Round 6: PANTHERS vs TITANS (2018)

[DIEHARD]

PANTHERS vs TITANS

Sunday 15 April 2018 - Panthers Stadium

[JunctionBlock]

Have you heard that James is looking at 1-2 weeks for the hit on Croker?

[teke]

Have you heard that James is looking at 1-2 weeks for the hit on Croker?He will get a few weeks

[JunctionBlock]

Apparently he's playing with an injury too so hopefully a couple of weeks will help it heal.

[Mr Bods]

Have you heard that James is looking at 1-2 weeks for the hit on Croker?

Didn’t think he’d get charged at all when I saw the replay at the time. I’d be challenging it.

[RavShamrock]

I recon he'll take the early plea with 1 week out.
He acted injured on that play which I think made it look a little less suspect (well at least he was hoping).

[Mr Bods]

I recon he'll take the early plea with 1 week out.
He acted injured on that play which I think made it look a little less suspect (well at least he was hoping).

With our win-loss ratio being 3-2 we aren’t in a must win scenario so there is an argument there to cut our losses and take the penalty. I guess Matthews can come straight in for him so the disruption to team organisation would be minimal.

[Dobes]

Fox Sports reporting that there is a major concern with Waqa Blake for the Panthers this week.

Will Matthews is a possibility to return. Dale Copley also being monitored closely.

[Dooldog76]

We will need Matthews back with the likelihood that James will miss next week.

[Mr Bods]

Fox Sports reporting that there is a major concern with Waqa Blake for the Panthers this week.

Will Matthews is a possibility to return. Dale Copley also being monitored closely.

Copley was concussed wasn’t he? Surely he will be be Right. What’s up with Waqa Blake?

[RavShamrock]

Penrith have confirmed Waqa Blake is set to miss at least four weeks with a a high grade syndesmosis injury.

[Dooldog76]

With our win-loss ratio being 3-2 we aren’t in a must win scenario so there is an argument there to cut our losses and take the penalty. I guess Matthews can come straight in for him so the disruption to team organisation would be minimal.

I was waiting for the mini gf call....

[Mr Bods]

I was waiting for the mini gf call....

It will be next week if Penrith defeat us

[Dooldog76]

It will be next week if Penrith defeat us

Hahahahaha. Couldn’t help myself

[DavidBouveng]

at least when we finally get the premiership decider we wont be nervous after playing in so many GF's the last year or two

[Dobes]

I think this is a game we can definitely win. Penriff obviously have a few wins, but literally all of their games so far have been against the out of form teams. Not to mention they lost to the Dogs a couple of weeks back. Especially with the loss of Waqa Blake, I’m thinking we should do pretty well.

[DIEHARD]

Waqa Blake adds to Panthers' injury woes

Penrith centre Waqa Blake faces a significant stretch on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a high-grade syndesmosis injury in his right ankle, suffered late in his team's 12-6 win over Parramatta on Sunday.

Penrith are hopeful Blake will only be sidelined for four weeks, but the 23-year-old will visit a specialist this week to determine whether he requires surgery, which would rule him out for considerably longer.

Blake's ankle twisted awkwardly when tackled by Daniel Alvaro and Kaysa Pritchard. He initially stayed on the field but was eventually removed with less than 12 minutes on the clock.

It leaves coach Anthony Griffin with a significant shortage of outside backs ahead of Sunday's clash against the in-form Gold Coast Titans.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remains sidelined with a broken jaw, while off-season recruit Tyrone Phillips remains about a month off returning from a torn pectoral.

Griffin will name his team on Tuesday afternoon, with one option to move Tyrone Peachey to the centres and hand youngster Jarome Luai an NRL debut alongside James Maloney in the halves.

Peachey's versatility has been crucial this season in covering the loss of halfback Nathan Cleary, who is still a minimum of six weeks off returning from a knee injury.

"Unluckily Nath went down with a knee injury and they needed someone to fill in there, so I was up," Peachey said.

"I find I'm enjoying it there, Jim [Maloney] helps out a lot and makes it a lot easier for me. I just listen to him, and he directs everything and I get to play whatever footy I see."

Penrith have won both games without Cleary, and the only match they lost this season was against Canterbury when their superstar half didn't return to the field after the main break.

It has put them in third spot on the ladder behind the unbeaten Dragons and Warriors, although Griffin's injury crisis is threatening to hit breaking point.

Maloney has been superb in Cleary's absence, spearheading a strong win against the North Queensland in Townsville before laying on a try and producing several key defensive plays to help down the Eels.

"He's awesome, he's helped the club out a lot, he just brings that how-to-win attitude and that's what we needed," Peachey said.

"We've got a lot of young players here and Jimmy's helped out a lot.

"He's a massive leader, he knows how to win, he came from [premiership-winning clubs] Cronulla and the Roosters, so he's seen the winning culture."

Peachey said Cleary's injury had galvanised the playing squad.

"He was the heart and soul of the team . . . so to see him go down was awful," Peachey said.

"We've got a pretty versatile bunch. When Nath went down we knew it was going to be a harder job and it did bring everyone together.

"That first game he went down we lost against the Doggies. We didn't know what was going to happen, and when Hook [Griffin] told me I was playing five-eighth I just knew all I can do is play my football and see what happens at the end of it.

''It's been good the last few weeks, we've been lucky to get a win, hopefully we can keep the momentum going and move onto the Titans next week."

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Bryce Cartwright’s return to form for Titans timely ahead of Panthers NRL showdown

CRITICISED, challenged and relegated to the role of spectator on the bench.

It was a disastrous start to life as a Titan for Bryce Cartwright but his return to form against the Sea Eagles on Sunday could not have come at a better time.

A Titans team now boasting a strong influence of former Panthers — not the least of which is their coach — will travel to Penrith on Sunday eager to consolidate their place in the top eight.

Given the Titans have been on the road for a month now their record of three wins from their opening five games is exciting their supporters and giving rookie coach Garth Brennan a strong platform from which to build.

The final piece of that platform was Cartwright, who joined the Titans from the Panthers just weeks before the start of the season and was thrust immediately into the starting lock forward position.

