in the QLD emerging squad the previous year so it was no secret who was going to get the fill-in gig.
Poor old Robbie got dumped after two appearances in favor for the biggest cat in the game :laugh:

titansrawesome
11-07-10, 05:14 PM
how did friend go in his last origin.o thats right he can,t get a run.even when smith was out he couldn,t get a run.:cry:

what team do you support? the dragons right?

TITAN PETE
11-07-10, 05:42 PM
Nope, but did you see him in the paper having a sook? :nope:
Friend is being kept out of rep footy by the best Hooker the game has ever seen, and Matt Ballin had been in the QLD emerging squad the previous year so it was no secret who was going to get the fill-in gig.
Poor old Robbie got dumped after two appearances in favor for the biggest cat in the game :laugh:
:rolf: :rolf: :rolf:
Farah wouldn't bruise a Grape :nope:

shamus
12-07-10, 06:35 AM
what team do you support? the dragons right?

umm......I think u will find he is a Tiger............albeit one that is bragging b4 finals time.....Not a clever thing to do. especially now that the match committee are looking for extra footage over the 'headbutt' issue when there wasn't one. So jeffro , be prepared to lose Farah for a game or two...:wave: