Round 25: Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans

[Boofhead]

Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans
7:00PM - Monday 29 August 2011 - Campbelltown Stadium

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/wests.gif
1 Tim Moltzen
2 Beau Ryan
3 Blake Ayshford
4 Matt Utai
5 Lote Tuqiri
6 Benji Marshall
7 Robert Lui
8 Bryce Gibbs
9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Keith Galloway
11 Liam Fulton
12 Gareth Ellis
13 Chris Heighington

14 Mitch Brown
15 Todd Payten
16 Matt Groat
17 Aaron Woods

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/NRL/titans.jpg
1 Jordan Rankin
2 Steve Michaels
3 Esi Tonga
4 Clinton Toopi
5 David Mead
6 William Zillman
7 Preston Campbell (c)
8 Luke Bailey
9 Matt Srama
10 Matthew White
11 Anthony Laffranchi
12 Mark Minichiello
13 Greg Bird

14 Brenton Lawrence
15 Will Matthews
16 Bodene Thompson
17 Luke O’Dwyer

[Boofhead]

Any injuries come out of the Tigers camp against the Eels?

[hammer]

Tough assignment this one with the Tigers on a roll...but with us improving (albeit still scratchy) we are in there with a real chance.

[TITAN PETE]

Any injuries come out of the Tigers camp against the Eels?

The exact opposite with Tuqiri & Ellis expected to return from injury :surprise:

[DIEHARD]

The exact opposite with Tuqiri & Ellis expected to return from injury :surprise:

Well at least Ellis will be back for England in the Four Nations.

[DIEHARD]

WESTS TIGERS FANS - WE NEED YOU AT CAMPBELLTOWN

http://img.nrl.sportal.com.au/site/_content/advertising/00001572-image.jpg (http://www.proticket.com.au/event.asp?eventid=1254)

Wests Tigers supporters ? we need you to get behind the team at our final home game of the season at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Monday, August 29.

With 2 rounds remaining,the sixth placed Wests Tigers will be looking to record a strong win over the Gold Coast Titans in their quest for the all important fourth spot and a home semi final.

Wests Tigers will be hoping their large army of supporters will be out in force for the must win home as they were for the victory over Parramatta Eels at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Titans match will also mark the last home game for departing Wests Tigers players Tim Moltzen, Todd Payten, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita, Wade McKinnon and Mark Flanagan.

Kick-off is 7pm. Come on Wests Tigers fans, get there and cheer on the team!

BUY TICKETS FOR TITANS GAME (http://www.proticket.com.au/event.asp?eventid=1254)

http://www.weststigers.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Titans aiming for flash finish

Gold Coast coach John Cartwright is focused on finishing his season from hell on a high note.

The Titans hauled themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder with a 26-18 win over Canberra on Saturday night, but Cartwright is still stinging.

"It definitely hurts where we're sitting on the table," Cartwright said.

"It hurts more than I can probably put into words.”

After seeing off the Raiders, Cartwright quickly turned his attention to snuffing out the Wests Tigers late-season surge up the ladder.

"We want to make it hard for the Tigers (next Monday).

"If we can knock them out of the eight, I want to knock them out of the eight.

Gold Coast tackles last-placed Eels in the final round, in what is shaping as a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

"If we can knock Parramatta over and finish the season on a high, that would be tremendous," Cartwright said.

The Titans are resigned to fielding a spare parts lineup for the remainder of the season, with 18 first graders currently

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

[DIEHARD]

Toopi calls on Carty to put him on-field

That is the plea from Titans centre Clinton Toopi, who is determined to end his decorated career in first grade after sitting on the bench for the entire 80 minutes of the Gold Coast's 26-18 victory against Canberra on Saturday night in what may be his final game in the NRL.

Toopi was cleared to play against the Raiders by team doctors after copping a severe head knock which left him with dizzy spells and forced him to spend a night in hospital after the Round 23 loss to the Storm. He was raring to go at Skilled Park on Saturday night but a cautious coach John Cartwright was reluctant to throw the former Kiwi international into the fray.

Desperate to prove his fitness and convince Cartwright to give him one last shot at the NRL before he retires at the end of the season, Toopi yesterday turned out for feeder club Burleigh Heads in their do-or-die Queensland Cup match against Wynnum Manly at Pizzey Park yesterday.

"I was a little disappointed about not being able to get on the field on Saturday night," a solemn Toopi told the Bulletin after the Bears' 32-12 defeat.

"Carty was kind enough to confront me and told me what his thoughts were and his concerns.

"I just said fair enough but I'm a player and this is what I do. I feel right physically and I asked him if he didn't mind that I'd like to play for Burleigh.

"He said just be careful and look out for any signs and listen to your body."

Having announced he will hang up the boots at the end of 2011, the 31-year-old is running out of chances to finish his career in the top flight.

"Whether I'm in that starting line-up or off the bench it doesn't bother me, I just want to be playing footy and if Carty wants to chuck me into the NRL and he feels confident enough, then definitely -- 'put me in'," he said.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Wests Tigers stars Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis certain to return against Gold Coast Titans

NOT many NRL coaches have the luxury of trying to accommodate the return of two international stars to their line-up this late on in the season.
But that is the situation Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens will deal with this week with English hitman Gareth Ellis and winger Lote Tuqiri definitely back for the Gold Coast Titans' clash.

Ellis was a late scratching against Parramatta with a thigh injury and, said Sheens, "could have played today if it was a grand final".

The more pressing issue will be who makes way for Tuqiri on the wing with Matt Utai and Beau Ryan both solid in attack and defence yesterday.

Utai had been well below par in recent weeks, but scored a try and could have had a second against the Eels in a much-improved performance on the left wing, Tuqiri's preferred position.

Sheens said punters would have to wait until tomorrow for the team sheet to be released, but Tuqiri and Ellis would be available.

While Utai preferred not to comment, cult hero Ryan, who has continued to improve with each week, said it would be a tough call.

"I haven't spoken to Tim about Lote, but that's the good thing about this year, I've only been worry- ing about myself," said Ryan, who also bagged a four-pointer.

"If Lote plays on the left wing or the right wing, he's our best winger. I'll play wherever the coach puts me, be it right wing, left wing, back-row, the bench, I don't care. Lote played all last year on the left wing, and the half-dozen games or so he's played this year was on the left, but your guess is as good as mine."

Tuqiri was a chance to return from a quad strain against Parramatta, but Sheens elected to give the dual international an extra week to be fully fit.

Halfback Robert Lui is also expected to be fit.

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

[Titan Dad]

The exact opposite with Tuqiri & Ellis expected to return from injury :surprise:

SH?T, I was hoping for better news. We will have to dig deep for this one. You never know we have won bigger games than this before.:thumbsup:

[Geeman]

Hopefully Benji pulls up with a light strain at training this week and has to be rested... :D

[karnage]

I've made it through to a prelim in my Supercoach league. I lost out big time with Ellis this week cos I didn't know he was out when I finalized my side. The way we have been defending lately, he could score two weeks worth of points against us...

[TITAN PETE]

Benji will be in court for 3 days this week so hopefully he gets a weekend detention :cry::D

[matti]

i hate ctown stadium, crap hole of sydney

[Smakked]

Titans by 1 point in golden point.

[DIEHARD]

Roar talent: lethal attack will have the other contenders running scared
Phil Gould

The momentum is gathering for the Wests Tigers. They will have the other finals contenders looking over their shoulders.

Their victory over Parramatta at the Sydney Football Stadium yesterday could be best described as entertaining rather than anything of dynamic semi-final quality; but there were some brilliant passages of play that will definitely get the attention of the rival coaches.

(Yes, Wests Tigers played Parramatta at Moore Park on a Sunday afternoon - brilliant scheduling - I will come back to this in a moment.)

The thing about the Tigers is that this team has the ability to attack every possible gap in their opponents' defensive line. A football team lines up in defensive positions across the field. Every gap in between two defenders represents an opportunity. Then there is the space outside the respective wingers down the sidelines.

Behind the line there is open territory just waiting for the well-placed chip or grubber kick. Then we have the high ball ''bomb'' options to assist those teams who can't find their way through a defence. The Tigers can go through you, around you, over you, under you; and, as we saw yesterday, between your legs.

Some teams have their favourite plays. Others restrict themselves to playing down one side of the field.

The Tigers are dangerous from everywhere. When the dummy half runs it looks like it's planned. Players are there to support or it leads to a quickly constructed switch of play to the other side of the ruck area.

When a forward just takes the ball on a metre-gaining run, you sense the offload is a real threat; his teammates sweat on him passing.

All the Tigers' forwards are encouraged to pass. They are all a part of plays to create more space out wide for their halves.

The designated playmakers are outstanding. Halfback Robert Lui and five-eighth Benji Marshall are electrifying when they are on song.

All this creativity and ball movement ignites the quicker men out wide and brings them into the game more than any back line in the NRL. It's exciting to watch.

The Tigers can play the short side of the field, the long side of the field, left, right, down the middle; and often both sides in one play.

In the first half yesterday they flexed their attacking muscles and threw most of their repertoire at the Eels. They quickly posted three tries to lead 16-0 at half-time.

Until then the Tigers were the only team playing football. The Eels were in distress mode.

The second half was far more competitive. The lift in aggression from the Eels coincided with a drop in intensity from the Tigers. Suddenly the margin was cut back to four points and the Tigers had to reboot the main engines to win the match.

The Tigers managed it without too much difficulty. In fact, their last 20 minutes was very professionally executed. Tim Sheens would have been more satisfied with the control shown in the final quarter of the game when it was required, rather than the brilliance of the opening quarter.

The Eels were outclassed, but didn't shirk their task - the story of their season. They're better than 16th.

Now, let's get back to the issue of the venue. The NRL claims to have a strategy for tackling the challenges our game faces in western Sydney. It claims it has it all under control.

So how does playing a Sunday game between two of western Sydney's major drawcards at an eastern suburbs venue fit into this strategy? Give me one good reason why this game was not played somewhere in Sydney's west? Hmmm?

I don't give a damn about stadium deals. What about the future of our game? The AFL must get sore in the guts laughing at our stupidity.

Anyway; the Tigers were far too good. They are a joy to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

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

[DIEHARD]

Lote Tuqiri eyes return from injury

AS the Wests Tigers rise up the NRL ladder, it was fitting that their star winger Lote Tuqiri did some of his own yesterday before his return from injury.

As the Tigers recovered at Coogee Beach after their 31-12 triumph over Parramatta on Sunday, Tuqiri was nearby pushing his body to the limit up a set of concrete steps that are popular with fitness fanatics.

Tuqiri, who will today be named for Monday's clash with the Gold Coast, said the injured quad muscle that has kept him sidelined since round 20 will be fine for top-flight action.

"It's been a tough trot for me injury-wise, but hopefully I can get through this week with the boys and make myself available for Tim [Sheens] to pick me," Tuqiri said.

"It's tough on these steps. I've always been one for quality, not quantity, and those endurance things are not my forte. I'm more of a sprint man. But I have to do it to get fit and be on par with the rest of the team."The return of dual international Tuqiri and English import Gareth Ellis is sure to bolster the Tigers as they shoot for a seventh straight victory and a shot at a home final.

Tuqiri said it will be much easier coming back to a team that is flying. He praised Benji Marshall, Tim Moltzen and Sunday's two-try hero Blake Ayshford, who he labelled "our most underrated player this season", for their performances on the weekend.

Marshall was not at yesterday's recovery session because he had to meet with his legal team before today's court case over an assault charge in March.

Veteran prop Todd Payten said the court case would not prove to be a distraction for Marshall.

The Daily Telegraph

[DIEHARD]

Toopi will get his chance on Monday

RETIRING Gold Coast Titans centre Clinton Toopi will be given the opportunity to finish his career in the NRL with the former international expected to be named at centre for Monday's clash in Campbelltown against Wests Tigers.

Toopi will be named today as a replacement for an injured Dominique Peyroux, who suffered a broken hand during Saturday's win over Canberra.

Titans football manage Scott Clark admitted there was still some concern surrounding Toopi after he copped a severe head knock against Melbourne two weeks ago.

"It will be a case of wait and see with Toops," Clark said.

For the second week in a row the Titans may struggle to select 17 fit players from their injury-ravaged roster, with utility Kane Lawton still at least a week away from returning.

However, forward enforcer Luke Bailey is rated a chance of lining up against the Tigers.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[Titanic]

Bailey in the centres? ... just joking.

[Boofhead]

Bailey named to return for Tigers clash
Adam Gardini | 23/08/2011 1:54:25 PM

Inspirational Jetstar Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Bailey has been named to return from injury for Monday night’s clash against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

With the benefit of a further six days before their next assignment against the Tigers, Jetstar Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright today named Bailey to make his return from a neck injury which ruled him out of last Saturday’s 26-18 victory over Canberra at Skilled Park.

In other team changes, centre Clinton Toopi has been named in the centres in place of Dominic Peyroux, who has been ruled out after suffering a broken hand against the Raiders.

Toopi was included on the interchange bench against the Raiders but did not take the field after suffering from symptoms of vertigo in the club’s previous match against the Storm.

JETSTAR TITANS v WESTS TIGERS
7pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Monday, August 29
1 Jordan Rankin
2 Steve Michaels
3 Esi Tonga
4 Clinton Toopi
5 David Mead
6 William Zillman
7 Preston Campbell (c)
8 Luke Bailey
9 Matt Srama
10 Matthew White
11 Anthony Laffranchi
12 Mark Minichiello
13 Greg Bird

14 Brenton Lawrence
15 Will Matthews
16 Bodene Thompson
17 Luke O’Dwyer

NYC TITANS v TIGERS
1 Shaun Carney
2 Lausii Taliauli
3 Japeth Vaoa
4 Hymel Hunt
5 Jackson Springer
6 Alec Jones
7 Matt Beddow
8 Luke Page
9 Sam Meskell
10 Lain Windley
11 Sam Saville
12 Blake Anderson
13 Dylan Hartin

14 Sam Ross
15 Ed Murphy
16 Tom Dawney
17 Sam Irwin

http://www.titans.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=42351&title=bailey-named-to-return-for-tigers-clash

[Coaster]

Thats a good team, we should go ok this weekend.

[Boofhead]

Thats a good team, we should go ok this weekend.

Agree, looks a solid team.

Rankin will get targeted by Benji no doubt, would like to see Zilly play some FB.

[Coaster]

Agree, looks a solid team.

Rankin will get targeted by Benji no doubt, would like to see Zilly play some FB.

Maybe, but i have to say i really liked Rankin at Fullback.
I think he tightens up the whole defensive line, i was watching him alot the other night, and he doesnt shut up, he is talking to them all game, moving players and coming into fill gaps.

I know he dropped a couple of balls, but so did slater when he started. Overall i think he has got a lot of skills such as kicking and passing Zilly just doesnt have.

I like him at Fullback

[TitansFan2020]

So do I he is alot more secure when it comes to 1 on 1.

[Tamwelg]

Maybe, but i have to say i really liked Rankin at Fullback.
I think he tightens up the whole defensive line, i was watching him alot the other night, and he doesnt shut up, he is talking to them all game, moving players and coming into fill gaps.

I know he dropped a couple of balls, but so did slater when he started. Overall i think he has got a lot of skills such as kicking and passing Zilly just doesnt have.

I like him at Fullback

+1 I've been liking what I see with him at fullback as well. A few second man plays from him in the back line have worked really well. Confidence under the high ball will come. As Carty said in the post match press conference, he didn't drop any back there in the u20s.

[matti]

i now chuckle at the people who said we dont need rankin,

[kwigibo]

To be fair one of those high balls got picked up by a small tornado right after it was kicked.

[karnage]

i now chuckle at the people who said we dont need rankin,

I've enjoyed watching him play for the past month but based on what Rankin was showing in our U20's team people had every right to say that we didn't need him. He was doing nothing.

[Smakked]

Looks like a strong team. I am still not convinced of Rankin but would be happy to be proven wrong. Bailey back for us make a big difference.

[gotitans101]

i now chuckle at the people who said we dont need rankin,

I'm the guilty one there...I passed judgement on him way too early. He still has a long way to go though.

[Chaos]

Thats a good team, we should go ok this weekend.

How much start do you want?

[Smakked]

I'm the guilty one there...I passed judgement on him way too early. He still has a long way to go though.

Yeha i agree he has along way to go, the thing i dont like about what he does is when he runs to the line he hesitates, go hard son who cares if you get hurt, thats what it is all about . No doubt as he build confidence he will do, but it erks me atm.

[Mt Smart]

Come on Boys !

Tigers are on fire, Cut out the errors and Wests will be in for an un pleasant surprise, I didn't think they looked un beatable against Para.

[TITAN PETE]

I've enjoyed watching him play for the past month but based on what Rankin was showing in our U20's team people had every right to say that we didn't need him. He was doing nothing.

Rubbish , you couldn't possibly have watched him play in the 20's if that's your thoughts :nope:

[DIEHARD]

I agree Coaster, we need a talker at #1 it is a valuable and forgotten element to a team. Rankin at fullback long term.

[DIEHARD]

Bailey eager to play last game of season

INSPIRATIONAL Titans enforcer Luke Bailey will be given every opportunity to prove himself fit for battle against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Monday in a desperate bid to return before the Gold Coast's final game of the season.

Having watched from the sidelines during last weekend's 26-18 victory over Canberra, Bailey is desperate to shake off an on-going neck injury before the Tigers clash to prove himself fit for Saturday week's "end of an era" clash with Parramatta at Skilled Park.

"I would not miss it for anything, no one wants to miss any games but that is one game I want to be a part of," Bailey said.

"The neck is still not 100 per cent, I have got a bit of movement back and there is still six days to go before the Tigers game so hopefully a few more visits to the physio this week and I will be good to go.

"It is an important game in the context of our season. If we can knock over the Tigers it could release a lot of pressure off us for that final game."

Regardless of the result at Campbelltown, the final match of the season will be an emotional day for the Gold Coast club as they farewell several heroes, including foundation players Preston Campbell (retiring), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Brad Meyers (retiring) and Nathan Friend (Warriors).

Having led them on to the field for the Titans first game in 2007, Bailey is desperate to return for the Eels clash to help send his first-year teammates off with a win and avoid the 2011 wooden spoon.

"It is a bit of an end of an era at the Titans, there are some really close mates of mine who will be playing their last game for the club (against the Eels). It is a game I am desperate to play in," Bailey said. "It is the ideal opportunity to send them off with a win in their last game."

Titans coach John Cartwright said Bailey's fitness would be monitored throughout the week with a final decision on whether he will take the field against the Tigers to be made as late as Sunday.

"He was pretty close last week but I just don't want it to flare up (again)," Cartwright said. "We'll give him a bit of a searching hit-out later in the week and if he gets through that, we'll play him. We definitely wouldn't play him if that was the case but I know how desperate he is to play in the last game."

As expected, retiring Clinton Toopi was named at right centre in place of the injured Dominique Peyroux who suffered a broken hand in the Raiders clash. Peyroux was one of the Titans better players over the past month and Cartwright said his omission was a huge loss to the injury-ravaged side.

"It's a tragedy for Dom and the team," Cartwright said.

"He's been one of our better players over the last three rounds and has certainly made a difference defensively for us out there."

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

TITANS GAME A DANGER SAYS BLAKE AYSHFORD

Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright is hoping his team can do some damage to Wests Tigers’ finals charge when the two sides clash at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Monday, August 29.

Speaking after the Titans’ second win in three games in beating Canberra last Saturday night, Cartwright says his players will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and would enjoy making life difficult for Wests Tigers.

"We want to make it hard for the Tigers. If we can knock them out of the eight, I want to knock them out of the eight,” Cartwright said.

His comments were not lost on classy young Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford who admitted the Titans would proved to be tough opposition despite their position on the ladder.

“These are the hardest games. They have nothing to play for and want to knock teams out (of the finals race) as we would if we were not in contention,’’ Ayshford said.

“They won’t drop their guard and I am sure we won’t. We want to get as high as we can and our goal is top 4.”

Todd Payten, preparing for his final Wests Tigers home game before retiring at season’s end, is mindful of a Titans side without half-back Scott Prince.

“I think they will be looking to spoil anyone's party leading into the finals and they want to finish the season strongly heading into next year,’’ Payten said.

The Titans beat Wests Tigers in round 6 and have won five of the last eight clashes between the two sides. The honours are shared one apiece at Campbelltown.

Wests Tigers will be chasing their seventh straight victory as it attempts to secure fourth spot on the Telstra Premiership ladder and the all important home final.

Fresh from a double in the win over Parramatta which also brought up 100 career points for Wests Tigers, Ayshford said there was still plenty of improvement left in the side as the painful memory of going so close last year still burns deeply.

"We still need to play for 80 minutes. We came out to keep Parramatta at zero but they scored 12 points,'' he said.

“We have almost the exact same team as last year and we all believe we can go one better.”

Match Day Schedule
Gates open 4.15pm
U20s Kick-off 4.45pm
NRL Kick-off 7pm

http://www.weststigers.com.au

[Coaster]

How much start do you want?

20 should be fine.

[Coaster]

Legion Talk Rd25- With Kev Gordon and Coaster as they celebrate the win over the Raiders, and interview David Mead and Lawton and Vickery. Bloke on the BUS comp and the big Monday Night Footy game against the Tigers.

Youtube Link (http://youtu.be/fTY1fESgIo8)

PODCAST TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

[Chaos]

20 should be fine.

20....I thought you said Titans should go ok?

[teke]

20....I thought you said Titans should go ok?They will go ok but Tigers will still win comfortably

[Titanic]

i now chuckle at the people who said we dont need rankin,

I'm the reverse ... I backed him in but I'm not convinced by a long shot.

[Boofhead]

Zillman is our future FB, there will be no space for Rankin with the new signings next year.

He has a red hot shot at the 6 jersey though.

[Toads]

We've got this one in the bag. Infact, Tigers won't have a clue to what the hell hit 'em, when our boys do a number on 'em, come next Monday night. ;)

I can picture it now.. Bull will be leading by example 'n be tearing new A-holes all through their defense.. :p

It'll be the upset of the year! :thumbsup:

[Chaos]

It'll be the upset of the year! :thumbsup:

Your not wrong there but I can't see many points in the Titans and Tigers will be hard to contain.


Coaster...I'll give you 15.5 start for a lotto ticket...keen?

[Coaster]

Your not wrong there but I can't see many points in the Titans and Tigers will be hard to contain.


Coaster...I'll give you 15.5 start for a lotto ticket...keen?

Done, sounds good

Has benji been imprisoned today?
Gee i hope so

[DIEHARD]

Titans v Tigers Match Preview
Matt Trodden

Tigers v Titans, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Monday 7:00pm, LIVE Fox Sports 2

Teams (http://www.nrl.com/TelstraPremiership/MatchCentre/tabid/10999/Default.aspx#matchid=1366&tab=Teams)

Tickets (http://www.proticket.com.au/event.asp?eventid=1254)

Match Overview

One side is trying to push for the top four, the other is moving away from the bottom of the ladder, but with a rich, if short, history between these two sides. The Titans are coming off two impressive victories in the last three weeks, seeing them jump off the bottom of the table above the Eels.

They welcome back Luke Bailey and Clinton Toopi to the side, while young Dominique Peyroux is out with a broken hand.

The Tigers are coming in on the back of five straight wins, and are gunning for a spot in the top four with two wins to finish the year off.

They welcome back internationals Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis, with Wade McKinnon and Mark Flanagan both dropped to NSW Cup.

Strengths

Jordan Rankin, Beau Henry, Preston Campbell and Matt Srama have formed a nice combination in recent weeks in the absence of Scott Prince, and this could be a worry for the Tigers. Campbell in particular has a good record against the Tigers, losing only twice in 12 encounters with them. He will be a key player this weekend.

Weaknesses

The Titans attack was much more clinical last week, but their defence still had some holes that the Tigers could exploit. If they can contain the Tigers attack, and keep line-breaks to a minimum, they should come away with the points.

Opportunities

While the Tigers have been in good form, there are plenty of areas to exploit them. Matt Utai has been moved to the centres this week, but he has looked suspect under the high ball recently, while Rob Lui has been a target for big back-rowers, something the Titans possess in Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird and Anthony Laffranchi.

Threats

As with any time you play the Tigers, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah will be a threat, but this time their right centre, Blake Ayshford, is also in top form. He shrugged off Jarryd Hayne to score last week, and has been defending quite well too. Clinton Toopi will have to defend well to contain Ayshford.

The Big Issue

Spirits might be high in Tiger Town, but they are on the Gold Coast as well. Recent wins over the Sharks and Raiders have lifted the Titans off the bottom of the ladder above the Eels, and away from the wooden spoon. Another win at Campbelltown would only help their cause, and put a dent into the Tigers top four hopes.

And with only two games remaining for 2011, can the Titans keep moving away from the bottom of the ladder, and send out departing inaugural Titans Preston Campbell and Anthony Laffranchi out as winners? Only time will tell.

Final Five

The Titans hold a 3-2 lead in the head-to-head over the past five games, which includes a victory on the bell in round six.

Key Stats

Greg Bird got back to his destructive self on the weekend, running for 167m from 22 hit-ups, as well as 32 tackles, one offload, a line break and a try assist. He will be a key player again for the Titans this week.

In contrast, Chris Heighington had an off day against the Eels statistically, running for 94m from his 12 hit-ups, making only 29 tackles but also making two errors. He will need to step up in a face-off with Bird this week.

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

[matti]

i prefer a uninjured player to a player who has had 2 knee recos being honest..

[shamus]

I for some bizarre reason think we will beat Tigers this week. So we won't be sweating it out in the last round. :thumbsup:

We need to beat Tigers coz Raiders will take the points from Panthers.. After 'The Army' folding and Tongues last game, they will lift.. :fight:

I don't want the spoon decided on the last game so lets do it now!

[Chaos]

Done, sounds good

BTW...lotto ticket is system 8 (pick 4 numbers each)

[DIEHARD]

Late Mail: Lote Tuqiri is almost certain to start after recovering from a quad injury. Bryce Gibbs is in doubt after suffering a gash to his knee last week.

NRL.com

[DIEHARD]

Weight off Wests

Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah says a huge amount of pressure has been taken off the club heading into the NRL finals after assault charges against Benji Marshall were dismissed.

Marshall was cleared this week of an assault charge stemming from an incident at a Sydney McDonald's restaurant in March this year.

Farah said a massive weight had been lifted from Marshall's shoulders and the entire club was now looking forward to making an impact in the finals.

The classy pivot has been in sensational form over the last two months, with the Tigers on a six-game winning streak and a serious threat to win the premiership.

'First and foremost it's a massive relief for Benji now that it's all been settled and a massive weight off his shoulders,' Farah said.

'We're just pleased for him.'

'We supported him every step of the way and we're just glad that he can get on with things now and focus on what's going to be a pretty demanding couple of months.'

Asked if he expected Marshall to take his game to even greater heights now his off-field drama is behind him, Farah said: 'We're just happy for him to keep going the way he is.'

'He's playing pretty good at the moment and if he can continue that I think we'll all be pretty happy.'

'We know semi-finals are coming up and stars have to align for everything to go smoothly.'

Farah said that, with the Tigers to play lowly Gold Coast and Cronulla over the last two rounds, the prospect of notching two big wins and sneaking into fourth spot and a home final was in the back of players' minds.

Their chances of doing that have improved this week with internationals Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis both named to return from injury for Monday night's clash with the Titans at Campbelltown.

Star centre Chris Lawrence is also due back for the opening week of the finals.

'This is when want to be playing best footy, heading into the semi finals. We've had a good run but there's still two weeks to go,' Farah said.

'We've got Gareth and Lote back this week so hopefully we can ease them back in, build some confidence for Lote who hasn't had the best of years in terms of injuries.'

'You've got to have your best side on the park at the right time of the year and hopefully we can get somewhere around there in the next few weeks.'

'We're just worried about ourselves, showing up with the right attitude and playing the way we have been playing because there's no such thing as an easy game in the NRL.'

'If you show up a little bit off your game you'll get your pants pulled down.'

http://www.bigpondsport.com/

[DIEHARD]

Tim Sheens does not want his players speculating on finals position

RUGBY LEAGUE: Six consecutive wins have lifted Wests Tigers to sixth spot on the ladder and, while pundits suggest a top four berth is on the cards, coach Tim Sheens is more worried about his side "crashing and burning".

The Tigers are in scintillating form and have the most comfortable draw of the finalists with games to follow against 15th-placed Gold Coast and 13th-placed Cronulla.

For Sheens, the challenge over the next fortnight will be as much about fine-tuning mental skills as tweaking their prowess.

Wests will contest the finals regardless of their next two results, but Sheens doesn't want to hear his players talking about it, especially speculation over where they will finish on the ladder.

"We have talked about taking our eyes out of the rear vision mirror this week and making sure we keep our eyes on the road, otherwise you find yourself crashing and burning," Sheens said yesterday.

"I've spoken to the players for weeks now not to even consider it (making the top four). Just to win the games and see what happens.

"It may or may not be in our control. All we can control really is trying to win these two games.

"We can't finish out of the eight but you could finish as high as fourth or as low as eighth. From our point of view, it is still pretty much head down and work hard for this game.

"I'm not even thinking about Cronulla yet. I am just worried about this week."

Sheens's comments came a day after captain Robbie Farah admitted he was thinking about a top four finish. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't (on my mind)," Farah said. "We know that it's in our hands . . . if we can take care of our business and win our last two games that will ensure us minimum of fifth spot but, depending on for and against, maybe fourth."

Sheens said he had been in the game too long to speculate about where his side would finish.

"You are only one game away from a problem or an injury," he said. "At the moment, we will accept the fact that we are looking a lot better on the field as far as our numbers are concerned than we did say eight weeks ago."

The Tigers will host the Titans on Monday night at Campbelltown Stadium, with internationals Gareth Ellis and Lote Tuqiri returning from injury.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Tigers v Titans preview
Monday 7pm Campbelltown Stadium

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

A tough road trip for the Titans this week as they battle to offload the wooden spoon, up against the Wests Tigers who will be looking to maintain their snarl as they strive for a seventh win in succession to push for the last up-for-grabs spot in the top four.

John Cartwright?s unit rallied last week, overcoming Canberra to lift themselves off the NRL canvas and leapfrog the Eels. But they are still very much on the ropes and a surprise knockout blow here and other results falling their way would guarantee they avoid the spoon. However, they are yet to string together consecutive wins in 2011 and the ravenous Tigers won?t be willing subjects to help put that stat behind them.

Tigers? coach Tim Sheens will have his charges switched on ? they may run onto the field knowing that a win would secure them fourth spot with just one week to play before the finals. They are currently sixth, level with the Warriors and Cowboys on 30 competition points. They?d climb over the Warriors should the Dragons topple the Kiwis in Wollongong on Sunday, and they?d edge ahead of the Cowboys even if the North Queenslanders defeat the Rabbitohs ? if their winning margin over the Titans is at least five points greater than any Cowboys? winning margin.

The Tigers are bolstered by the return of international winger Lote Tuqiri who suits up for just his sixth game of an injury-marred season. Matt Utai, who has filled in sensationally while Tuqiri has been sidelined, shifts to the centres with Mitch Brown moving to the bench. Gareth Ellis is also back in the second row, with Mark Flanagan making way.

In Titans personnel changes Clinton Toopi displaces Dominique Peyroux at centre, while Luke Bailey returns from injury to start at prop, initiating a chain reaction that pushes Anthony Laffranchi to the second row and Luke O?Dwyer to the bench.

It?s a special night for a host of Tigers, with departing brigade Todd Payten, Bryce Gibbs, Tim Moltzen, Wade McKinnon, Andrew Fifita and Mark Flanagan being honoured with a special post-match tribute.

Watch Out Wests Tigers: Anthony Laffranchi, a premiership winner with the Tigers in 2005, will be out for a big game on former home turf before heading to the English Super League at season?s end. A NSW Origin player in 2008-09, Laffranchi has been down a little on impact this season (as have most Titans) but back in his favoured second row position he will look to remind his old mates of his star quality. Laffranchi used to be a prolific offloader but that?s taken a back seat recently (just seven all year) ? obviously as a result of coach John Cartwright?s instructions to play it ?tight?, the Titans have contributed the fourth fewest offloads (10.2) in the comp. But with the clock winding down on Preston Campbell?s career don?t be surprised if Laffranchi and back row partners Mark Minichiello (23 offloads) and Greg Bird (22), as well as Bodene Thompson (24) look to pop a sneaky pass to their diminutive skipper any time they get inside the Tigers? 10 metres.

David Mead has been a tremendous success for the Titans in 2011. He leads the side for tries and line-breaks (14 each). He now ranks as the leading Titans tryscorer in club history and requires just one more to claim the record by any Gold Coast franchise player ? he?s currently tied with former Seagull Danny Peacock who crossed for 14 in 1995.

Danger Sign: Mead is one of the most dangerous broken-play runners in the game, as evidenced by his standing-start dash through the Canberra ruck to score from long range last week. The Titans need to secure any dropped balls or risk damage from a turnover ? the Titans have crossed for four tries from turnovers while the Tigers have conceded four.

Watch Out Titans: The Tigers are challenging for top tackle-busting team in 2011, their average of 40.1 tackle-breaks a game is just three-tenths of a bust behind the league-leading Cowboys. Dangerous exponents the Titans need to watch include Benji Marshall and Matt Utai (82 each), Chris Heighington (80) and Robert Lui and Blake Ayshford (67 ? sixth most by a centre).

As if Marshall isn?t dangerous from anywhere on the field pretty much all of the time he has added incentive to run more often over the concluding two weeks. He?s neck and neck with Blake Ayshford for most tries scored (10) ? should he edge ahead by season?s end he?ll become the first five-eighth to top the team?s tryscoring list since the joint venture?s formation in 2000. (The last Balmain player to do so was the late Scott Gale with 11 in 1987, while the last Magpie was Denis Pittard with nine in 1967.)

Danger Sign: The Titans have successfully defused just 61 per cent of all attacking kicks ? the lowest rate in the comp. If the Tigers go to the air or grubber into the in-goal the scoreboard could start to tick over quickly.

Plays To Watch: Robbie Farrah grubbers into the in-goal from close range; Benji showing the ball inside before hitting the afterburners; Todd Payten toiling overtime in his final home game; Greg Bird?s niggle; Luke Bailey?s charges; high kicks to Lote Tuqiri?s wing to test out the ring-rusty star.

Where It Will Be Won: The focus will be on how the Titans? left-side defenders repel the Wests Tigers? right-side attack. Or if indeed they can. The Tigers have scored more tries down the right corridor than any other team (43). Meanwhile the Titans have leaked more tries to teams down the right sideline (their left defence) than any other side (42).

The History: Played 8; Titans 5, Wests Tigers 3. The Titans have won three of the past four games between the sides, including a 20-14 win at Skilled Park in Round 6. The record is one game apiece at Campbelltown Stadium.

Conclusion: Although the Titans have a strong record against the black-and-golds and the past three games have been extremely close affairs (a combined winning margin of just 10 points), it?s difficult to see the home side squandering their momentum. Especially given the Tigers are the ?Monday Night Kings? ? over the past three seasons they?ve won seven of eight games to close out a round.

We can?t see this being a close contest. The Wests Tigers should get plenty of opportunities to rehe**** their pet plays. There?s a likelihood they?ll rack up a score here ? we suggest the Tigers by 12 points.

Match Officials: Referees ? Steve Lyons & Phil Haines; Sideline Officials ? Adam Reid & David Munro; Video Ref ? Paul Simpkins.

Televised: Fox Sports ? Live 7pm.

* Stats: NRL Stats

http://www.nrl.com

[karnage]

The line is Titans -20.5

That is a luxury line and I will definitely be having something on us with the start. We only need to stay within 20 points to collect. Go you good things!!

[Mushi]

Oh and a win will see us avoid the spoon for sure!!!!!! Come on boys!!!!!!!

[DIEHARD]

Preview: Wests Tigers v Titans

The return from injury of internationals Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis should make Wests Tigers' task of extending their six-game winning streak a formality when the Tigers host the Gold Coast at Campbelltown Stadium in the last Monday night game of the season.

The Tigers have not given up hope of finishing in the top four but will need to win their last two games by solid margins if they are to host a home final.

Tuqiri may be rusty on the left flank after a frustrating run of injuries but Ellis should slot back into the second row seamlessly after missing only one match with a troublesome groin.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens will be drilling into his players the importance of maintaining intensity over the final fortnight of the regular season because of the less-than-ideal circumstance of playing lowly rated teams in the lead-up to the finals. The Tigers face Cronulla at Toyota Stadium in Round 26.

Expect the Tigers to score a try as First Scoring play and to win by a 13+ margin.

Best chances for First Tryscorer are Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen and Mitch Brown for Wests Tigers or David Mead or William Zillman for the Titans.


Wests Tigers v Gold Coast
Campbelltown Stadium
Monday night 7pm

Wests Tigers
1 Tim Moltzen, 2 Beau Ryan, 3 Blake Ayshford, 4 Matt Utai, 5 Lote Tuqiri, 6 Benji Marshall, 7 Robert Lui, 8 Bryce Gibbs, 9 Robbie Farah [c], 10 Keith Galloway, 11 Liam Fulton, 12 Gareth Ellis, 13 Chris Heighington. Subs: 14 Mitch Brown, 15 Todd Payten, 16 Matt Groat, 17 Aaron Woods.

Gold Coast Titans
1 Jordan Rankin, 2 Steve Michaels, 3 Esi Tonga, 4 Clinton Toopi, 5 David Mead, 6 William Zillman, 7 Preston Campbell [c], 8 Luke Bailey, 9 Matt Srama, 10 Matthew White, 11 Anthony Laffranchi, 12 Mark Minichiello, 13 Greg Bird. Subs: 14 Brenton Lawrence, 15 Will Matthews, 16 Bodene Thompson, 17 Luke O'Dwyer.

Prediction - Matthew O'Neill: Wests Tigers by 10

OVERALL:
Total Games: 8
Wests Tigers wins: 3. [Pts: 147]
Gold Coast Titans wins: 5. [Pts: 167]
Draws: 0

Biggest wins:
Wests Tigers: 16 pts: 2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Gold Coast Titans 12 l. Wests Tigers 28 [Crowd: 20723]
Gold Coast Titans: 16 pts: 2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 21 - [View] Sat: Gold Coast Titans 30 d. Wests Tigers 14 [Crowd: 17257]

Biggest Crowd: 2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Fri: Gold Coast Titans 21 d. Wests Tigers 18 [Crowd: 26103]

Last 50 games against each other form line (most recent matches at end of line):
Wests Tigers: LLWWLWLL
Gold Coast Titans: WWLLWLWW

Last 10 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 6 - [View] Fri: Gold Coast Titans 20 d. Wests Tigers 14 [Crowd: 17221]
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Fri: Gold Coast Titans 21 d. Wests Tigers 18 [Crowd: 26103]
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 18 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 15 d. Gold Coast Titans 14 [Crowd: 14050]
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 25 - [View] Sat: Gold Coast Titans 36 d. Wests Tigers 24 [Crowd: 20102]
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Gold Coast Titans 12 l. Wests Tigers 28 [Crowd: 20723]
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 11 - [View] Sun: Wests Tigers 20 d. Gold Coast Titans 18 [Crowd: 17493]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 21 - [View] Sat: Gold Coast Titans 30 d. Wests Tigers 14 [Crowd: 17257]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 14 - [View] Sun: Wests Tigers 14 l. Gold Coast Titans 16 [Crowd: 13451]

Overall record at Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Wests Tigers: 50 games, won 21, drawn 1, lost 28.
Last 5 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 6 l. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 11 - [View] Sat: Wests Tigers 20 d. Penrith Panthers 18
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 3 - [View] Sat: Wests Tigers 34 d. Canberra Raiders 24
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Sun: Wests Tigers 43 d. Penrith Panthers 18
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 18 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 15 d. Gold Coast Titans 14

Gold Coast Titans: 9 games, won 2, drawn 1, lost 6.
Last 5 games:
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 18 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 15 d. Gold Coast Titans 14
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 14 - [View] Sun: Wests Tigers 14 l. Gold Coast Titans 16
1998 National Rugby League - Round 10 - [View] Sun May 17: Wests 24 d. Gold Coast 14
1997 Optus Cup - Round 1 - [View] Sat Mar 8: Wests 16 l. Gold Coast 24
1996 Optus Cup - Round 12 - [View] Sun Jun 23: Wests 42 d. Gold Coast 10

Head to Head at Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Total Games: 2
Wests Tigers wins: 1. [Pts: 29]
Gold Coast Titans wins: 1. [Pts: 30]
Draws: 0

Last 5 games:
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 18 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 15 d. Gold Coast Titans 14 [Crowd: 14050]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 14 - [View] Sun: Wests Tigers 14 l. Gold Coast Titans 16 [Crowd: 13451]

http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=40882

[TITAN PETE]

The good news is Bails is a definate starter ...

[DIEHARD]

The good news is Bails is a definate starter ...

I'll say, we need our war horse out there.

[DIEHARD]

Tigers wary of lowly Titans

DESPITE sitting on the edge of the NRL top four, Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens reminded his players just how damaging a loss to the lowly Gold Coast on Monday could be.

The Tigers, riding a six-game winning streak, have been one of the competition's hottest teams over the back end of the season and are eyeing off a home final for finishing in the top four.

But Sheens has been quick to point to two games from the past 12 months that highlight exactly why the Tigers can't switch off for the rest of the year - even against the 15th-placed Titans who are without their captain and halfback, Scott Prince.

"We have a lot to play for, although we are technically in the eight, I keep reminding the guys to the game against the Roosters last year," Sheens said in reference to the qualifying final of 2010 where his side let down their guard to be edged 19-15.

"Luckily we got another chance to play Canberra and in beating them, we got a shot at the grand final qualifier.

"Without that opportunity to play that second game, we would have been out with that scrum disaster that happened in the Roosters game.

"We just remind ourselves that we need to be as high up as we can to get a second chance in the event of an issue like that happening.

"... We need to play closer to what we think is semi-final footy.

"Our defence needs to be strong, our completions need to be high, and that's been the case for the last month including (wins over) Manly and St George-Illawarra. We have learnt a lesson from that.

"I don't want to throw that away this week by going for the Hail Mary-type plays."

And as if that isn't enough, there is the added motivation to seek revenge after the Titans took two points off the Tigers in a tight contest in round six.

"From our point of view, we have got plenty of reasons to play," Sheens added.

"We have committed this year to win as many home games as we can and this is our last home game.

"I'd be very disappointed if we don't turn up.

"I think we will. It is just a matter then of executing it well."

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

[DIEHARD]

Titans head south with eye on the win

A FINAL round farewell without the pressure of avoiding the wooden spoon would be nice but Titans coach John Cartwright has warned his troops about using it as their sole motivation against the red-hot Tigers tomorrow night.

A victory will guarantee the Titans will not finish the season in last place.

''It would be nice (to avoid the spoon and) we are going there to win, we've prepared well and have a lot to play for,'' insisted Cartwright.

''But you can get ahead of yourself.

''Next week would be an occassion in itself but it would be nice to get a great win away at Campbelltown and come home and send these fellows off the way they deserve.''

With two games left in their season the Titans came through today's final session unscathed with big prop Luke Bailey training strongly, the only worry being a hamstring strain to winger David Mead, who was expected to take his place.

Skipper Preston Campbell said the Titans needed to try their hand against the competition's entertainers.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[teke]

Upset of The Year Coming Up :salute:

[CairnsTitan]

daley, why are you not dead yet?

[Boofhead]

Can someone please shoot all the commentary team.

[Boofhead]

I can't help but scream at the television, why?

[CairnsTitan]

daley, its time like these i wish a was a suicide bomber

[CairnsTitan]

you suck michaels

[CairnsTitan]

i will now follow the game on nrlstats

[Smakked]

That enough watching this crap might go watch farmer wants a wife

[gotitans101]

This sucks.

[Boofhead]

Farking bull****.

[Boofhead]

Phil Haynes... You farking prick.

[Smakked]

are we even defending out there?

[DIEHARD]

Not looking pretty out there. The Tigers are toying with us.

Shame we couldnt get that try but it was a knock on to Michaels. Knew it straight away.

[gotitans101]

Are we even playing out there?

We are horrible, no need to blame the refs for this upcoming cricket score.

[DIEHARD]

Benji is on fire.

[Geeman]

This is disgusting. Maybe if we get the ball back we could try something other than 1 out hit ups...

[gotitans101]

Hoorrrrraaaayyy.

[Geeman]

Damn, was gonna put money on mini to score, but went with birdy instead :P

[DIEHARD]

Mini is going alright for us. 22-4 Cant believe our luck that the conversion bounced off the posts!

[DIEHARD]

Ellis is a monster.

[Geeman]

Good couple of shots by bird, we need a bit more of that in the second half, their defence is dominating us, but we don't seem to hit back with our own

[TITAN PETE]

Like watching a Union game with some of the passes

[DIEHARD]

Oh love the intercept and the long range effort from Magic.

With that we are actually in this game.

[Geeman]

Easy 50m jog for Mead

[DIEHARD]

Like watching a Union game with some of the passes

*sHiVeR*

[DIEHARD]

Come back on the cards.

[DIEHARD]

Oh so painfully short of the line by Zillman.

[Geeman]

Great break by Magic

[DIEHARD]

No support for Meady! Great run though. 6 to 2, strip, two in the tackle...

Its all happening out there!

[DIEHARD]

Utai still has it. That pocket battleship low centre of gravity.

[DIEHARD]

Amazing off load from Utai to Lote to score for the Wests Tigers.

[Boofhead]

O'Dwyer is a shadow of his 2010 form.

[Mt Smart]

Arrrgggh that hurt....need a miracle bugger

[Titanic]

O'Dwyer is not an A Grader

[DIEHARD]

There is still a small window for a come back. I havent shut the gate yet.

[Mt Smart]

Have to score now to have a chance come on good hands Bailey

[Titanic]

Bad miss Laffranchi

[Mt Smart]

No chase from inside out.....hopeful Timmy dropped it.....but no...geepers cant turn a trick.

just go hard and keep it tight

[Geeman]

Great tackle Michaels!!!

[DIEHARD]

The ship has sailed. I hope Lote is ok though.

[Titanic]

pre-school

[Smakked]

Oh well at least the tigers wont make the grandfinal, they will be out in the first round

[Geeman]

Well I hope the boys are just saving all their effort for the Parramata game, because if thats all they can give, we had better make room in the cutlery drawer! :doh:

[TITAN PETE]

Oh well at least the tigers wont make the grandfinal, they will be out in the first round

True but we were just Flogged by a team that will probably be gone in the 1st week of the semi's.....we are very WEAK ;)

[DIEHARD]

We simply must win next week. For Preston and for pride.