It proved an uneasy fit and after three weeks Cartwright was dropped back to the bench, playing just a solitary minute in Gold Coast’s 26-14 win over the Broncos.

The 23-year-old’s contribution against Manly was far more significant, a trademark flick pass setting up the first of Jai Arrow’s two tries just 60 seconds after coming onto the field.

But after the likes of Alex McKinnon and Gorden Tallis questioned whether Cartwright played in a tough enough manner to succeed in the NRL, it was his effort areas that garnered the greatest praise on Sunday.

Half of the Panthers’ 1991 premiership-winning second row along with Cartwright’s uncle John, Penrith legend Mark Geyer believes it was the type of performance that will propel him back to the standard that had him touted as a player destined for Origin.

“Yesterday a line in the sand was drawn,” Geyer told Triple M’s The Grill Team.

“He came out and said, ‘I want to be a first grade footballer.

“I’ve felt for him over the last month. He’s copped it and probably rightly so.

“I think he’d be the first to admit that his form has been way down but the only way you can answer your critics or people denying whether you should be a first grader or not is on the field, and he did.”

After difficult questions were asked by prominent people who have played NRL, Matty Johns added his belief that it was a tougher Bryce Cartwright who played 55 minutes against the Sea Eagles.

His nine runs yielded 83 metres and despite having to defend in the centres opposite Dylan Walker for the final 25 minutes of the game, missed just one tackle for the game.

“The people that criticised Bryce Cartwright, it was Gorden Tallis — Gorden is a fan of the Titans — and Alex McKinnon,” Johns added on Triple M.

“Alex said straight after a game that Bryce had to muscle up and play a little tougher.

“Cartwright played tough. He didn’t try to do too much with the ball and came up with a real good try-saver as well.”

Brennan first coached Cartwright when he was just 18 years of age and he elevated him into Penrith’s under-20s squad.

Bryce Cartwright’s relationship with Garth Brennan stretches back some five years.

The Titans coach has an unfailing belief in Cartwright’s ability and was thrilled to see an improvement in the little areas of his game.

“Bryce just did his job, carried the ball and got down and played the ball a few times,” Brennan said.

“He wasn’t looking for the offload all the time ... but set up a try with a nice little offload which he is more than capable of doing.

“I thought he defended really well with that one-on-one tackle on (Daly) Cherry-Evans in the first half and then with that miss (on Brian Kelly) where he ran back hard and saved the day for the team.

“He is a work in progress but I am really happy and I think he took a real step forward today.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/

[RavShamrock]

James Accepts Early Guilty Plea
Author Titans.com.au Timestamp Tue 10 Apr 2018, 11:40 AM

Captain Ryan James has today accepted the early guilty plea on the charge handed down by the NRL Match Review Committee yesterday.

James was charged with a Grade 1 'Dangerous Contact - Head/Neck' that comes with 105 points. With a prior non-similar offence, James receives 20% loading so will have 90-points remaining, if charged again.

The skipper will miss the Panthers fixture and be available to face the Cowboys, in Townsville.

[Titanic]

And our captain this week will be ... ?

[RavShamrock]

Gordon……..

[Dooldog76]

Proctor???

[timor 2]

Titans: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Dale Copley, 4 Konrad Hurrell, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 Kane Elgey, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jarrod Wallace, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Max King, 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Will Matthews, 13 Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Morgan Boyle, 16 Bryce Cartwright, 17 Jack Stockwell

Reserves: 18 Leilani Latu, 19 Keegan Hipgrave, 20 Ryan Simpkins, 21 Tyronne Roberts-Davis

Max King moves to prop for Ryan James (suspension) with Will Matthews returning in the back row. Jack Stockwell replaces Keegan Hipgrave on the bench.

[JunctionBlock]

https://i.imgur.com/6fRtt2X.png

Stockwell in front of Hipgrave? We must be getting desperate if Simpkins is making the extended bench.

[gotitans101_]

Stockwell? Really?

[JunctionBlock]

Stockwell? Really?

Hopefully better than Latu coming back in.

FYI
Wacko’s Whispers
Titans Ryan James has been managing a plantar fasciitis foot injury last few weeks, week of due to suspension massive bonus

[Mr Bods]

Looking forward to my first look at Stockwell. Our Coach is a great judge and if he has him ahead of Hipgrave and Latu then that’s something to be excited about.

And Ryan Simpkins to me is a great depth man. Workhorse, versatile and inspiring. He’s no frills but we never lose because of him.

[DavidBouveng]

I think we are replacing a prop, which Hipgrave isn't.

[indoallstars]

I also think this might not necessarily be garths pecking order but wanting to get some gametime under jack Stockwell whilst is is early in the season.

[Mr Bods]

Does anyone have any intel on how Stockwell has performed in the QCup?

[ja4220]

Just saw Ryan James on crutches on the news so thinking that the guilty plea was a no brainer.
Heard that Stockwell went alright on the weekend in QCup so we will see what shakes out.

[Dooldog76]

Where did stockwell come from? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play. Or if I have I didn’t notice him.

[JunctionBlock]

Where did stockwell come from? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play. Or if I have I didn’t notice him.

Newcastle

[RavShamrock]

I love that Brennan has brought in Stockwell. Simply adds competition for that bench prop position which we look a little vulnerable in (assuming he plays well of course). It should be a shoot out between him and Boyle for that spot so both boys should be ripping in like there's no tomorrow.
Wow! We actually have some real competition for spots, thank Fv6k

[Titanic]

Latu seems to have left his form in Courier Mail :(

[Dooldog76]

Newcastle

Cheers mate

[teke]

I love that Brennan has brought in Stockwell. Simply adds competition for that bench prop position which we look a little vulnerable in (assuming he plays well of course). It should be a shoot out between him and Boyle for that spot so both boys should be ripping in like there's no tomorrow.
Wow! We actually have some real competition for spots, thank Fv6kNeed some competition in the backs

[RavShamrock]

Yes we do teke.
If Brennan can work some magic on Lee that would be a good start (he's bloody big enough)

[JunctionBlock]

Yes we do teke.
If Brennan can work some magic on Lee that would be a good start (he's bloody big enough)

It would be good to have some speed in the backs too.

[Titanic]

Koni’s error rate is putting himself under real pressure.

[JunctionBlock]

Koni’s error rate is putting himself under real pressure.

It was the first name I looked for when team lists were released.

[JunctionBlock]

Might be an issue with making Kevin Proctor the captain this weekend. Looks like the video footage has emerged of he and Bromwich sniffing coke last year and there is a report on Thursday into the drug syndicate run bu John Touma.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/melbourne-storm/cctv-footage-emerges-of-the-canberra-drugs-incident-involving-kiwi-stars-kevin-proctor-and-jesse-bromwich/news-story/717a337fd47b2b5f6064a1b293b6a71f

[Mr Bods]

^^^ Surely he’s not the Captain this week

[shamus]

Might be an issue with making Kevin Proctor the captain this weekend. Looks like the video footage has emerged of he and Bromwich sniffing coke last year and there is a report on Thursday into the drug syndicate run bu John Touma.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/melbourne-storm/cctv-footage-emerges-of-the-canberra-drugs-incident-involving-kiwi-stars-kevin-proctor-and-jesse-bromwich/news-story/717a337fd47b2b5f6064a1b293b6a71f

FMD! Just when we get a clean bill of health scandal wise this $h1t rears it’s ugly head!

[JunctionBlock]

FMD! Just when we get a clean bill of health scandal wise this $h1t rears it’s ugly head!

If it eases the pain it was under Melbourne Storms sports page.

[Upthetits]

Bit annoying as they've been punished already and everybody has moved on from it.

[RavShamrock]

As with previous weeks I've looked at the match ups across the benches (yardstick for the win) and it looks pretty even this one.
Cross out Tamou's impact with Reins' and I think the bench supremacy lies with Jack Stockwell's performance. (Bloody Kill It Jack!)
Anyhow looks like Jack is married to Brennan's niece so a little extra pressure or incentive depending how you look at it.

[Dooldog76]

Peats or Gordon would be best pick for captain. Or koni for sh1ts and giggles.

[Mr Bods]

Titans just had nasty publicity on national Tele The 730 Report....thanks again Cokey The Clown
No way can he be stand in Captain this week

[Dooldog76]

Titans just had nasty publicity on national Tele The 730 Report....thanks again Cokey The Clown
No way can he be stand in Captain this week

Video has been leaked everywhere. He can’t be stand in captain ever. It’s not like he can deny it, the hair sort of gives him away.

[Mr Bods]

Video has been leaked everywhere. He can’t be stand in captain ever. It’s not like he can deny it, the hair sort of gives him away.

The Club did a great job with the consequences Kevin got, big fine, suspension and community service and also he showed remorse and copped it sweet-so going forward I support him as a part of our club.......BUT-leadership positions, no way.

[RavShamrock]

Pretty sure you can't hang a man twice.
As annoying as it is ignore it.

[DIEHARD]

The Club did a great job with the consequences Kevin got, big fine, suspension and community service and also he showed remorse and copped it sweet-so going forward I support him as a part of our club.......BUT-leadership positions, no way.

Seems reasonable.

Unfortunately this digs up all this again and some people may even think its new, just by reading headlines and seeing thumbnails.

I really can't stomach how disrespectful it all was to the Kiwis jumper.

[Titanic]

What about the low-lifes and bogans in the video ... very classy lot.

[DIEHARD]

Titans appoint Nathan Peats as replacement skipper for Ryan James

GARTH Brennan has backed Nathan Peats as Titans captain after the NSW Origin hooker was promoted in Ryan James’ absence for Gold Coast’s trip to Penrith.

James copped a one-match suspension for his hit on Manly pivot Lachlan Croker last weekend, leaving the Titans in need of a stand-in skipper for their Sunday afternoon match against the Panthers.

Coach Brennan has found the answer in Peats.

“Nathan Peats will be captain,” he confirmed to the Bulletin.

“Nathan is obviously experienced, he’s played Origin. He’s one of the fiercest competitors in our football team and he leads by his actions.

“He’s a very good talker. The boys respect him and respond to him so I think he is a logical choice to jump in there as captain this weekend.

“He has always thought of himself as a bit of a leader … I think he embraces that extra responsibility.”

Brennan said second-rower Kevin Proctor will step up to the plate during the game at Panthers Stadium if Peats is off the field at any stage and noted there are plenty of other leadership options available.

“There’s also Michael Gordon who has got a lot of experience and I think Ash Taylor is a captain in the future as well at some stage.”
Hardman Will Matthews is firming to return from injury after missing the Manly match.

“If he gets through captain’s run (today) OK, he will play,” Brennan said, adding the remainder of the 21-man squad are fully fit.

http://www.gcbulletin.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Titans five-eighth Kane Elgey relieved with upturn in form ahead of Panthers showdown

KANE Elgey is gradually putting a smile back on his face and he’s hoping to do the same with Titans fans in the coming months.
It’s been a rough period for Elgey ever since he injured his knee during the first training session of 2016 but the light at the end of the tunnel is suddenly appearing.

The five-eighth has started this season in far better fashion and has particularly impressed in the side’s back-to-back wins over Brisbane and Manly.

Elgey, 24, has long spoken of trying to rediscover his enjoyment of footy and said ahead of Gold Coast’s Round 6 match in Penrith tomorrow that his smile was beginning to return.

“Yeah it’s in progress. I have got a smirk,” he laughed.

Teammate Jarrod Wallace said Elgey’s confidence had last year been unnecessarily battered just by his good nature.

“He just looks at everything and takes a lot to heart so when we weren’t performing well he carried a lot of that on his shoulders and he didn’t need to do that,” Wallace said.

“That just shows what such a good bloke he is and how much the club means to him.

“He is a big reason why we are winning.”

Coach Garth Brennan has publicly called for off-contract players, including Elgey, to show how much being a Titan means to them if they want to earn a new deal.

Elgey, who has repeatedly been backed by Brennan, again said enjoyment was the first step before contracts enter his mind but admitted his recent return to form was a “relief”.

“It’s just the rollercoaster as a rugby league player,” he said.

“All you want to do is please the fans and I’m trying to do that and the last two weeks is a good start so I have got to keep going in the right direction.

“It’s a relief but you can’t get ahead of yourself because a lot can change in one week.

“I just want to be that consistent player, that’s the plan for me.”

Gold Coast and Penrith will both be shooting for their third straight win in the 2pm kick-off at Panthers Stadium tomorrow.

http://www.gcbulletin.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Video: Why Brennan loves Penrith players LINK (https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/13/why-brennan-loves-penrith-players/)

[DIEHARD]

NRL Preview: Panthers v Titans: Ellis to debut; King to start
http://www.nrl.com

This is one of those games the Panthers simply have to win if they expect to be serious top four contenders, but the Titans have proved they can't be taken for granted with victories over Canberra, Brisbane and Manly.

Penrith showed how good they can be with a dominant road win over the Cowboys, but they have also shown a softer side in their performances and need to prove they are the real deal - to themselves and the doubters.

The Titans will probably be one of the hardest teams to pick all year when it comes to form and tipping competitions, but they are certainly capable of taming the Panthers. And let's not forget the intriguing subplot of Titans duo Bryce Cartwright and Mitch Rein taking on their former club for the first time.

The key match-up: James Maloney v Ashley Taylor. Whoever wins the halfback battle will heavily influence the result. Maloney is in outstanding form and his running game is also dangerous. Taylor has showed glimpses of form this season and the battle of these two should not disappoint.

For the Panthers to win: With Nathan Cleary sidelined the Panthers will again look to Maloney. The veteran playmaker continues to impress each week, with two tries in his 35 points since joining Penrith this year.

For the Titans to win: The Titans have built their game around the combination of Kane Elgey and Taylor in the halves. This pair need to dominate play and allow opportunities to gain momentum for their outside backs. If they can fire up they'll cause the Panthers a few heartaches.

Panthers v Titans - Round 6

Panthers Stat Attack: Officials have cracked down on ill-discipline this season and no team has been on the receiving end of the whistle than Penrith – the Panthers are the most penalised team in the NRL with 54 after five rounds.

Titans Stat Attack: They may not have the most star-studded team in the league but the Gold Coast have exceeded expectations so far with three wins from five games and coach Garth Brennan has them focused on the one-percenters – they lead the NRL for support runs with 930, well above the next best the Raiders (871), Roosters (860) and Sea Eagles (853).

And another thing: The Penrith Panthers have won eight of their past 10 games at Panthers Stadium.

The prediction: Panthers by 16.

Venue: Panthers Stadium
Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, 2pm Sunday at Panthers Stadium

Panthers: 1 Dylan Edwards, 2 Josh Mansour, 3 Isaah Yeo, 4 Dean Whare, 5 Christian Crichton, 6 Tyrone Peachey, 7 James Maloney, 8 Trent Merrin, 9 Peter Wallace (c), 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11 Viliame Kikau, 12 Corey Harawira-Naera, 13 James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14 Wayde Egan, 15 Kaide Ellis, 16 Moses Leota, 17 James Tamou

Reserves: 18 Jarome Luai, 19 Nick Tui-Toso, 20 Sione Katoa, 21 Jack Hetherington

Isaah Yeo shifts from back row to centre to cover Waqa Blake (ankle), with Corey Harawira-Naera starting and Kaide Ellis onto the bench.

Titans: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Dale Copley, 4 Konrad Hurrell, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 Kane Elgey, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jarrod Wallace, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Max King, 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Will Matthews, 13 Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Morgan Boyle, 16 Bryce Cartwright, 17 Jack Stockwell

Reserves: 18 Leilani Latu, 19 Keegan Hipgrave, 20 Ryan Simpkins, 21 Tyronne Roberts-Davis

Max King moves to prop for Ryan James (suspension) with Will Matthews returning in the back row. Jack Stockwell replaces Keegan Hipgrave on the bench.

Head-to-head: Played 16; Panthers 10 wins, Titans 6 wins

Matches at venue: Played 7; Panthers 4 wins, Titans 3 wins

2017 result: Panthers won 24-16 at Panthers Stadium in round 20

Points per game: Panthers 21 (6th); Titans 20.8 (7th)

Points conceded per game: Panthers 13.6 (5th); Titans 27.2 (16th)

Televised: Live on Fox League

[indoallstars]

Video: Why Brennan loves Penrith players LINK (https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/13/why-brennan-loves-penrith-players/)

Hard not to like this bloke even more

[DIEHARD]

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/pantherstitans.jpg

[ozynorts]

Video: Why Brennan loves Penrith players LINK (https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/13/why-brennan-loves-penrith-players/)

Thanks for posting mate. Great insight.
I know it’s early but Garth is really impressive so far.

[Mr Bods]

^^^ wait till we lose 4 in a row and then let’s see how much love there is

[DIEHARD]

LeagueUnlimited match preview: http://leagueunlimited.com/news/31594-panthers-v-titans-preview/

[DIEHARD]

Penrith Panthers ace Tyrone Peachey plays for the love of footy

TYRONE Peachey just looks and laughs while shrugging his shoulder.

“What do you think is my best position?” the Panthers utility fires back.

“I’ve got no idea. I just love playing footy. You find out, you let me know.”

For now, his immediate future is in the No. 6 jersey which is another position in a long list Peachey has had during his 97-game career.
He has dominated in the back-row, at centre and now in the halves. He is quick to remind you that he has spent time packing down in the front row.

“I have played front row,” Peachey said.

“I took a hit-up off the kick-off. There was a mix up with the middles and no one was in the front row so I put my hand up. I take it as it comes. I’ll do what the coaching staff do. As long as they don’t put me in the front row.

“I know I’m good off the bench because of my utility value and I can play a bit of everything but I enjoy playing 80 minutes.
“I just love playing footy. I’m just enjoying it. Who knows where I could be next week? I’m at five-eighth at the moment.”

