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DIEHARD
11-12-10, 11:53 AM
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers
Apr 15 - 18 2011 - Skilled Park, Gold Coast

TITANS

TBA

WESTS TIGERS

TBA

DIEHARD
10-04-11, 08:31 AM
The count down is on till we are back at Skilled Park. Hopefully with Ash and Bird.

lonegull
10-04-11, 10:42 AM
hate to say it but if the tigers play like they did against souths they will put 50 on the titans

Supergoose
10-04-11, 10:51 AM
Let's all get behind Scotty and pump him up. We need him to fire if we're going to push for the premiership. There were some good signs from Prince a couple of weeks ago when he straightened the attack and ran to the line. The Tigers were very good against Souths and came up with a great game plan. We will need to be on fire to bet them although I think we have the game to trouble them. A good sign for the Titans was the offloading, passing and support play, we can hurt the Tigers with this. My team for this week

1. Zillman
2. Michaels
3. Tonga
4. Mead
5. Tomane
6. Bird
7. Prince
8. Bailey
9. Friend
10. James
11. Thompson
12. Harrison
13. Ridge

14. Minichiello
15. Tagataese
16. Henderson
17. Capewell

I'd be using Tagataese in the Front
Row, we need to use his speed and power up the middle. He doesn't get used enough in attack and he is wasted on the fringes. Capewell on the bench gives us some options with Bird able to play in the pack and he could replace Prince if he isn't playing well. He can even shift anywhere into the backline if the need arises. I can't find room for White. He is too hot and cold and I don't think he is as good as Henderson. When Meyers and Laffranchi are back there will be no room for either White and two of Ridge, Tagataese or Henderson. Carty won't go this light but I'd love to see Thompson and Ridge in the backrow. I reckon our edge defence would improve out of sight. Our halves and centres are being hung out to dry by the edge backrowers so far this season.

Titanmudgee
10-04-11, 12:19 PM
I know I have been going on about this but surely TOMANE barring injury today in Qcup must be in the team either in the centers of wing. It will also help princey with an extra attacking weapon and also someone to genuinely kick to in attack on the 5th tackle.

Thoughts?

patskE
10-04-11, 02:50 PM
princey still hasnt gotten over loosing rogers... others have to step up n help him create something seeing he dnt have rogers or campbell atm

Mushi
10-04-11, 02:55 PM
tigers played very well this week - but I know the titans will be very hungry for a home win - I think a HUGE and LOUD crowd to help them along will be just the thing they need too :-)

TitanInCairns
10-04-11, 04:34 PM
Hoping Farah and Benji are injured in training, if not based on form it could be a disater. If prince is not 150% then please do not play him.

Forwards and edge defenders need to be up for this one.

Titan_Blue
10-04-11, 05:23 PM
I know I have been going on about this but surely TOMANE barring injury today in Qcup must be in the team either in the centers of wing. It will also help princey with an extra attacking weapon and also someone to genuinely kick to in attack on the 5th tackle.

Thoughts?

Another try today in QCup didn't hurt his chances.

TitanInCairns
10-04-11, 07:11 PM
Another try today in QCup didn't hurt his chances.

How many tackles did he miss though, he was terrible last season and against a red hot tigers outfit we need to be at our best.

karnage
10-04-11, 07:50 PM
tigers played very well this week - but I know the titans will be very hungry for a home win - I think a HUGE and LOUD crowd to help them along will be just the thing they need too :-)

I'd be more confident of getting a win this week than getting a big crowd if the Broncos home game was anything to go by... As bad as our start to the season has been on the field it has been worse in the stands.

20k for a Broncos game after we got about 21k (I think - can't remember the St G figure) where atleast 5k were opposition fans.

If you have the time to spend your time on this forum you have time to get out to the ground and make your voice heard in the stands!!

teke
10-04-11, 11:21 PM
Wonder what this coming weekend will bring :nope:

teke
10-04-11, 11:25 PM
My team for this week

1. Zillman
2. Michaels
3. Tonga
4. Mead
5. Tomane
6. Bird
7. Prince
8. Bailey
9. Friend
10. James
11. Thompson
12. Harrison
13. Ridge

14. Minichiello
15. Tagataese
16. Henderson
17. Capewell

That's close to the strongest side we can play this year barring Laffranchi.

A 50% form increase from the cowboys will make the Titans very competitive against the tigers.

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 12:12 AM
I'd like to see Tomane come into the team. Bird will be very bloody welcome!

But it is heavily important that Prince fires, we are doing alot right out there, but it all counts for little without direction and penetration in attack. Not having Rogers, Bird and Preston out there doesn't help.

He just isn't playing with agro and confidence.

But it was great to see the Titans cut loose with some adlib footy, but that won't win us Premierships.

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 01:34 AM
Laffranchi injury last thing Titans need

GOLD COAST will be sweating on the results of scans to back-rower Anthony Laffranchi's right ankle tomorrow as the Titans prepare to get their NRL season on track against the Wests Tigers.

Laffranchi played little part in the second half after leaving the field in the Titans' 22-12 loss to the Cowboys on Friday night.

A Titans spokesman confirmed that Laffranchi would see a specialist tomorrow and said it was too early to speculate on the severity of the injury.

There was some good news for the Titans, who have one win from five games, with lock Ashley Harrison progressing well after missing the Cowboys game with a hamstring injury. He is rated a good chance of playing against the Tigers at Skilled Park on Friday night.

One man who will definitely be there for the Titans is five-eighth Greg Bird, who returns from suspension.

Bird, the field-goal hero in the Titans' round-four win against Canberra, missed the Cowboys match after pleading guilty to striking Raiders halfback Matt Orford.

Coach John Cartwright welcomed back Nathan Friend to the side on Friday night for the first time this season after recovering from a shoulder injury.

"Friendy is Friendy; he'll work hard and he'll continue to do that," he said. "It was hard for any of our guys with the ball to do too much as we did a lot of hard work out of our own end, but he'll be better for the run for sure."

Also hoping for a better run against the Tigers, who are coming off a 30-6 win against South Sydney, will be captain Scott Prince, a late inclusion in the Titans squad after passing a fitness test.

Prince admitted to feeling a little off his best after missing the Raiders match with a hamstring injury.

"The hamstring felt all right, a little bit underdone and I was probably off the pace a little bit," he said.

"At the end of the day, it's positive and we'll build on that next week.

Cartwright said his side found themselves in an unfamiliar situation at the bottom of the table, but believed it was only a matter of time until they turned the results around.

"It's a different start to the season to what we've had in the past and we've got to reassess where we are," Cartwright said. "I've got no problem with what we can do and what we're getting close to. There's a lot of effort there and we turned that around at half-time and we've got to roll up our sleeves and get ready for the Tigers."

Cartwright said the Cowboys produced some of the best football of the season in the first half. "They're hard to defend to, I've got to take my hat off to them for that," he said. "That's probably the best footy I've seen for a long time in the first half."

He added that Matt Bowen's 38th-minute try put the game beyond the Titans' reach.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry was relatively satisfied with the home win.

"Good first half, I was pleased with our defensive effort and the tries on the back of working pretty hard out of our own end, so happy with that," he said.

"When we look at it in the context of three matches in 12 days, two wins and a loss by two points, I think we can take that."

Thurston said despite the dominant first half, there was a feeling of disappointment in the sheds after the game. "There's some confidence there in the team and we were pretty happy to get the two points, but there was a bit of a sombre mood when we came off because everyone was disappointed with our second half and our completion rate," he said.

www.smh.com.au

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 01:35 AM
Scott Prince facing greater challengge yet

STRUGGLING Gold Coast Titans skipper Scott Prince has made the sobering admission that arresting his club's horror start presents his greatest challenge yet.

The star halfback, who returned from a hamstring injury in Friday night's 22-12 loss to North Queensland in Townsville, knows he's playing like a busted tyre.

Prince has been nowhere near his sparkling best in the depleted Gold Coast outfit's 1-4 start to 2011.

Without the retired Mat Rogers beside him, Prince is struggling to challenge the line in attack, his kicking is off and he's falling off tackles.

But the 240-match veteran is hardly alone in an injury-hit squad that has managed just a golden-point win in Canberra last week from their opening five matches.

Significantly for the Titans, every one of their big names has faced injury or suspension setbacks early in 2011.

"This year is probably the most challenging I've ever faced," Prince said.

"We've had our ups and downs in the past but, in terms of starts to the year, this has been really challenging as a player.

"Even though I'm captain, I do believe everyone is a leader in their own right in the team. It's not just me.

"Across the board, it's been a really challenging start to the season.

"I can't say I can single myself out, across the board everyone is disappointed.

"It's not that the effort's not there.

"Everyone's working hard for each other but this year, if you're off just that slightest bit in any area of the game, you're going to pay for it."

Despite three matches remaining in round five, the Titans are guaranteed to sit last for points scored (62) ahead of next Friday's home clash with Wests Tigers.

In-form Gold Coast flyer Steve Michaels has been a rare attacking ray of light.

Worryingly for the Titans, fast-starters in their top-four runs in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons, teams have required a minimum 28 points in four of the past five seasons just to make the play-offs.

In addition to two byes, that equals 12-plus wins, with the Titans already facing a stiff challenge to secure at least 11 victories from their remaining 19 games.

"You want to win every game, but we'll be right," Prince said."We can't be sitting on our butts whingeing and whining and carrying on.

"We just have to re-assess, sort out the things we need to sort out, and get back into it again."

The injury and suspension disruptions to stars Anthony Laffranchi, Nathan Friend, Mark Minichiello, Brad Meyers, Ash Harrison, Preston Campbell and Greg Bird have hurt.

So, too, has Friend's public contract dispute with the club, with the popular hooker a key man in the side.

Add to that the retirement of veteran No. 6 Rogers and you get an idea why this gritty team is out of sorts.

"The disruptions ... we don't want to look at them as excuses, but it is hard," Prince said.

"You'd have to say Rat [Rogers] played a lot of time there in the past two years, so I guess in terms of combinations it is [starting again]."

The Titans will welcome back five-eighth Bird for the match against the Tigers, with Harrison (ankle) and Campbell (knee) both outside chances of playing.

But Bird's return is likely to be tempered by the loss of Laffranchi, who left Townsville on crutches with his right ankle in a space boot, just three games into his his return from off-season shoulder and wrist surgeries.

"I hate losing, I hate not playing well, especially being injured as well, I'm extremely disappointed," Laffranchi said. "I hate missing any game after doing a lot of hard work to get back. It's another little setback."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au

Barney
11-04-11, 07:27 AM
We're in massive trouble......tigers by 50

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 07:40 AM
Halves dilemma pivotal for Titans

JOHN Cartwright has denied the Titans have major problems at five-eighth but said the lack of success this season meant the position was under the spotlight.

The Titans have failed to convert pressure and field position to points in most of their five games this season, with the halves combination a major talking point.

Greg Bird wore the No. 6 jersey in the club's only win this season -- notching a field goal in extra time to break the Titans' Canberra hoodoo.

But with Bird suspended after pleading guilty to a striking charge against Raider Matt Orford and forced to watch Friday's 22-12 loss to the Cowboys from the Coast, the Titans' five-eighth conundrum was exposed.

While Luke Capewell was originally named at No. 6, William Zillman played much of the game at pivot, with coach John Cartwright happy with his effort.

But Cartwright conceded that with the Titans having won just one game so far this season, they needed to examine all aspects of their game.

"When you're not winning, you've got to look for a reason why," he said.

Cartwright is unsure of which way he will turn for Friday's crucial home clash against Wests Tigers.

"Greg Bird did a good job against Canberra and I was pretty happy with the way Zillman went against the Raiders when he was put there and again on Friday," he said.

Bird's best position is arguably in the back row, although Cartwright said the team lost none of his hard edge when he lined up in the halves.

"We use him pretty much like a backrower when he's at No. 6," Cartwright said.

"It depends with injuries (whether he's named there this week). We've got to weigh up what we think is best for the team and that's what we'll go with."

The Titans' depth in the pack allows Bird to be used like an extra forward when he is at five-eighth.

But with Anthony Laffranchi (ankle) almost certain to miss this week's game and Ashley Harrison (hamstring) not a definite starter, Bird may be needed in the pack.

"It'll have a bearing on it. We'll see how many injuries we have," Cartwright said.

"It might be through necessity Bird plays there.

"But as soon as we find a combination that works for us, we'll stick with it."

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 07:43 AM
It is not pretty seeing the Gold Coast at the bottom of the ladder. It reminds me of the early 90s when the Seagulls were getting lapped.

It has to end this Friday.

Surfers6
11-04-11, 10:37 AM
Hopefully Carty will go with this as the starters.
Need a little shake up.

1 Mead
2 Michaels
3 Tonga
4 Thompson
5 Tomane
6 Zillman
7 Prince
8 Bailey
9 Friend
10 James
11 Bird
12 Thompson
13 Harrison

Felicity
11-04-11, 10:52 AM
Titans will win this and win it easily, Tigers have too many out and the Titans will be soooooo fired up to play well.

If Tigers had their full team they might win, but they have no chance without Tuqiri and Lawrence and Lui and the others.

TITAN PETE
11-04-11, 11:20 AM
Titans will win this and win it easily, Tigers have too many out and the Titans will be soooooo fired up to play well.

If Tigers had their full team they might win, but they have no chance without Tuqiri and Lawrence and Lui and the others.

That's what Souths probably were thinking too :nope:

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 11:44 AM
That's what Souths probably were thinking too :nope:

Too right. The Tigers have proved that they can cop with a heavy injury toll and still have a kill instinct. We need to be on red alert.

teke
11-04-11, 11:51 AM
Taga should just zero in on Benjis knees and take out one of the main threats for this years title

Felicity
11-04-11, 02:20 PM
That's what Souths probably were thinking too :nope:

Don't ever compare us to Souths again.

Ryan
11-04-11, 02:55 PM
That's what Souths probably were thinking too :nope:


Don't ever compare us to Souths again.

Good call! Pull ya head in Pete :nonono:

Ryan
11-04-11, 02:57 PM
Taga should just zero in on Benjis knees and take out one of the main threats for this years title

I was thinking his head, but what yeh - whatever works!

patskE
11-04-11, 04:39 PM
i feel for walker now
if he was suspended he would of played a game :(

Boofhead
11-04-11, 05:16 PM
Hopefully Carty will go with this as the starters.
Need a little shake up.

1 Mead
2 Michaels
3 Tonga
4 Thompson
5 Tomane
6 Zillman
7 Prince
8 Bailey
9 Friend
10 James
11 Bird
12 Thompson
13 Harrison

I like it, this might be better though:

1. Zillman
2. Michaels
3. Thompson
4. Thompson
5. Thompson
6. Bird
7. Thompson
8. Bailey
9. Friend
10. Thompson
11. Thompson
12. Thompson
13. Harrison

14. Thompson
15. Thompson
16. Thompson
17. Thompson

hully gully
11-04-11, 05:55 PM
this one could turn nasty i reckon, farah will be going at prince all night and someone will have ten in the bin, wondering how the refs are going to police the scrums, expecting a few to blow up, legion will have to make loads of noise to back the team up and try to sway the refs in our favour for once..

Chaos
11-04-11, 06:27 PM
this one could turn nasty i reckon, farah will be going at prince all night and someone will have ten in the bin, wondering how the refs are going to police the scrums, expecting a few to blow up, legion will have to make loads of noise to back the team up and try to sway the refs in our favour for once..

This is probably what the side needs...I hope Farah gets under Princes skin...I hope Ryan is on the field when it happens.

DIEHARD
11-04-11, 06:48 PM
Ryan I love Ryan, he backs up his teammates, he is an enforcer. (No not you forum Ryan LOL, you arent too bad either)

Go Ryan James!

Titanmudgee
11-04-11, 08:09 PM
My team for this week

1. Zilliman
2. Michaels
3. Tonga
4. Tomane
5. Mead
6. Bird
7. Prince (just last chance before Qcup)
8. Bailey
9. Friend
10. Ryan
11. Minichello
12. Thompson
13. Harrison

14. Ridge
15. Tagatease
16. Henderson
17. Capewell

Rage
11-04-11, 08:52 PM
Ryan I love Ryan, he backs up his teammates, he is an enforcer. (No not you forum Ryan LOL, you arent too bad either)

Go Ryan James!

Agreed, liked how he was backing up Friendy last week

TITAN PETE
12-04-11, 07:47 AM
Ryan I love Ryan, he backs up his teammates, he is an enforcer. (No not you forum Ryan LOL, you arent too bad either)

Go Ryan James!

The man is a beast & will quickly become the most Feared Front Rower in the game :fight:

Supergoose
12-04-11, 08:00 AM
Seems he has caught the eye of Ricky Stuart and may get a start in the NSW squad for this years State Of Origin.

Titan_Blue
12-04-11, 12:41 PM
Team named, pretty much as expected:

1. Luke Capewell
2. Steve Michaels
3. Esi Tonga
4. Bodene Thompson
5. David Mead
6. William Zillman
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Nathan Friend
10. Matthew White
11. Greg Bird
12. Mark Minichiello
13.Ashley Harrison

Interchange

14. Michael Henderson
15. Sam Tagaetese
16. Ryan James
17. Ben Ridge
18. Luke O'Dwyer


Source: club website

titansrawesome
12-04-11, 12:52 PM
Team named, pretty much as expected:

1. Luke Capewell
2. Steve Michaels
3. Esi Tonga
4. Bodene Thompson
5. David Mead
6. William Zillman
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Nathan Friend
10. Matthew White
11. Greg Bird
12. Mark Minichiello
13.Ashley Harrison

Interchange

14. Michael Henderson
15. Sam Tagaetese
16. Ryan James
17. Ben Ridge
18. Luke O'Dwyer


Source: club website

thats the team? great we are gonna lose by 50, way to go not fixing any problems carty

TITAN PETE
12-04-11, 01:25 PM
Titans to rush Bird and Harrison back

AAPTue, Apr 12, 2011 - 12:20 PM

Last-placed Gold Coast are expected to rush representative stars Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison back for what is shaping as a must-win NRL clash with Wests Tigers on Friday.

With second-rower Anthony Laffranchi facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a high ankle sprain, the inclusion of quality players Bird and Harrison will give the Titans a much-needed lift against a Tigers outfit battling injury.

The Titans trained on Tuesday morning with coach John Cartwright expected to name Bird, who sat out last week's loss to the Cowboys because of a striking suspension, and Harrison, who returns from a slight hamstring injury, for the Skilled Park showdown.

Things are starting to look bleak for last year's finalists who have conceded 123 points in the first five rounds after being so consistent in 2010.

Another loss against the Tigers, a side who can pile plenty of points on teams with defensive weaknesses, would make it a long and tough season for the Titans with very little prospect of playing finals football in September.

GoldCoastTitans100
12-04-11, 02:57 PM
I think if Prince gets dropped they will say it is from injury.

Mushi
12-04-11, 05:44 PM
thats the team? great we are gonna lose by 50, way to go not fixing any problems carty

A bit of positivity from the fans wouldn't go astray :D

Get behind the boys and support them loud and proud on Friday night!

Oh remember the Farah/Friend "incident" last year - Farah is such a pussy cat - love to see Ryan James test him out :laugh:

titansrawesome
12-04-11, 06:35 PM
A bit of positivity from the fans wouldn't go astray :D

Get behind the boys and support them loud and proud on Friday night!

Oh remember the Farah/Friend "incident" last year - Farah is such a pussy cat - love to see Ryan James test him out :laugh:

greg bird is a better man for that job

Mushi
12-04-11, 07:08 PM
Either will do it for me - although Farah will sook it up big time and milk the penalty - but you know what - it would be worth it ha ha!!!!! Not one of my fav players thats for sure!

titansrawesome
12-04-11, 07:37 PM
Either will do it for me - although Farah will sook it up big time and milk the penalty - but you know what - it would be worth it ha ha!!!!! Not one of my fav players thats for sure!

ill be happy if prince does a wallace shot on farah:D

Mushi
12-04-11, 07:52 PM
ill be happy if prince does a wallace shot on farah:D


:thumbsup:

gotitans101
12-04-11, 09:34 PM
Tigers by how ever many they want.

teke
13-04-11, 01:50 AM
People are failing to see that the Titans are going through a period of poor form. Poor form can be reversed in a single half of footy...Tigers just might find themselves on the end of a revitalized Titans outfit.

Pains me to do it but Im gonna keep picking these buggers in tipping comps cause I know it's just around the corner

Ryan
13-04-11, 04:21 AM
People are failing to see that the Titans are going through a period of poor form. Poor form can be reversed in a single half of footy...Tigers just might find themselves on the end of a revitalized Titans outfit.

Pains me to do it but Im gonna keep picking these buggers in tipping comps cause I know it's just around the corner

+1 ..........

Supergoose
13-04-11, 08:37 AM
I hate the Tigers and will be there Friday night to cheer our boys on. Let's hope that we can start to get the ounce of luck that is eluding us. Of course a bit more discipline and some more backline moves will help, but the Tigers forward pack is one of the softest in the league and we need to dominate them. If we do it all comes down to whether Benji and Robbie can get them out of jail. This won't be the smash up some are predicting and we can take them and turn our season around.

Boofhead
13-04-11, 10:36 AM
I'm not convinced by this whole Zillman at 5/8 thing, he has played Fullback the whole off season and there was the whole build up that he is taking the reigns from Preston. Sure he played 20 minutes against the Raiders at 5/8 and put together some good passes but surely moving up into the front line for the 80 is not the way forward.

6. William Zillman
2. Steve Michaels
3. Esi Tonga
19. Joseph Tomane
5. David Mead
11. Greg Bird
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Nathan Friend
10. Matthew White
4. Bodene Thompson
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Michael Henderson
15. Sam Tagaetese
16. Ryan James
17. Ben Ridge

DO THIS CARTY!

titansrawesome
13-04-11, 10:38 AM
I'm not convinced by this whole Zillman at 5/8 thing, he has played Fullback the whole off season and there was the whole build up that he is taking the reigns from Preston. Sure he played 20 minutes against the Raiders at 5/8 and put together some good passes but surely moving up into the front line for the 80 is not the way forward.

6. William Zillman
2. Steve Michaels
3. Esi Tonga
19. Joseph Tomane
5. David Mead
11. Greg Bird
7. Scott Prince
8. Luke Bailey
9. Nathan Friend
10. Matthew White
4. Bodene Thompson
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Michael Henderson
15. Sam Tagaetese
16. Ryan James
17. Ben Ridge

DO THIS CARTY!

he already picked a woeful team for this week boof, if we lose again he still wont change it

Tamwelg
13-04-11, 12:00 PM
he already picked a woeful team for this week boof, if we lose again he still wont change it

I disagree apart from Tomane, I wouldnt change it.

Super_Matt
13-04-11, 12:14 PM
Nah, Tomane isn't the answer. In fact, the problem isn't even the centres/wing, so don't go mucking with something that's fine.

Personally, Capewell isn't jack **** of a 5/8th, and Zillman's service of ball to the outside backs last week was acceptable.

and LOL at dropping Prince. He's a world class player, he just hasn't got alot of footy under his belt this year. Once he gets going, we will be sweet

GoldCoastTitans100
13-04-11, 12:22 PM
and LOL at dropping Prince. He's a world class player, he just hasn't got alot of footy under his belt this year. Once he gets going, we will be sweet

When prince puts three decent games together this year tell me ?

Super_Matt
13-04-11, 12:26 PM
Bookmarked this post

teke
13-04-11, 01:50 PM
Nah, Tomane isn't the answer. In fact, the problem isn't even the centres/wing, so don't go mucking with something that's fine.

Personally, Capewell isn't jack **** of a 5/8th, and Zillman's service of ball to the outside backs last week was acceptable.

Exactly right, the centre wing spots isnt the answer so it shouldnt be mucked around with...it's luck for Tomane he wasnt in the centres on the weekend cause he would have been under immense pressure from Tonga, Thurston and Bowen and it could have been a repeat of last year.

Say he was in this weekend...Monday we will be screaming the team to get him the ball :laugh:

Rage
13-04-11, 02:24 PM
Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers
Skilled Park
Friday 7.30pm

Just five rounds into the season and already it is desperation stakes for the Gold Coast Titans. Semi-finalists in the past two years, the Titans have been but a shadow of their usual selves in 2011 with four losses from their opening five games – their sole win coming only from a fortuitous turn of events in the final minutes against Canberra.

The Titans have been somewhat of a contradiction this season with even coach John Cartwright admitting to some bemusement that they find themselves 16th on the Telstra Premiership ladder. Averaging 1333 metres per game, they rank fourth in the NRL and have dominated field position for large periods.

Yet they have failed to turn some positive stats into points and have subsequently fallen to losses against St George Illawarra, Melbourne, Brisbane and North Queensland.

Halfback Scott Prince has been surprisingly out of sorts this season and the Titans rank 13th for kick metres in 2011. In four appearances Prince has produced just two try assists.

The task doesn’t get any easier this week against a Wests Tigers side that has picked up where it left off in 2010. Inspired by the unwavering direction of classy hooker Robbie Farah and the utter brilliance of five-eighth Benji Marshall, the Tigers are one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams and without doubt the most thrilling.

And that’s despite an injury toll that would have crippled a lesser side. Already this season the Tigers have seen Gareth Ellis (although back last week), Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs and Beau Ryan sidelined while Lote Tuqiri, Chris Lawrence and Robert Lui are all recovering from long-term injuries.

In their absence, it has been Marshall’s individual flair at the heart of the Tigers’ charge and he leads the league for try assists with nine as well as ranking second for line-break assists (10) and adding 21 tackle-breaks. His solo try against South Sydney last Friday night was one for the ages.

An ankle injury has seen Titans back-rower Anthony Laffranchi ruled out, with Greg Bird coming back into the side after suspension in the second row and Ashley Harrison returning at lock. William Zillman retains his role at five-eighth with Luke Capewell named at fullback.

Winger Beau Ryan makes his long-awaited return for the Tigers after missing the start of the season with a groin injury. Mitch Brown moves from the wing to the centres with Geoff Daniela dropping out. Todd Payten moves off the bench into the starting side in place of the injured Keith Galloway.

A win by the Titans would see them surpass the previous Gold Coast franchise for total wins. Both currently sit on 53.

Michael Henderson will play his 100th NRL game.

Watch Out Titans: Benji Marshall has always been a match-winning player but his remarkable form so early in the season must have opposition coaches extremely worried. Along with his partner in point-scoring crime Robbie Farah, Marshall poses a constant threat to defensive lines and the Titans can’t afford to rest on their laurels for one minute.

And while, like any side, the Tigers are most dangerous from close range, they can also score from anywhere on the park, with four tries notched from beyond the 20-metre line in 2011 and one from beyond halfway.

The return from injury of Tim Moltzen has also made a difference and he has proven a real threat since moving back to halfback to cover for the injured Robert Lui.

Danger Sign: The Titans have been lazy in defence this season with 185 missed tackles throughout their five games – more than all but South Sydney and the Warriors. Worryingly, the Tigers thrive on such defensive weakness and much of their attack this season has come on the back of second-phase play and broken tackles. In fact, they are by far the league leaders for both offloads (75) and tackle-breaks (225), with Andrew Fifita (31) and Matthew Utai (30) their danger men when it comes to breaking tackles. Also, Utai, Marshall and Chris Heighington have 10 offloads each.

Watch Out Tigers: The Gold Coast have been strong up the middle this season and it is only through a dominant performance by their forwards that they can expect to slow the Tigers’ charge.

The main man up front for the Titans is veteran prop Luke Bailey (on 99 career wins heading into this game) who has averaged an impressive 140 metres in 2011, while Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison also average well over triple figures.

Danger Sign: The Tigers can expect to see plenty of traffic directed at their right edge with the Gold Coast’s left-hand pairing of Esi Tonga and Steve Michaels a favourite target of their inside men. In particular the Titans like to hit the ball up centre-field or slightly to the right and then shift the ball quickly to Tonga and Michaels. This very play was responsible for a scintillating try to Michaels against North Queensland last week.

The Titans have shifted the ball strongly to their left on 44 occasions in 2011 compared to just 14 times to the right, in an effort to capitalise on Michaels’ blistering speed.

Plays To Watch: The Benji Marshall sidestep; the Benji Marshall quick short-ball to his left centre; the Titans’ quick shift to the left.

Where It Will Be Won: Up the middle. Both sides have been solid in centre-field this season, with the Gold Coast averaging 1333 metres per game (4th in the NRL) and the Tigers 1328 (5th).

On current form, if the Tigers can continue to impress up front they should have too much class out wide – but if the Gold Coast can gain the ascendency an upset is on the cards.

The History: Played 7; Gold Coast 4, Wests Tigers 3. These two sides split their games with a win apiece last season in two nail-biters – the Titans getting up 21-18 at Skilled Park and Wests Tigers winning by a solitary point at Campbelltown.

Conclusion: The Gold Coast’s decline this season has been as unexpected as it has been dramatic. Expected to again challenge for a top-four berth, they instead look disorganised with the ball in hand, with injuries and unstable halves pairings sapping their confidence.

The Tigers, on the other hand, look the real deal and will head into this game as warm favourites to book their fourth win of the year.

Of course, the Gold Coast have the talent to turn it all around. Halfback Scott Prince remains one of the NRL’s premier playmakers, their forward pack is one of the best in the competition… but until they actually produce results they will remain a difficult side to tip.

Match Officials: Referees – Shayne Hayne & Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials – Daniel Eastwood & Gavin Morris; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.

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

* Statistics: NRL Stats.

Source: www.nrl.com

Titan_Blue
13-04-11, 03:23 PM
Exactly right, the centre wing spots isnt the answer so it shouldnt be mucked around with...it's luck for Tomane he wasnt in the centres on the weekend cause he would have been under immense pressure from Tonga, Thurston and Bowen and it could have been a repeat of last year.

But instead they made Thompson, who is there for his defence, look silly.

Super_Matt
13-04-11, 10:08 PM
Um, you sure pal? I thought Bodene was pretty good.

He rushed out of the line a bit, but generally made the spot tackle when he rushed up

Titan_Blue
13-04-11, 10:25 PM
Um, you sure pal? I thought Bodene was pretty good.

He rushed out of the line a bit, but generally made the spot tackle when he rushed up

He was in no man's land and took the wrong option for Cooper's try, and his tackle attempt on Thurston for Bowen's try was very poor.

He was probably outnumbered when Tonga(his opposite man) scored, so I don't think he can be blamed too much for that one.

Borgie
14-04-11, 12:33 PM
I am very much looking foward to going to this game tommorow night. Hopefully there is a great crowd to cheer on the Titans

TITAN PETE
14-04-11, 02:55 PM
Farah wary of destructive Prince

Russell Jackson AAP Thu, Apr 14, 2011 - 3:00 PM


Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah admits he's wary of his Gold Coast counterpart and former teammate Scott Prince ahead of their NRL clash at Skilled Park on Friday night.

Farah says unless the Tigers are at their best defensively they will be destroyed by Prince's Titans.

The pair were teammates when the Tigers claimed the 2005 premiership but with the Titans struggling this season after just one win from five outings, Farah is expecting a massive game from the No.7.

"It's our job not to allow him the time and space he wants because if we do, we know what he's capable of," Farah said.

"Scotty will try and shoulder the load and he'll know that he needs a big game to pull his team out of what they are going through, especially against his old club.

"If we don't follow the defensive structures that we want to do, he's going to tear us apart.

"I know Princey's a competitor as well and they're on four losses at the moment. As a captain and a leader of their side he's going to be up for a big game."

The Titans will be bolstered by the return from injury of backrowers Greg Bird (suspension) and Ashley Harrison (hamstring) against a Tigers side who slayed South Sydney 30-6 last round.

"I think we've seen this year that teams who are coming off a loss are more desperate," Farah said.

"It's their second game now with Nathan Friend back and Princey was coming off an injury last week as well and they'll both be better for the run.

"And obviously you've got Greg Bird and Harrison back in the side."

But while Farah expects the Titans to be fired-up, he also believes the Tigers are good shape coming into the game after the confidence- boosting win over Souths.

"We were happy with our defence last week, to hold Souths to six points was a great job, going into the game last week they were the best attacking team in the comp in terms of tries scored and I thought it was a great effort," he added.

Supergoose
14-04-11, 03:02 PM
Twitter seems to be full of people asking questions about Bailey's availability. Anyone know if he's in doubt and if so, why?

Super_Matt
14-04-11, 04:08 PM
Because he's old and people think he can't back up :p

TITAN PETE
14-04-11, 06:57 PM
Because he's old and people think he can't back up :p

Don't dis one of our Legends or u will be spectating from the outside :mad:

Supergoose
14-04-11, 07:06 PM
To be fair Super_Matt didn't say he didn't think he could back up, he said people think he can't.

TITAN PETE
14-04-11, 07:33 PM
To be fair Super_Matt didn't say he didn't think he could back up, he said people think he can't.

Shouldn't type Shyte :nope: , Bails & Harro are the only players that have put in week in week out :thumbsup:

DIEHARD
14-04-11, 08:10 PM
Luke Bailey the man being touted for State of Origin for the Blues in 2011.

amaline
14-04-11, 08:32 PM
Twitter seems to be full of people asking questions about Bailey's availability. Anyone know if he's in doubt and if so, why?

There was a rumour somewhere that he did his knee and would be out anywhere from 4 weeks to the rest of the season. Haven't heard anything official, though.

DIEHARD
14-04-11, 08:34 PM
We are tracking for a crowd of around 15,000. Which is decent and probably the minimun you'd want.

So I ask you to do the rounds and try and drum up some more Titans fans for the game tomorrow.

DIEHARD
14-04-11, 08:34 PM
There was a rumour somewhere that he did his knee and would be out anywhere from 4 weeks to the rest of the season. Haven't heard anything official, though.

Let's hope not, he has been one of our best in 2011.

amaline
14-04-11, 08:40 PM
Let's hope not, he has been one of our best in 2011.

This is where I read it first.


1217: USER COMMENT - BAILEY'S FITNESS

David Gibbs says: Have heard a rumour that Luke Bailey has done his knee and is expected to miss anywhere from 4 weeks to the season??? Is there any truth to this???

Foxsports.com.au's Christopher Boyd says: At this stage he is listed to start at prop and have no reason to believe otherwise.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/the-inside-ball-foxsportscomau-provides-league-fans-an-everywhere-place-for-nrl-news-in-2011/story-fn2mcuj6-1226018492281

Rage
14-04-11, 10:12 PM
Should be a good game; not really a fan of Farah so hope some good hits are put on him.

DIEHARD
14-04-11, 10:49 PM
Should be a good game; not really a fan of Farah so hope some good hits are put on him.

Yea mate me either. I'll pay extra to see him get smashed. Good player though!

teke
15-04-11, 01:27 AM
I have it from good authority that the Titans have become aware of alot of the issues raised on here over the last week.

I am super confident the ball will hit the left wing the right wing and over the cross bars tonight ;)

TITAN PETE
15-04-11, 06:17 AM
Bails had a minor injury from last weeks game but has fully recovered to belt the Tigers:thumbsup:

TITAN PETE
15-04-11, 08:24 AM
PRINCE: We can turn it around tonight
Scott Prince | April 15th, 2011


''YOU and your team are playing like crap. If you don't pick up your act it is going to be one hell of a long season.''

It was my brother Stephen on the phone from Townsville.

He wasn't happy. When I, or the team I am playing for, aren't doing as well as we should Stephen is on the blower.

And he is never one to mince words. He loves his footy, reckons he knows the game pretty well and will tell me exactly what he thinks.

On this occasion he had plenty to say and none of it complimentary.

Stephen calls me at least once a week. This particular call however wasn't a recent one. It came mid-2005 and the team I was playing for, the Tigers, were doing it tough.

We had started the season okay, but had then fallen into a deep hole, winning just three of 10 in a shocking run.

Our price to win the premiership had blown out to 150-1.

Stephen was right, our form back then was ordinary. We were trying, but things just were not happening.

The season came to a head against Brisbane in round 15.

By half-time the Broncos had all but lapped us.

The scoreboard wasn't pretty as we slumped back into the dressing sheds at Suncorp fearing the tirade that coach Tim Sheens was about to rain down on us.

But the blast did not come.

Sheensy just waited until we were all composed and said simply: ''You are trying. The tide will turn for this game and this season. The goal now is simple. We start turning this season around by winning this next half of football.''

That's what we did. The Broncos won the game 40-22, but we outscored them in that second half.

On the back of that second half 'win' the Tigers' season turned around.

From being rank outsiders we found form, confidence and started to win games again.

In fact after the Broncos match we won the next eight in a row.

We dropped the last two of the regular season -- against Melbourne and Penrith -- but then stormed through the finals series beating North Queensland, Brisbane, the Dragons and the Cowboys in the grand final.

I learned a number of very valuable lessons from that season.

The most important was, that if you work hard as individuals and then work hard at achieving the team goals then success will come.

That is the rationale I have gone back to in recent weeks. Work hard. Don't start opting for knee-jerk reactions or Hail Mary plays.

The Titans have had team disruptions this year, but as individuals I know the work ethic and belief have not dropped off.

One of my best friends is injured Cowboy Brent Tate.

After last Saturday night's loss I had a heart-to-heart with Tatey who confirmed what I believe. Hard work will bring reward.

It is ironic that we have the Tigers tonight and hopefully this will be our pivotal game for 2011 -- a mixture of hard work and just that ounce of luck.

Anyway, I have to sign off. My brother's on the blower and apparently he's not happy!

TITAN PETE
15-04-11, 08:26 AM
Sounds like Princey's brother know's what he's talking about & hopefully a bit of "Brotherly Love" gives the Kick in the **** that's needed ...

Super_Matt
15-04-11, 09:07 AM
Don't dis one of our Legends or u will be spectating from the outside :mad:
haha, i was taking the piss pal. People get stuck into Presto, Parker, and other old dudes for the same reason. He's an epic workhorse, you wont get that argument from me

Luke Bailey the man being touted for State of Origin for the Blues in 2011.

Uhh, pretty sure he retired from rep footy

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 09:14 AM
Uhh, pretty sure he retired from rep footy

He sure did, but has said in an interview this year that if he got the tap on the shoulder it would be hard to say no.

Super_Matt
15-04-11, 01:27 PM
Few too many other prospects there to stop that i reckon -

Snowden, Mannah, Tolman, Weyman, Merrin

Nick
15-04-11, 06:47 PM
What a start?!

TitanInCairns
15-04-11, 06:51 PM
We should be used it. Same old same old. We are not disciplined enough.

Henderson drops ball. They get a repeat. Try.

And now a penalty on the back of that. Exactly how Brisbane put back to back tries on us.

Said it last year...we are the most undisciplined side in the comp.

And now another penalty...you cant give them away and not be punished.

P.S now kick off out on full. Try time u watch.

Nick
15-04-11, 06:55 PM
Gee their young half looks good when does he come off contract?? Very good on his feet.. how was there doubt there?? He touched it!

TitanInCairns
15-04-11, 06:59 PM
Same pattern as last week 14-0 down before our second set.

Nick
15-04-11, 07:04 PM
Good kick return by mead.. we need more of that

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:06 PM
no worries guys theres a whole season and we dont ever need to change anything and prince has to always play no matter what and we have to not change anything, btw we are only losing because its the refs fault again

Nick
15-04-11, 07:07 PM
excellent from tonga

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:11 PM
interesting try stupid moltzen lucky bounce

Nick
15-04-11, 07:14 PM
holy $hit! backline movement!!

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:15 PM
holy $hit! backline movement!!

no not really, prince gave it to minnechello who happened to be lucky enough to burst through and pass it to zillman

Nick
15-04-11, 07:24 PM
no not really, prince gave it to minnechello who happened to be lucky enough to burst through and pass it to zillman
Dont ruin the moment, it was the closed we have had all year! The boys look committed this week. At least they are trying out there.. After those kick returns im all for Mead at full-back.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:30 PM
Dont ruin the moment, it was the closed we have had all year! The boys look committed this week. At least they are trying out there.. After those kick returns im all for Mead at full-back.

i have said that for weeks, 1.mead 2.tomane.3.tagatese 4.tonga 5.michaels
6.bird
7.zillman

thats gold

CairnsTitan
15-04-11, 07:38 PM
^^broken record etc etc, nobody cares what you have been saying for weeks, if somebody actually gave one single tiny little **** they would have replied to your almighty 1-7 which you post after and during every game

But just to stay ontopic, I like Zillman in the halves

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:43 PM
^^broken record etc etc, nobody cares what you have been saying for weeks, if somebody actually gave one single tiny little **** they would have replied to your almighty 1-7 which you post after and during every game

But just to stay ontopic, I like Zillman in the halves

how about get effed kent? stay in cairns and support the cowboys and dont bring your rudeness here

CairnsTitan
15-04-11, 07:44 PM
Its Steve not Kent champ

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 07:47 PM
Its Steve not Kent champ

well Steven maybe you should polish up on your manners before expecting me to treat you nicely because then we have no problems, this is an online forum where you exchange ideas on how to better your team and your opinions some of you guys here are too sensitive and aren't open to constructive criticism, coaster,tamwelg and boofhead are good members and understand and for that i salute them

CairnsTitan
15-04-11, 08:09 PM
well Steven maybe you should polish up on your manners before expecting me to treat you nicely because then we have no problems, this is an online forum where you exchange ideas on how to better your team and your opinions some of you guys here are too sensitive and aren't open to constructive criticism, coaster,tamwelg and boofhead are good members and understand and for that i salute them

Get you hand off it, your opinion has been the same for 4 weeks and you tell us over and over again the same god damn thing, maybe its just me, though I doubt it

But seriously how good has mead been tonight, looks like Carty said his place is on the line or something

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 08:18 PM
Get you hand off it, your opinion has been the same for 4 weeks and you tell us over and over again the same god damn thing, maybe its just me, though I doubt it

But seriously how good has mead been tonight, looks like Carty said his place is on the line or something

yeah i say the same thing but does it make it any less correct? no it doesn't and theres no reason for you to be a prick for no reason

TitanInCairns
15-04-11, 08:19 PM
Get you hand off it, your opinion has been the same for 4 weeks and you tell us over and over again the same god damn thing, maybe its just me, though I doubt it

But seriously how good has mead been tonight, looks like Carty said his place is on the line or something

Id like to see in Fullback. Capwell has not impressed me thus far.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 08:25 PM
minnechello steals it at the death 20-14 i assume final score

CairnsTitan
15-04-11, 08:29 PM
HA! I'm go all out here and say Prince will have his confidence back next week and with Walker at fullback we will win by no less then 50

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 08:33 PM
You Beauty

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 08:33 PM
HA! I'm go all out here and say Prince will have his confidence back next week and with Walker at fullback we will win by no less then 50

cartwright will never put walker at fullback let alone after a 4 week suspension

gotitans101
15-04-11, 08:34 PM
Why do people on these forums insist on dropping Mead? He was one of the best on the field tonight, Tonga had a great game as well.

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 08:37 PM
Why do people on these forums insist on dropping Mead? He was one of the best on the field tonight, Tonga had a great game as well.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :salute: :salute: :salute: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Supergoose
15-04-11, 08:39 PM
You Beauty

Ditto

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 08:39 PM
Why do people on these forums insist on dropping Mead? He was one of the best on the field tonight, Tonga had a great game as well.

i honestly dont know, he runs it back hard and makes metres like we have known for over a year, capewell is the underachiever out of the backs and thompson is obviously a forward

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 08:56 PM
i honestly dont know, he runs it back hard and makes metres like we have known for over a year, capewell is the underachiever out of the backs and thompson is obviously a forward

Honestly, for once just enjoy the win and concentrate on the positive, rather then this we won, but this person was **** and thus person should be cut etch etc.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 08:58 PM
Honestly, for once just enjoy the win and concentrate on the positive, rather then this we won, but this person was **** and thus person should be cut etch etc.

hey if we have that attitude we will stay at the bottom, thats why wayne bennett never gets so excited on how his team performs no matter how good they play, im pessimistic but for a good cause:D

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:01 PM
I too thought Capewell was slow to get going and stifled things on the right in attack although he sharpened up in the 2nd half. I'm looking forward to Walker coming back in at some stage but at the moment I think the answers are staring us in the face. Mead played his best football for us tonight, ever! I'm not sure what his ball playing is like to play fullback but I'd like to find out. I'll leave the team for next week for another thread but I'd drop Capewell and bring Tomane onto wing and Mead at the back. Keep Zillman at 5/8 for extended run.

Back to tonights victory (yes accompanied by fist pump), Minichiello was the man. Two blokes I've been critical of in Mini and Mead were stand-outs. Bird does not look comfortable on the right hand side, which may mean he has to go back to 5/8 on the left with Mini and Thompson moves into right side backrower and Zillman into right centre. I can't help myself, keep looking to next week.

Harrison and Bailey were good and so was Henderson after his first indiscretion which was inexcusable and put us under all sorts of pressure. Prince was better after his ridiculous first 10 minutes and missing a simple shot at goal. Michaels had an off night. Thompson and Tonga were excellent in defence and once again weren't given any quality early ball to do any damage in attack. The number of mistakes Thompson forced and attacking raids Tonga shut down was great. O'Dwyer was excellent off the bench as was James and White gets a pass mark too. Friend was sensational tonight and gave the Tigers someone else to watch other than Prince.

The good news is we will still get better than this.

Titan_Blue
15-04-11, 09:09 PM
Did Mead play fullback or something???

I'm in NSW so only get the delayed coverage and couldn't help myself from checking the scores online!

amaline
15-04-11, 09:12 PM
hey if we have that attitude we will stay at the bottom, thats why wayne bennett never gets so excited on how his team performs no matter how good they play, im pessimistic but for a good cause:D

Do you really think your pessimism makes a difference? I don't think a positive response to a really good 60 minutes of football is going to doom us.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:16 PM
Do you really think your pessimism makes a difference? I don't think a positive response to a really good 60 minutes of football is going to doom us.

craig bellamy, brian smith and wayne bennett beg to differ.... anyways what do you guys think of this for next week


1.Mead
2.Michaels
3.Tomane
4.Tonga
5.Walker
6.Zillman
7.Prince
8.Bailey
9,Friend
10.Thompson
11.Harrison
12.Minnechello
13.Bird
14.Ridge
15.White
16.Henderson
17.James

?

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:18 PM
Do you really think your pessimism makes a difference? I don't think a positive response to a really good 60 minutes of football is going to doom us.

Not sure it was really good. I'll say improved but still lacked polish. The Tigers were pus but they always are up the middle. Their forwards are rubbish and they live off Benji and Farah being creative. They put the cue in the rack as far as creativity was concerned and tried to grind out a win - that's not them. The negativity tonight came from the Tigers and we benefited from it. This is going to be a great season, marching up the ladder in the next 7 rounds with 5 home matches. Yay Tits!

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 09:19 PM
craig bellamy, brian smith and wayne bennett beg to differ.... anyways what do you guys think of this for next week

Sorry I didn't realise you were a first grade coach.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:21 PM
Sorry I didn't realise you were a first grade coach.

im not how did you manage to quote me and not see the 3 coaches i labelled:ugh:

amaline
15-04-11, 09:21 PM
craig bellamy, brian smith and wayne bennett beg to differ.... anyways what do you guys think of this for next week


1.Mead
2.Michaels
3.Tomane
4.Tonga
5.Walker
6.Zillman
7.Prince
8.Bailey
9,Friend
10.Thompson
11.Harrison
12.Minnechello
13.Bird
14.Ridge
15.White
16.Henderson
17.James

?

I wasn't referring to coaches, I was talking about you.

I think if Mead is going to fullback, Walker would be wasted on the wing. I wouldn't mind seeing Vickery given a shot. But I'm sure we'll see the same team announced next week.

Titan_Blue
15-04-11, 09:22 PM
Could someone please help a fellow fan out and tell me if Mead played fullback??!! Thanks in advance.

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:23 PM
craig bellamy, brian smith and wayne bennett beg to differ.... anyways what do you guys think of this for next week


1.Mead
2.Michaels
3.Tomane
4.Tonga
5.Walker
6.Zillman
7.Prince
8.Bailey
9,Friend
10.Thompson
11.Harrison
12.Minnechello
13.Bird
14.Ridge
15.White
16.Henderson
17.James

?

I get excited by the team selections as much as the next guy, but can we dissect this game first? Let's talk about next weeks team in next weeks game thread. I'm as guilty as anyone at doing it but let's talk about what happened out there tonight in this one.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:24 PM
I wasn't referring to coaches, I was talking about you.

I think if Mead is going to fullback, Walker would be wasted on the wing. I wouldn't mind seeing Vickery given a shot. But I'm sure we'll see the same team announced next week.

well not necessarily didnt walker play a bit of wing for us last year and get some really good runs? he can be put in holes im sure or chase kicks, i haven't seen vickery play does anyone know if he's any good

amaline
15-04-11, 09:25 PM
Not sure it was really good. I'll say improved but still lacked polish. The Tigers were pus but they always are up the middle. Their forwards are rubbish and they live off Benji and Farah being creative. They put the cue in the rack as far as creativity was concerned and tried to grind out a win - that's not them. The negativity tonight came from the Tigers and we benefited from it. This is going to be a great season, marching up the ladder in the next 7 rounds with 5 home matches. Yay Tits!

Yeah really good is probably an overstatement. But to be 14-0 down after 12 minutes and turn it around and not let them score a point is a pretty good effort. But you are right, the Tigers were awful.

C-Whiz
15-04-11, 09:25 PM
Could someone please help a fellow fan out and tell me if Mead played fullback??!! Thanks in advance.Capewell played fullback. Did an OK job.

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:26 PM
Could someone please help a fellow fan out and tell me if Mead played fullback??!! Thanks in advance.

Wing mate, but he brought the ball back 80% of the time and did it with gusto. Very fullback like.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:27 PM
Yeah really good is probably an overstatement. But to be 14-0 down after 12 minutes and turn it around and not let them score a point is a pretty good effort. But you are right, the Tigers were awful.

well you cant deny titans fighting spirit as seen in the last 10 of the melbourne game, this game and the canberra game, but the tigers just went awful after the zillman bounce try

Titan_Blue
15-04-11, 09:27 PM
Thanks guys, good to hear. Would love to see him there because he is a nippy bastard...only question is whether he has the ballplaying ability for fullback.

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 09:28 PM
I get excited by the team selections as much as the next guy, but can we dissect this game first? Let's talk about next weeks team in next weeks game thread. I'm as guilty as anyone at doing it but let's talk about what happened out there tonight in this one.

That is probably more the point I was getting at.

C-Whiz
15-04-11, 09:29 PM
Just got home from the game.

The Titans played ordianry for first 65 mins, but in the last 15, they somehow changed intoit he team they used to be. The forwards started running it straight and hard, the ball was passed wide, Scott Prince attacked the line, really ATTACKED it, and he went straight through! And then Mini did what he does best, ploughing through defenders to smash his way across the line. it was the sort of play we have used to win for the past 4 years, and in the last 15 mins they put it all together again and put 12 points on in as many minutes.

Why haven't they been doing this since round 1?

Sweet as, old school titans were back in the last 15mins of this game! :thumbsup:

Boofhead
15-04-11, 09:29 PM
I'm pretty happy with life at the moment.

:thumbsup:

amaline
15-04-11, 09:30 PM
well not necessarily didnt walker play a bit of wing for us last year and get some really good runs? he can be put in holes im sure or chase kicks, i haven't seen vickery play does anyone know if he's any good

I'm not sure. I know he played his first game on the wing, but I think last year he started on the bench and went into fullback. I think he would be more effective from fullback.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:30 PM
who do we have next week anyways?

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 09:31 PM
Thanks guys, good to hear. Would love to see him there because he is a nippy bastard...only question is whether he has the ballplaying ability for fullback.

He has played fullback for PNG and did a very good job of it. I can't remember what there backline movement was like and what part he played in that though.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:32 PM
I'm not sure. I know he played his first game on the wing, but I think last year he started on the bench and went into fullback. I think he would be more effective from fullback.

well if we have tomane,mead and walker all in the same side then we have 3 gun ball returners and 2 good leapers not to mention the wheels they all have on them, we could do tomane wing,michaels centre, walker fullback, tonga centre and mead other wing if you think that would be more effective

Sydney Titans Fanatic
15-04-11, 09:33 PM
PARRAMATTA EELS VS GOLD COAST TITANS

EELS:
Tbc

TITANS
Tbc

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:33 PM
He has played fullback for PNG and did a very good job of it. I can't remember what there backline movement was like and what part he played in that though.

i quite remember in 2008 a rampaging watmough being denied a certain try by mead at fullback in the world cup :thumbsup:

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:33 PM
well not necessarily didnt walker play a bit of wing for us last year and get some really good runs? he can be put in holes im sure or chase kicks, i haven't seen vickery play does anyone know if he's any good

Vickery is a big fast winger and from all reports is good. Surely behind Tomane and Walker in the pecking order though. Walker will need a couple of games back from his suspension to put his name forward again though. Walker is a fullback through and through. We need to persist with Zillman in the frontline although I have concerns about Bird on the right side, he looked awkward on that side tonight. Not sure how to fit both he and Mini in on the left side if Birds not at 5/8. Maybe Bird just needs time there.

hammer
15-04-11, 09:33 PM
The last 60 minutes may just be the turning point for the season as we looked far more fluid in attack and the defense was swarming and effective...forcing errors from the Tigers.
Princey stood up and was terrific when we needed it (making the calls for him to be dropped...laughable).
Many positives from this game...consistency is now the key!

amaline
15-04-11, 09:33 PM
who do we have next week anyways?

Parra. And I was reading about Hayne getting binned for a headbutt...

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 09:36 PM
Parra. And I was reading about Hayne getting binned for a headbutt...

really? that takes away the only weapon they had tonight

Tamwelg
15-04-11, 09:36 PM
Parra. And I was reading about Hayne getting binned for a headbutt...

Watching the replay now and definate headbut, but remeber the f**** last year with no suspension after headbut on Slater. Four people got 10 in the bin in that game.

Supergoose
15-04-11, 09:37 PM
I'm pretty happy with life at the moment.

:thumbsup:

Me too. Pretty amazing seeing as I was suicidal at the 15 minute mark!

amaline
15-04-11, 09:40 PM
Watching the replay now and definate headbut, but remeber the f**** last year with no suspension after headbut on Slater. Four people got 10 in the bin in that game.

I recorded the game on Austar. Aaand it just happened. Interesting to see what happens with this.

karnage
15-04-11, 10:10 PM
Great result tonight!! A loss on a Friday night ruins my whole weekend but all will be rosy this weekend.

I just want to start by saying that Scott Prince is my favourite player in the NRL. I love him. And the thing that has hurt me the most over the first 5 weeks of this comp is that I have had to agree with the comments on how bad he has been going. Not the comments that he should be dropped - just the ones about how bad he has been.

And for the first 65 minutes he was absolutely WOEFUL once again.

But when he straightened up late in the game and went straight through them it absolutely invigorated me like no other play could have. He might have been going bad but he is the only player we have got (and one of the few in the whole comp) who can take the line on like that and ghost straight through.

2011 for the Titans started with 10 to go in round 6!!! Bring on the Eels next week!!! Bring on every other team in the comp!!

Boofhead
15-04-11, 10:16 PM
Mead was amazing, those ball returns were ****ing unreal. Would still like Tomane in the side somewhere though. :P

Titan_Blue
15-04-11, 10:17 PM
If Mead excelled at fullback tonight then Capewell could be in a bit of trouble...

EDIT: sorry, not excelled AT fullback, but proved he could be a talent there.

Supergoose
15-04-11, 10:30 PM
Maybe the Tomane drums were surging to beat strongly and Mead has responded like a man possessed. Mead at fullback has my full support with Tomane in. Capewells time will come, but our best available team has Tomane in it and Mead has demanded selection for a while now. Interesting to see how Carty responds to that performance. Hard to be too critical but we're still better than that.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 10:35 PM
Maybe the Tomane drums were surging to beat strongly and Mead has responded like a man possessed. Mead at fullback has my full support with Tomane in. Capewells time will come, but our best available team has Tomane in it and Mead has demanded selection for a while now. Interesting to see how Carty responds to that performance. Hard to be too critical but we're still better than that.

but tomane could replace mead on the wing and mead can replace capewell at fullback and everyones happy, and walker can be sandwiched somewhere

Rage
15-04-11, 10:57 PM
YES!!

First 15 minutes were just painful to watch but couldn't help but fist pump the last 15 minutes of the match.

Mead's kick returns were deadset amazing and maid Capewell's returns pale in comparison. Awesome to see that backline movement that led to Zillman's try, been a long time since we've seen a try like that. Loved Prince just slicing right through their defense and hoping that he is on the rise now and back to his best, he really stood out and took the captain's role in the last 15 mins. Also think he deserved a penalty for at least one of the 3 late hits on him.

Blazertaser
15-04-11, 11:26 PM
Bodene........ as much as it's hard to bag out on someone from the team after a game, i have to do it....

His defence is horrible, i think i can remember him dropping the ball i think twice tonight, he really needs to pick his game up.... He was horrible in defence last week, better but still horrible in defence this week

Supergoose
15-04-11, 11:49 PM
Bodene........ as much as it's hard to bag out on someone from the team after a game, i have to do it....

His defence is horrible, i think i can remember him dropping the ball i think twice tonight, he really needs to pick his game up.... He was horrible in defence last week, better but still horrible in defence this week

Dude, you are watching a totally different game to the one I'm watching. Bodene is cleaning up heaps out there. He forced mistakes from the Tigers 3 or 4 times. The problem for Bodene is how much defense he is being asked to do out there looking after Prince and mopping up everything that Bird leaves for him too.

titansrawesome
15-04-11, 11:54 PM
bodene just needs to go back to the forwards and he'll be fine

Supergoose
15-04-11, 11:59 PM
bodene just needs to go back to the forwards and he'll be fine

Agreed. He'll stiffen up our right side from the inside. Looking forward to big Joe coming back in. Tomane V Loko would be something to watch.

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 12:23 AM
Agreed. He'll stiffen up our right side from the inside. Looking forward to big Joe coming back in. Tomane V Loko would be something to watch.

ooooo very nice, trust me tomane will be our top try scorer even this late, his strike rate is terrific, and he hits hard too, the wing is beautiful for him with mead returning the kicks from fullback

teke
16-04-11, 01:36 AM
Mead has on queue :D showed me why I think he is better at bringing the ball back than most others. His positional play and speed is unreal, add in the courage and you get what we saw tonight.

Michaels and Mead put the team on the front foot from every kick they returned. Mead - 138 all run metres with 116 of those coming from returns. That is simply awesome from a coaching perspective. If Michaels and Mead keep this up then us fans will definitely see some long range tries more often than we would think.

Would I have him at fullback - dont know but he needs to get the ball more, he still didnt get it a single time on the fly in a backline move :nope: Does he has ball skill, yes yes he does but not fullback ball playing skill yet...neither did slater, boyd or whoever when they 1st started

Bodene has been playing good so I cant bring myself to say he should be moved on but Tomane and Mead together with some time could be deadly. Big baby Giant Tomane feeding Mead on the wing...one of these 2 would be top try scorers.

Supergoose
16-04-11, 01:40 AM
Bodene........ as much as it's hard to bag out on someone from the team after a game, i have to do it....

His defence is horrible, i think i can remember him dropping the ball i think twice tonight, he really needs to pick his game up.... He was horrible in defence last week, better but still horrible in defence this week

I reckon you need to check the stats sheet to get the full story. Tonga seemed to be everywhere tonight but that's because Vossy kept calling Thompson Tonga. Thompson has been close to the best on ground for the last 3 weeks and that's despite the debacle that happened inside him against the Cowboys in the first half. He makes meters with limited ball, tops the tackle count in the backline, and breaks tackles. If only he got more ball with more space. Check the stats from tonight, Thompson outplayed Tonga tonight and was the best centre on the field.

DIEHARD
16-04-11, 03:28 AM
Michaels has been our best so far this year, along with Bailey and Ash. I'm such a fan of Michaels.

Mead, of course Im a fan of the Titanium Kumul and he was probably our best tonight. He took the ball up with venom and it showed.

Zillman had a great game and nearly bagged a triple.

And Scott fired later in the game which gave us victory. Alot depends on Prince. I certainly won't give up on him, he is a champion.

The Tigers were lucky to get the benefit of the doubt try. And the Titans did well to keep in the game and counter attack.

Lots of cheap shots out there.

Anyone notice they played Eye Of The Tiger before the game? WTF?!

Better get some sleep, still havent watched the 2nd half replay either.

I was happy with the crowd, that is a C+ mark. And represents a healthy walk up.

Legion rocked, loved the new flags and banners and I think the drum crew was a big hit.

Supergoose
16-04-11, 07:03 AM
Michaels has had a good year but he wasn't great last night.

C-Whiz
16-04-11, 07:07 AM
who do we have next week anyways?You dissect every player, every game, like to telll us everything they are doing wrong, tell everyone how you would fix it, suggest "the best" team for next week before they've even showered from the game they just played, but you don't even know who they are playing?

That'll do me! :laugh:

karnage
16-04-11, 07:19 AM
One thing that needs to be mentioned is the contribution of Luke O'Dwyer. He played like a guy desperate to nail a spot in the 17 and really contributed well.

Was it '09 when he was a real weapon for us before the knee injury?? If he can get back to that form he showed in that campaign he will add plenty to us off the bench.

shamus
16-04-11, 07:41 AM
who do we have next week anyways?


You dissect every player, every game, like to telll us everything they are doing wrong, tell everyone how you would fix it, suggest "the best" team for next week before they've even showered from the game they just played, but you don't even know who they are playing?

That'll do me! :laugh:

:rolf: :rolf: :rolf: :rolf:

Coaster
16-04-11, 08:20 AM
Wow what a night.
So proud of the boys, And specially Princey. Under the most pressure you could be under. 1 from 4 and down 14 blot with no ball for first 15 min. WTF. It could have got ugly.

It really takes a special effort to get off the ground like that and rise to the moment.

Gee I hope this starts our year, so pleased

TitansFan
16-04-11, 09:02 AM
woohoo great win last night.
Apart from that awful first 20 mins they look to be back to the team we've grown to love over the last couple of seasons.
How good were Mead's returns. He returns it so hard. Maybe a few of the forwards should take note. He's definitely an option for fullback.
And how good was Prince's try. I hope he gets some confidence from that because he's really the only star playmaker we've got.
Also I thought O'Dwyer was great. I'd like to see him get a lot more game time over the next few weeks. To be honest I'd happily drop Ridge to make way for O'Dwyer.

Rage
16-04-11, 10:15 AM
O'Dwyer should def have a spot on the bench guaranteed after last night's efforts.

Ryan
16-04-11, 10:31 AM
Just a bit of reflection on the build up to the game......


We're in massive trouble......tigers by 50
http://www.aczoom.com/images/mark_cross.gif

Titans will win this and win it easily, Tigers have too many out and the Titans will be soooooo fired up to play well.

If Tigers had their full team they might win, but they have no chance without Tuqiri and Lawrence and Lui and the others.

http://www.tmpos.com.au/files/u2/tick.gif

thats the team? great we are gonna lose by 50, way to go not fixing any problems carty
http://www.aczoom.com/images/mark_cross.gifhttp://www.aczoom.com/images/mark_cross.gifhttp://www.aczoom.com/images/mark_cross.gif


Tigers by how ever many they want.
http://www.aczoom.com/images/mark_cross.gif

People are failing to see that the Titans are going through a period of poor form. Poor form can be reversed in a single half of footy...Tigers just might find themselves on the end of a revitalized Titans outfit.

Pains me to do it but Im gonna keep picking these buggers in tipping comps cause I know it's just around the corner
http://www.tmpos.com.au/files/u2/tick.gif


I got a feeling there is a big pie being cooked in the oven - anyone guess what type it is and who's gonna get it?

patskE
16-04-11, 10:56 AM
wat a win
zilly had a good game
dnt like capewell at all at fb :S any spot really :P
still rkn mead or when walker he can, goto fb

bigjim
16-04-11, 11:31 AM
One game doesn't make a season. Or should I say 3/4 of game. This is not where the season will turn around. This result means nothing if they don't back it up next week.

As we all witnessed, the first 15 minutes was the Titan team we have all seen for most of this season.

I have never doubted their ability to beat any team in the league.
I doubt their belief that they can beat any team in the league.

bigjim
16-04-11, 11:38 AM
All the teams in the league have many gifted players and many more players less gifted but hard working. They all train extremely hard off the paddock and are committed to their team and the fans that support them.

The difference on the paddock has more to do with good fortune and attitude.
But as they say. 'The harder you work, the luckier you get'.
They showed that in the second half. A little luck went their way.

Chaos
16-04-11, 12:07 PM
One thing that needs to be mentioned is the contribution of Luke O'Dwyer. He played like a guy desperate to nail a spot in the 17 and really contributed well.

Was it '09 when he was a real weapon for us before the knee injury?? If he can get back to that form he showed in that campaign he will add plenty to us off the bench.

I haven't always been a massive O'Dwyer fan but he does look strong and looked dangerous last night...it's going to be hard for any forward to cement a spot in the Titans team.

I don't think Capewell is up to NRL level at this stage...Mead plays his best footy on the wing and killed it last night.

Prince's defense was not only strong but attacking...getting up in front of defensive line....excellent. He struggled to put the right attacking play on at times but I don't think Capewell was helping.
They need to use Zillman as a runner...I'd rather him go back to Fullback but that still leaves us with a 5/8 problem...when does Preston come back?

Titanic
16-04-11, 01:27 PM
I think Zillman has showed enough over the last few games to own 5/8. It's his position of choice and our position of need. His kicking game is shy but Bird and Minichiello really benefited from some structure around the halves.

I enjoyed the game. The first 15 gave me a chance to vent the frustrations of a week's work :-) and then I was able to relax and watch the confidence emerge.

Apart from the fullback dilemma I feel that the bench is not balanced. I think we need Tomane and although I don't mind O'Dwyer if Tomane came in then he would have to go before Thompson.

Good win and not great but really promising.

Mushi
16-04-11, 01:29 PM
Just watched a replay of the game - even though I was there - I didn't realise just how bad our first 15-20 minutes were!!!!:ugh:

but..... I was so pleased to see our boys fight their way back into the game with some attitude, strong defence and some flair - the titans team we are used to. A bit of confidence certainly helps us and hope it continues to lift us next week and beyond. Princey is definitely on his way back :thumbsup: and I was pleased to see Mead have a blinder!!!!:banana: The best I have seen him play EVER! Bird and Prince both got hammered out there last night - late and high shots on Prince and the refs just let it go, gggrrrrr:fight: but I think it inspired him further anyway - way to go Princey! Can definitely see that the boys have been working hard and keep at it boys - a huge improvement on previous weeks (ok well after that first little debacle). Still plenty of room for improvement but def on our way back!!!!!!:eyebrows:

C-Whiz
16-04-11, 01:48 PM
Something to remember, is that the Tigers got an early 14 point lead, and they stayed at 14 for the rest of the night!
That is probably the most important aspect of the result.

And like in the St George and Broncos game, we were denied tries while they were awarded the most dubious of "benefit of the doubt". I was worried this was going to be another that slipped away on the back of poor refereeing, but the fact the Titans held firm, kept their defence tight, and piled on 20 unanswered points is the sort of play that reminds you just how potent we can be when we get our $#!T together! :salute:

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 02:17 PM
Something to remember, is that the Tigers got an early 14 point lead, and they stayed at 14 for the rest of the night!
That is probably the most important aspect of the result.

And like in the St George and Broncos game, we were denied tries while they were awarded the most dubious of "benefit of the doubt". I was worried this was going to be another that slipped away on the back of poor refereeing, but the fact the Titans held firm, kept their defence tight, and piled on 20 unanswered points is the sort of play that reminds you just how potent we can be when we get our $#!T together! :salute:

it probably would have been 20-2 if capewell didnt drop the grubber and he had his positioning right for the first try, dunno what cartys plans for him are

Supergoose
16-04-11, 06:25 PM
Check the stats. Capewell wasn't terrible by any stretch. 12 runs, 80 meters, 4 tackle breaks, 1 Offload, 1 error, 1 penalty conceded and 1 kick for 22m. He didn't have a great impact but I though the whole right side with Bird, Capewell and Thompson all struggled a little and credit has to go to the tigers left side defence.

C-Whiz
16-04-11, 06:44 PM
it probably would have been 20-2 if capewell didnt drop the grubber and he had his positioning right for the first try, dunno what cartys plans for him areMate, to be honest, I don't know what you seem to expect from every player, every game, but try being positive for a chnage. Capewell did what he had to do. He could have done better, but he could have done a lot worse! He is young, so I would think Carty's plans are to keep him around, let him develop and if he doesn't become our 5/8 he will be a handy utility. I was happy with what he did, and I would say the rest of the Titans were pretty happy too. :thumbsup:

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 06:52 PM
Mate, to be honest, I don't know what you seem to expect from every player, every game, but try being positive for a chnage. Capewell did what he had to do. He could have done better, but he could have done a lot worse! He is young, so I would think Carty's plans are to keep him around, let him develop and if he doesn't become our 5/8 he will be a handy utility. I was happy with what he did, and I would say the rest of the Titans were pretty happy too. :thumbsup:

but you do agree that mead was a lot better at FB?

C-Whiz
16-04-11, 07:00 PM
but you do agree that mead was a lot better at FB?Mead was on fire, no doubt! He could have played 2nd row last night! But I wouldn't change players every time they play well/bad in a certain position. That's what a fantasy football team is for! :D

lonegull
16-04-11, 07:03 PM
what was the crowd number for the tigers game?

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 07:04 PM
Mead was on fire, no doubt! He could have played 2nd row last night! But I wouldn't change players every time they play well/bad in a certain position. That's what a fantasy football team is for! :D

lol i think mead just runs it back the hardest out of everyone, covers metres really well. bloody hell this reds vs bulls game is fantastic

C-Whiz
16-04-11, 07:06 PM
what was the crowd number for the tigers game?17000-ish. I doubt there were that many there. I'd say that was based on ticket sales, not turnstiles. But quality crowd!

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 07:08 PM
cant wait for roosters vs titans

DIEHARD
16-04-11, 07:40 PM
Definitely a good crowd for the Titans on Friday. Besides what the Courier Mail says. Obviously doesn't follow crowds closely at all in the NRL.

TITAN PETE
16-04-11, 08:43 PM
It looked like a light switch was turned on in Prince's head tonight , he found that missing Mojo :fist:

Teke made comment about a few of the boys reading our forums & I'm sure Dave Mead was top of that list & was easily Man of the Match with blister speed in his kick returns :thumbsup:

Also another big welcome back to form from Chalky Odwyer who was outstanding off the bench !


We're Back :banana:

DIEHARD
16-04-11, 08:53 PM
It looked like a light switch was turned on in Prince's head tonight , he found that missing Mojo :fist:

Teke made comment about a few of the boys reading our forums & I'm sure Dave Mead was top of that list & was easily Man of the Match with blister speed in his kick returns :thumbsup:

Also another big welcome back to form from Chalky Odwyer who was outstanding off the bench !

We're Back :banana:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189005_10150182534193993_154226313992_8291933_3400 166_n.jpg

DAVID MEAD ROCKS!

DIEHARD
16-04-11, 08:54 PM
His kick returns not only give us field position but it inspires and energizes the rest of the team. Man of the Match, well deserved!

titansrawesome
16-04-11, 09:14 PM
His kick returns not only give us field position but it inspires and energizes the rest of the team. Man of the Match, well deserved!

i dont know about you guys but i prefer the hard running back fullback to eat up alot of metres and hurt the defender rather than the dancing fullbacks like hayne and barba

Tamwelg
16-04-11, 11:30 PM
I just watched the game again and yet again we absolutely dominated a side in the forwards up the middle of the park. Our attack / structure looked much much better, just lacked a bit of polish. The defense was brilliant, I didn't realise just how good it was watching the game live. For those who love stats, ZERO line breaks by the Tigers, that right, ZERO line breaks by one of the best attacking teams in the comp.

TITAN PETE
17-04-11, 07:50 AM
I just watched the game again and yet again we absolutely dominated a side in the forwards up the middle of the park. Our attack / structure looked much much better, just lacked a bit of polish. The defense was brilliant, I didn't realise just how good it was watching the game live. For those who love stats, ZERO line breaks by the Tigers, that right, ZERO line breaks by one of the best attacking teams in the comp.

Awesome effort & people need to realise we kept probably the best attacking team in the comp "Scoreless for 69 minutes" :fist:

DIEHARD
17-04-11, 10:28 PM
It's all about passion Ricky Stuart

WHAT makes us want to coach? Ricky Stuart runs through the highs and the lows of being in a rare bread, the NRL coach.
You don't sleep well, you either eat too much or not enough, a loss can cripple you for days, the wins don't last anywhere near long enough because pretty soon you're looking at who you play next week.

When you string together a few losses the media want answers and, soon enough, so does the board.

At least half the people think they can do a better job than you. And they're your supporters.

The other mob, they're all against you.

The good moments are far too brief compared to the tough ones, yet there are 16 NRL coaches and, if you did a quick poll, you would find dozens more want to be.

When Gold Coast got their first win over Canberra a few weeks back, I rang coach John Cartwright to congratulate him.

Carty is a great friend of mine. Obviously he'd been going through a tough time, something I knew all about.

It didn't turn around then, as he hoped.

They followed that win with another loss and, trust me, you start to wonder where your next win is coming from.

Anyway, we were talking and I told him I was heading up to the Gold Coast to do a luncheon with Tommy Raudonikis.

The Titans were 1-4 heading into Friday night's match against the Tigers and, for a club that has had success since coming into the NRL - and it's still a very young club - it was obviously a confusing time.

Carty asked if I'd go along to training and do some work with the halves in his Toyota Cup team, since I was already up there, which of course wasn't a problem.

So I headed up and sat and listened to Tommy talk about what NSW need to do to win this year's Origin series.

Tommy was focusing on passion and emotion and all those things, but most of all he spoke about how you have to hate losing. 17 players with Tommy's attitude would be wonderful.

They're not just words when Tommy says it. That's the way he played his football, and he's right.

You have to take losing personally.

The night before I'd sat with Carty at the Tugun Surf Club for dinner, where we sat around and talked for hours about Origin.

We also talked about what was happening at the Titans.

Carty knows the club is going through a tough time, and I could see it has been a struggle.

The big things that get you through at these times are belief and persistency.

You know what you were doing when you were winning, and although it sounds far

too simple, that's what you have to stay with when you're not winning.

Be patient and it will come.

The Titans are a club that knows how to have success, so patience is the best thing they can do for themselves at the moment.

I stayed for Friday's game and before kick-off I enjoyed a Q and A with Queenslanders David Fordham and Wally Lewis and, again, it was interesting to sit and listen to a bloke like Wally talk about Origin, and what's important to him.

I took a seat in the grandstand. I watch every game every weekend, some of them twice or more, and I like to get out to see at least two games live.

The Titans showed a lot of what we have come to know about them.

They are a tough side. After one of the worst starts to a game I've seen in a long time - after 10 minutes they'd had the ball for two tackles and trailed 14-0 - they hung in and slowly worked on turning it around.

Scott Prince went over with eight minutes left to level it

at 14-all.

Then they got out of it with just over a minute left when Mark Minichiello went over to score.

When Minichiello put the ball down the first thing I did was look to the coaches' box.

What came out of Carty at that moment was a lot of things.

Most of all it was relief. But there was a purity of, I don't know, I suppose you'd say joy, that he experienced right there that is hard to find anywhere else in life.

That's why you coach, for those moments.

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

Rage
18-04-11, 12:56 PM
^ haha it was great to see Carty so ecstatic, just ran out without his shirt tucked in lol

Boofhead
18-04-11, 01:00 PM
Can't help but bring a smile to your face reading that, nice article.

Surfers6
18-04-11, 03:49 PM
Good article and it does put a smile on your face.

Lets not forget that the first 15 minutes of that game was the worst football i have ever watched from the Titans with Prince playing the worst i have ever seen. It got to a point where i did not know whether to laugh or cry at how the game was going for us.

Prince did get better, but he is not back.

Mead on the other hand was fantastic and ran the ball back how a fullback should run. he should be fullback this week, not capewell.

Tomane hopefuly to the wing.

Well Done on a great comeback!!!