[TITAN PETE]

We simply must win next week. For Preston and for pride.

Add me & about 5000 supporters to that list please :mad:

[teke]

Im looking forward to the Skilled Game against the Eels.

Not many good performances by anyone in this team tonight. Magic Mead is the lone danger in this side and should be given the ball at least once every set and that is no joke.

2 Bux Srama killed me in Fantasy this week...grrr

[Smakked]

Yeah mead is the only one with spark as of late, Presto had a pretty good game aswell

[Titanic]

We looked good for about ... nah, why am I kidding myself (just musing).

[Supergoose]

What did people make of the Moltzen try? Looked like an old fashioned obstruction to me. Not one but two players impeded. Overall, we managed to get back into a game we were being slaughtered in. One bad pass and some disorganised attack and we surrendered momentum and any chance of giving them a scare. Not sure Parra deserve the spoon more than we do, bit would love to give it to them.

[karnage]

I think Srama might have had enough now. He tries so hard but he missed a few tackles last night and his service was not up to what it has been. I'm not saying this as a knock either. He's been playing 80 mins a week in his first season in the toughest comp on Earth. He'll benefit more than anybody from a proper pre-season. Just one more game for him to get through.

Watching the way that Mathews has contributed in the last month makes me think that we probably should have kept him and offloaded Bull. He looks a real up and comer and of all the players we have lost, I think he has the most upside. We'll see I suppose.

Tonga was a passenger for the entire 80 minutes. He's no loss at all.

There's a fair bit of pride on the line and we have to come in with 3 days less preparation. The boys just need to get up for one last hurrah, but success is not assured. Canberra failed to send their champion Tongue out as a winner. The thing is, we really have looked like a wooden spoon team all year and Parramatta have lost 3 games in golden point in the last 6 weeks. If we do finish 15th or 14th we really have dodged a bullet...

[shamus]

Watching the way that Mathews has contributed in the last month makes me think that we probably should have kept him and offloaded Bull. He looks a real up and comer and of all the players we have lost, I think he has the most upside. We'll see I suppose.

It is a shame we are losing Mathews but Bull is the one of about 4 players that showed heart out there last night. He was in the minority of 'sliders' when we were defending. 80% of the team could not be bothered and it made my blood boil to see it. It was so obvious and had I been in my motel room instead of a Cairns pub I would have yelled obscenities at the screen. Very very lazy defence out there and I will let them know it from my seat in Section 20 next Saturday if no improvement is shown...:fight: :fight: :fight:

Some of you bag certain players (Michaels etc) and he makes mistakes but it is not through lack of trying. He had a dig, which is a lot more than I can say about a majority of them. :fight:

Oh, another 30 degree day here in Cairns. I better get myself back outside and catch some rays..:thumbsup:

Suffer you bastards! :p

[karnage]

I'm not trying to knock Bull in any way by those comments. I simply mean that we will only get 12 good months out of Bull where Mathews can offer us something for the next 5 years.

[Smakked]

Yeah i agree Matthews has stepped up in the last few weeks, pity we didnt keep him.

[Titanic]

5/8, 5/8, 5/8 ... it doesn't seem to matter which of the team fires we just continually stub our toes at pivot. I am not convinced we have the answer to that in our club.

[Ryan]

I didn't see anything in Matthews worth re-signing - for until after he signed with St George. James Stosic was the same, averages performances right up until he left, and I see that in alot of NRL players across the board.

Extremely happy with our forward pack for next year (understatement!), not too upset about losing Matthews ;)

David Mead certainly needs more ball, if that requires a position change then maybe thats worth considering, cause he is our most lethal attacking weapon.

I think our club has enough (and the right) ingredients to be a force next year, it's just a matter of the chef mixing them right and none of them 'going off' in the mean time.

[borama1]

I didn't see anything in Matthews worth re-signing - for until after he signed with St George. James Stosic was the same, averages performances right up until he left, and I see that in alot of NRL players across the board.

Extremely happy with our forward pack for next year (understatement!), not too upset about losing Matthews ;)

David Mead certainly needs more ball, if that requires a position change then maybe thats worth considering, cause he is our most lethal attacking weapon.

I think our club has enough (and the right) ingredients to be a force next year, it's just a matter of the chef mixing them right and none of them 'going off' in the mean time.

David Mead -15 tries this season - tied for 3rd most

pretty solid effort for a guy playing for 15th ranked team that doesnt get much open field ball and ball from a backline move in the red zone

[JibberJabber]

I'd like to see Lawrence get more minutes. Seemed to be making the effort to at least chase down a couple of those line breaks... can move for a big fella.

[matti]

I see mead getting offered more $$ and going elseware being honest. Imagine him at storm with slater

[teke]

5/8, 5/8, 5/8 ... it doesn't seem to matter which of the team fires we just continually stub our toes at pivot. I am not convinced we have the answer to that in our club.I agree, Im not even that confident about next year if the clubs doesnt find an answer to this position.

I agree that Titans have been Wooden Spooners all year

[karnage]

I see mead getting offered more $$ and going elseware being honest. Imagine him at storm with slater

I couldn't imagine Craig Bellamy forking out big money for a winger. Men in these positions never get the big paydays because succesful clubs use their salary caps to stitch up 1-6-7-9 and to a lesser extent 8 or 10. Big money signings at centre (Inglis, Folau, Gasnier, Idris etc) are often as much to do with marketing as they are on field success because they are the glamour boys.

We'll have made Mead for as long as we want him. 15 tries is excellent output but he still needs to become more effective at defusing attacking kicks - that has to be the focus for he preseason.

[karnage]

I think our club has enough (and the right) ingredients to be a force next year, it's just a matter of the chef mixing them right and none of them 'going off' in the mean time.

To run with your metaphor, right now, I'm not at all convinced that our chef has what it takes. But that will make next year all the sweeter if he proves me wrong.

[Titanic]

To run with your metaphor, right now, I'm not at all convinced that our chef has what it takes. But that will make next year all the sweeter if he proves me wrong.

And in accord: perhaps he should fight fire with fire rather than jumping out of the frying pan right into it, however, if it's too hot, get out of the kitchen but in fairness too many cooks can spoil the broth.

[teke]

I couldn't imagine Craig Bellamy forking out big money for a winger. Men in these positions never get the big paydays because succesful clubs use their salary caps to stitch up 1-6-7-9 and to a lesser extent 8 or 10. Big money signings at centre (Inglis, Folau, Gasnier, Idris etc) are often as much to do with marketing as they are on field success because they are the glamour boys.

We'll have made Mead for as long as we want him. 15 tries is excellent output but he still needs to become more effective at defusing attacking kicks - that has to be the focus for he preseason.You are right about wingers and the money they earn, clubs just dont fork out for them unless they see them moving into diff positions. The Club will have to come to the table when Meads contract is up.