Tyrone Peachey doesn’t know his best position but is happy playing in the halves for Penrith.

While Peachey wonders where he may play next week, there is little doubt about his long-term position according to Gold Coast Titans coach Garth Brennan.

Peachey, whose Panthers play the Titans on Sunday, has signed a three-year deal worth about $1.5 million to join the Titans in 2019. Brennan has a clear path for Peachey.

“I’m looking at him as a centre,” Brennan told The Sunday Telegraph.

“Last year, he really came of age at centre and grabbed it with both hands.

“He was really good in that position. That’s where I think is his best position. If it’s not centre then it might be a 13 role where he floats with the ball in his hands.

“You need to have him in the game. When he has the ball in his hands, people stand up and notice.

“I’ve coached and watched him the last few years. He is a super talent. He is a footballer, that’s one thing you’ll say about him.

“People ask what’s his best position. His best position is a footballer. You give him a jumper and he gives 100 per cent every time he plays. He is a special player that’s for sure.”

Brennan might be celebrating Peachey’s arrival but first he and the Titans need to stop a rampaging Penrith.

Peachey has starred in the No. 6 jersey following an injury to Nathan Cleary with James Maloney moving to halfback.
“He is a handful there,” Brennan said.

“We have to ensure that we’re not trying to solve him by yourself. He is very fast. We have to make sure we’re defending as a unit. If you go one out, he is electric.”

Peachey needed little convincing to take up the offer to join the Titans. A host of ex-Panthers players including Bryce Cartwright, Mitch Rein and Leilani Latu have already followed Brennan to the Gold Coast.

Peachey, who grew up in Cronulla and started his career with the Sharks, was looking forward to living closer to the beach again.
“It happened all of a sudden,” Peachey said.

Tyrone Peachey has impressed at five-eighth for the Panthers.

“Gus (Phil Gould) pulled me into his office and said ‘hey buddy, there’s an opportunity for three years on the Gold Coast on a good deal and that you can take it if you want it’. I talked to my family for a week; it was a good deal.

“I went and saw Brenno (Brennan) and they are moving in the right place. The Panthers are trying to free up some space for some young players coming through. It all seemed to work out.

“You don’t have to sell the Gold Coast. It’s a good lifestyle.

“I’m not too worried about next year yet. I want to do something special here at the Panthers.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au

[ozynorts]

^^^ wait till we lose 4 in a row and then let’s see how much love there is

Ever the positive one aren't you Bod's.

[Titanic]

^^^ wait till we lose 4 in a row and then let’s see how much love there isIt wouldn’t be the losing in my case but how we were losing.

[Mr Bods]

^^^ true that
Effort is the key

[DIEHARD]

LATE MAIL: Panthers v Titans
https://www.titans.com.au/

Coach Garth Brennan has finalised his side for the Round 6 match against the Penrith Panthers in Sydney, this afternoon.

Ryan James is out of the side due to suspension, with Will Matthews coming back into the side, returning from a knee injury.

With James out of the side, hooker Nathan peats will Captain the side.

The side is as follows:

1. Michael Gordon

2. Anthony Don

3. Dale Copley

4. Konrad Hurrell

5. Phillip Sami

6. Kane Elgey

7. Ash Taylor

8. Jarrod Wallace

9. Nathan Peats ©

10. Max King

11. Kevin Proctor

12. Will Matthews

13. Jai Arrow



14. Mitch Rein

15. Morgan Boyle

16. Bryce Cartwright

17. Jack Stockwell

[DIEHARD]

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FullSizeRender.jpg

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FullSizeRender-2.jpg

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FullSizeRender-1.jpg

[Mr Bods]

That was disturbing seeing Boyle seemingly knocked out or with a neck injury in the warm up

[K2G]

That was disturbing seeing Boyle seemingly knocked out or with a neck injury in the warm up

Yeah, didn't look good. Head clash with Bryce Cartwright.. surprised to hear Garth say Simpkins will come in over Hipgrave. Not liking that one

[DIEHARD]

Late Mail: Titans player out after head clash in warm-up

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, 2pm Sunday at Panthers Stadium

Panthers: Isaah Yeo shifts from back row to centre to cover Waqa Blake (ankle), with Corey Harawira-Naera starting and Kaide Ellis onto the bench. Ellis will be making his NRL debut, becoming the 576th Panther to play first grade. Sione Katoa has replaced Wayde Egan on the reserves in the final 17-man squad announcement. Nick Lui-Toso has also been omitted. Jarome Luai and Jack Hetherington were pruned from the 21-man squad on Saturday.

Titans: Prop Ryan James (suspension) is a big loss. Max King will start at prop with Will Matthews returning in the back row, while Jack Stockwell replaces Keegan Hipgrave on the bench. Hipgrave and Tyronne Roberts-Davis were cut from the squad 24 hours before kick-off, Leilani Latu and Ryan Simpkins were omitted an hour before kick-off. Nathan Peats has been named to replace James as skipper.

Gold Coast suffered a late hiccup in the warm-up when Bryce Cartwright and Morgan Boyle accidentally clashed heads during a drill. Boyle has been ruled out of the game Sunday's game, replaced on the bench by late inclusion Ryan Simpkins.

http://www.nrl.com

[Mr Bods]

Our bench is out of balance now, only have one genuine prop

[DIEHARD]

Gee 9/10 of last games for the Panthers is a great home record.

[DIEHARD]

We are underway, great defensive set to start from Titans.

[gotitans101_]

****ing idiot Hurrell

[DIEHARD]

Oh Hurrell is definitely on the field... :frown:

[DIEHARD]

****ing idiot Hurrell

15m out this will test us.

[gotitans101_]

15m out this will test us.

Should focus more on his game then his stupid hair styles.

[DIEHARD]

Phew. That was a close one. Now perhaps we can begin our game.

[DIEHARD]

Gee I thought we were a chance with that bomb, but that's rugby league. Thankfully Gordon shut that down with a lovely tackle.

[BundyTitan]

Who would've though that Copley would be our better centre, geez he's playing good footy (it being a contract year helps). Koni on the other hand...

[DIEHARD]

You beauty. We are on the board. Well done Copley.

[DIEHARD]

You can tell there is plenty of feeling in this game. On and off the field.

[rj62]

To defend like that under pressure and respond with a seemingly easy try feels foreign- but a nice bloody change

[DIEHARD]

Thanks to giving away that penalty, they are now 20m out on our ****ing doorstep.

Edit: Sweet maybe Peachey is already playing for us.

[BundyTitan]

Gotta be both happy and worried about that Peachey kick on second tackle, look forward to the rollercoaster next year haha

[DIEHARD]

Hurrell is looking like an AFL player.

[rj62]

Something has to give

- - - Updated - - -

Unless you pass like that :):)

[DIEHARD]

Match stats: https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2018/round-6/panthers-vs-titans/

[DIEHARD]

Something has to give

- - - Updated - - -

Unless you pass like that :):)

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/game15418.jpg

:banana:

[DIEHARD]

Currently sitting on 55/45 possession to Panthers. We are holding on, hopefully we see this level out.

[DIEHARD]

22:56 - Panthers Interchange #1
PANTHERS INTERCHANGE #1
ON James Tamou
OFF Trent Merrin

21:50 - Titans Interchange #1
TITANS INTERCHANGE #1
ON Jack Stockwell
OFF Jarrod Wallace

[DIEHARD]

Penalties 5-3 to Panthers advantage.

Damn it. Corey Harawira-Naera scores for Penrith. Well they finally got on the board. Disappointing to see that we couldn't shut them out for longer.

[DIEHARD]

Out wide, considering the wind, may be hard for them to convert.

[gotitans101_]

hey look, Peats is injured again.

[DIEHARD]

So much for 30 kicks in a row Maloney. Tits 2 up now.

[DIEHARD]

hey look, Peats is injured again.

26:32 - Titans Interchange #2
TITANS INTERCHANGE #2
ON Mitch Rein
OFF Nathan Peats

[DIEHARD]

Nathan Peats has come from the field with what looks to be a sternum injury.

[DIEHARD]

Oh Copley, what a break, what an off load. And Gordon with the back up.

[DIEHARD]

B.Cartwright is about to come on.

TITANS INTERCHANGE #3
ON Bryce Cartwright
OFF Will Matthews

[DIEHARD]

Taylor off with a HIH. 6 till halftime...

TITANS INTERCHANGE #4
ON Ryan Simpkins
OFF Ashley Taylor

[rj62]

Taylor off not good

[DIEHARD]

Taylor off not good

Using too many interchanges for injuries.

[rj62]

That’s ****ing bull****

[DIEHARD]

Oh that's ****ing bull**** to let them score against a 12 man Titans.

[lonegull]

Running low on troops will have a big effect come second half, also how far of the pace is Ryan simpkins gives 110% but gee he is slow around the ruck in defence

[DIEHARD]

Panthers are going to have more troops and more interchanges in the second half.

We will have the breeze.

Panthers 10 - Titans 6

[Titanic]

Tamou is the ugliest ar$e in the comp ... we look in big trouble.

[teke]

Need alot more impact from the titans backline in getting out of their half. That's the big difference atm. Panthers backs running straighter and harder

[rj62]

Penrith can consider themselves bloody lucky to be in front

[BundyTitan]

Boys are looking very tired out there and we are losing some troops. Either half time will be a good rest or we won't recover (hopefully option A). Penrith definitely gaining more metres and running with a lot more intent. Going to take a big effort to steal the two points here.

[gotitans101_]

Is Taylor coming back or is he out?

[DIEHARD]

Is Taylor coming back or is he out?

Remains to be seen. So much hinges on that.

[JunctionBlock]

Left the 7's to come home for this. Looks like we are on the back foot on the score board and injuries starting from warm up and continuing through the first half. Fingers crossed.

[DIEHARD]

Left the 7's to come home for this. Looks like we are on the back foot on the score board and injuries starting from warm up and continuing through the first half. Fingers crossed.

Dedication. How are the 7s going mate? How is the stadium going? And the Commonwealth Games for you?

[DIEHARD]

Possession at half time stands at 54/46. 8-5 penalties.

[DIEHARD]

Is Ash out there?

[gotitans101_]

Is Ash out there?

No idea. All the commentary seems to care about is Penrith.

edit: yeah he's out there.

We're gonna miss Peats though. Not coming back.

[DIEHARD]

Vossy says he has stopped him. That vastly improves out chances.

Panthers will be smelling blood here and coming for us.

[DIEHARD]

No idea. All the commentary seems to care about is Penrith.

edit: yeah he's out there.

Yes. All half time no talk about Ash Taylor. Insane.

[DIEHARD]

TITANS INTERCHANGE #5
ON Ashley Taylor
OFF Ryan Simpkins

Oh... that's a nasty incident. Gordon's knee on Mansour/

[DIEHARD]

PANTHERS INTERCHANGE #3
ON Sione Katoa
OFF Josh Mansour

[JunctionBlock]

Dedication. How are the 7s going mate? How is the stadium going? And the Commonwealth Games for you?

That was the first event I'd been too. Security was smooth, more volunteers than you can poke a stick at and the for a bloke that doesn't tan that eastern side is murder. Left after the Aussie men played for 5th and 6th. They got 5th.

[DIEHARD]

****..............

[mdrew]

Poor defence

[rj62]

Soft........

[Upthetits]

Did we use a interchange on ash Taylor? I tthought it was a HIA??

[Titanic]

Voss is the Badel of tv

[5 Year Contract]

This wont end well. We have been out of puff since 15 mins to go before half time. Panthers forwards just taking whatever they want up the middle. Looks a steep climb from here

[DIEHARD]

This is outrageous to have Nathan Cleary in the box and for so long. This isn't PanthersTV!

[lonegull]

I think I have found peacheys position for next year

[rj62]

Voss is the Badel of tv

LOL

[JunctionBlock]

Refs, obviously have a quota for send offs and penalties per game.

[rj62]

Wtf are all the penalties

[DIEHARD]

****!!!!!!!!!!!! B.CARTWRIGHT BINNED.

[rj62]

Some solid Penrith locals there

What a load of ****

[JunctionBlock]

Some solid Penrith locals there

What a load of ****

Did you see that little kid? Double fingers for the send off.

[Mr Bods]

Who are these referees???
They are playing to the crowd and have destroyed our chances today.

[mdrew]

Disgraceful commetary it is a Penrith love fest

[5 Year Contract]

and that'll do me this is going to get ugly.

[lonegull]

and that'll do me this is going to get ugly.

Yep this ain’t going to end pretty

[gotitans101_]

turned that **** off

[rj62]

I’ll be turning off in 5

Not going to watch a dragons repeat

[5 Year Contract]

Disgraceful commetary it is a Penrith love fest

every fox game is a love fest for the opposition team against us. It was anasta carrying on about the warriors, then it was blocker carrying on about the dragons then it was vossy with the broncos. We just arent respected at all by any fox commentators

[DIEHARD]

I do feel that this game has been destroyed by the refereeing. And yes they are being sucked in by the crowd.

But on the other hand our performance as well as injuries mean we are well off pace.

Penrith keep scoring against 12 men Titans.

[JunctionBlock]

What happened to Arrow?

[DIEHARD]

Panthers forwards are carving us up. With 25mins left to play. We could be looking at a big score.

[5 Year Contract]

I do feel that this game has been destroyed by the refereeing. And yes they are being sucked in by the crowd.

But on the other hand our performance as well as injuries mean we are well off pace.

Penrith keep scoring against 12 men Titans.

Yeah penalties ran us out of steam early and then injuries meaning having to burn interchange made us look spent. Now a sinbin. Referees just playing to the crowd at the moment. Panthers just slicing is up through the middle.

One positive is Peachy is on his way here next year!

[JunctionBlock]

Why would Peachey claim that, just helping us run the clock down to get 13 back on.

[rj62]

Seriously voss is a cock

[Mr Bods]

What happened to Arrow?

He’s succumbed to a back injury in the first half
This is a shocking day for us

[gotitans101_]

Yeah penalties ran us out of steam early and then injuries meaning having to burn interchange made us look spent. Now a sinbin. Referees just playing to the crowd at the moment. Panthers just slicing is up through the middle.

One positive is Peachy is on his way here next year!

He's had one good game, and it was against a depleted Titans side. I'm not buying into the Peachy coming here hype, considering it's a full year away.

[Titanic]

The lesson we should learn from this is how a crowd can assist a team ... first you need to get a crowd.

[DIEHARD]

One positive is Peachy is on his way here next year!

He has had a blinder.

[DIEHARD]

The lesson we should learn from this is how a crowd can assist a team ... first you need to get a crowd.

:laugh:

1. Get a crowd
2. Educate the crowd

It's a legitimate part of the sport. I really remember this at games at Canberra, Brookvale and Leichhardt.

[JunctionBlock]

Can't pass can't tackle

[rj62]

Very good try

[DIEHARD]

Oh that was poetry. So quick it was like it never happened.

Excellent grubber by LG and bounce for Don to score. Credit to Wallace for the offload. Great passage.

[rj62]

Hear a pin drop in the crowd

[DIEHARD]

Has B.Cartwright played negative minutes for the Gold Coast Titans now? :p

[ozynorts]

every fox game is a love fest for the opposition team against us. It was anasta carrying on about the warriors, then it was blocker carrying on about the dragons then it was vossy with the broncos. We just arent respected at all by any fox commentators
Until we become a regular top 8 team that isn’t going to change.

[rj62]

:laugh:

1. Get a crowd
2. Educate the crowd

It's a legitimate part of the sport. I really remember this at games at Canberra, Brookvale and Leichhardt.

There’s only 11000 there. Cbus just looks cavernous in comparison even with 10000 there

[DIEHARD]

Hear a pin drop in the crowd

Maybe that is was so surreal to watch the try happen and the aftermath.

[gotitans101_]

Until we become a regular top 8 team that isn’t going to change.

even then i have my doubts

[Mr Bods]

This is where you need to see Taylor not drop his head and sook it but have a swagger and take over

[rj62]

Oh that was poetry. So quick it was like it never happened.

Excellent grubber by LG and bounce for Don to score. Credit to Wallace for the offload. Great passage.

Pretty to watch

[gotitans101_]

I also didn't think losing Peats would affect us this badly but it has. They've torn us another one up the middle in his absence.

[rj62]

You have to be kidding - who was that ?!??

[DIEHARD]

Just when I was having fantasies of a come back.

[5 Year Contract]

Elgey.....mate.....

[JunctionBlock]

LG, with Cartwright and Copleystanding there watching

[5 Year Contract]

This is where you need to see Taylor not drop his head and sook it but have a swagger and take over

Hes obviously not 100% mate dont think hes sooking at the moment

[rj62]

LG - sigh.....

- - - Updated - - -


Hes obviously not 100% mate dont think hes sooking at the moment

I reckon he’s struggling

[Titanic]

Now we’ll see what we’ve got ... ?

[gotitans101_]

I can take this loss though because I just think it wasn't our day.

[5 Year Contract]

I can take this loss though because I just think it wasn't our day.

Yeah ill take a loss like today. Not like the dragons capitulation we have been up against it all and have been belted by injuries and some suss penalties. Stem the scoreline, Finish as strong as we can, regroup and reload for next week.

[teke]

Taylor is the walking dead out there lol. He's not right at all

[Mr Bods]

Hes obviously not 100% mate dont think hes sooking at the moment

He definitely plays his best footy when his head is up, he’s talking and smiling at breaks in play

[DIEHARD]

I've conceded this game. Just hope we don't pick up any more injuries. It'd been tough on the road for so long. Time to head home. Well after a trip to Townsville.

[Mr Bods]

Where’s the sin bin now you cheats

[rj62]

Why no sin bin?

[DIEHARD]

Typical no sin bin. :fist:

[Mr Bods]

Copley injured too
Hamstring
What a day

[JunctionBlock]

Starting to think Bryce didn't have to many friends down in Penrith, they are lining him up.

[rj62]

About time

[gotitans101_]

Starting to think Bryce didn't have to many friends down in Penrith, they are lining him up.

He'll get his revenge when we play them at home later in the season.

[DIEHARD]

Finally binned. Kaide Ellis gone.

[ozynorts]

Taylor is the walking dead out there lol. He's not right at all

I think Penrith came into the game with a plan to target him and it has worked. He was well contained well before he got whacked. Part of the learning curve for a young playmaker.

[rj62]

Will Take that

[JunctionBlock]

We are nothing up the middle without Arrow and James

[DIEHARD]

Field goal. Humiliation.

[rj62]

He had $ on 19+

[DIEHARD]

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fkpdzvpdak3y.gif

[JunctionBlock]

Now we are getting scored upon when they have 12 on the field. Two weeks in a row Sami has gone missing. Not coming into the middle and hitting up on the exit sets anymore. Just chillin on the wing and then can't defend one on one from side on.

[DIEHARD]

Incredibly Rugby League try by Crichton.

[rj62]

I still think the score flatters the Panthers

Take away a couple of soft tries and the crap try before half time and it’s not a doom and gloom. Also down on troops for the first time this year. Penrith at home are always a tough gig. I’m not as gutted as I was compared to the Dragons.

[lonegull]

We will see how Short the depth is in the club next week as it looks like there will be some outs

[Barrels]

jesus christ the penalties called in this match have been trash and thats for both sides too.

the nrl definitely needs to fix up ptb calls

[Upthetits]

Bryce Cartwright needs to learn to tackle or be dropped. He goes in with floppy arms instead of actually using his body to tackle and drive.

[Mr Bods]

That’s it for me
I’m distraught and angry

I’m imposing a ban on myself commenting again till DB and HS have their say post game
Sayonara till later

[5 Year Contract]

Unforunately we arent a club with massive depth to cover alot of the injuries that have come out of today. Going to be a tough few weeks.

[JunctionBlock]

Should see some non-existent penalties in the last few minutes so the ledger is evened up and the refs don't look bias.

[lonegull]

Got to give credit to Max King today huge effort from him never gave up all game well done

[DIEHARD]

Yea just let the clock run down and have a chat.

[JunctionBlock]

Does Hurrell realise you don't give the ball to the winger unless it improves the position?

[rj62]

We will see how Short the depth is in the club next week as it looks like there will be some outs

That’s goung to be interesting for sure

[Titanic]

The time Koni needs to run he sends a hospital pass ... he is so far out of form. Can’t tackle, can’t catch, can’t hold the ball, can’t break tackles, can’t read the play and spends his energy carrying half a tonne of hair.

[TITAN PETE]

We played without leadership in the 2nd half, Proctor & Wallace were rubbish in the 2nd but Hurrell has been garbage all year


Stockwell will be good for us he's a big body to bring down

Don was very good

[ozynorts]

Koni hasn’t changed imo, just that everyone around him have improved and he is being shown up.

[Upthetits]

Wonder if Brenko will get a run next week over hurrel

[JunctionBlock]

This day just gets worse for teke and MT.

Easing my pain a little.

[Titanic]

This day just gets worse for teke and MT.

Easing my pain a little.JB you’re a bad man :)

[JunctionBlock]

JB you’re a bad man :)

https://i.imgur.com/NY2p97y.jpg

[RavShamrock]

There was a seismic shift in todays officiating as far as I'm concerned.
For the first time this year I found myself questioning nearly every ref call against us (not an issue in the dragons loss I might add) I admit Penrith looked better on the day (apart from the scoreline) but how much influence did the refs have on my perception? I'll tell you, Bloody Plenty!

[Mexican titan]

This day just gets worse for teke and MT.

Easing my pain a little.

Thanks for your concern. When Luke Brooks plays well you know it's not your day. It's amazing how often manly and the titans put in crap efforts on the same day.
Everything that could have gone wrong for the Titans did today. Very poor effort and just one of those days. The comps gone wacko this year.

[RavShamrock]

Yep TP, Stockwell was good and I think will be a starter when push comes.
Bring on the push

[Dobes]

Wonder if Brenko will get a run next week over hurrel

Surely... Koni’s too much of a liability now. Somethings got to give. Give Brenko a shot and see how he goes.

[JunctionBlock]

Surely... Koni’s too much of a liability now. Somethings got to give. Give Brenko a shot and see how he goes.

His only asset is his speed. He is somehow worse in defense. So as long as we are all on the same page.

[RavShamrock]

Are we blaming Koni?
****! He was well below par but I doubt the performance will get him sacked.
That would be panic stations.

- - - Updated - - -

We owe Koni some respect in my eyes

[indoallstars]

If there is one benefit of this game, it was seeing Peachey turn it up. Seeing him play in the halves gives me more confidence for next year, should Elgey or Atay not perform, or through injury.

- - - Updated - - -

On another note proctor has been annoying me for being slack in defense and not in position most of the time, with people like Boyle, Hipgrave, King coming up he should be worried

[Upthetits]

If there is one benefit of this game, it was seeing Peachey turn it up. Seeing him play in the halves gives me more confidence for next year, should Elgey or Atay not perform, or through injury.

- - - Updated - - -

On another note proctor has been annoying me for being slack in defense and not in position most of the time, with people like Boyle, Hipgrave, King coming up he should be worried

I thought the same thing. Think Maloney went through him and ash 3 times in the second half

[RavShamrock]

As a team we failed to pressure (smash) Maloney as they did to Ash.
A one man team he was... (oh yeah, plus the refs)

[teke]

This day just gets worse for teke and MT.

Easing my pain a little.Mothafk...I think all 10/11 of my sporting teams lost this weekend but it's down to the last one early tomorrow morning, the mighty Catalan Dragons

- - - Updated - - -

Panthers just ran and tackled a little bit harder earlier on, they gained ascendancy and Maloney finished it off with his magic.

Gordon was solid at the back but rest need to eat some more Weetbix

[Dooldog76]

We have been beaten by the top 3 teams on the ladder to date, so I’m still pretty positive about how we are going. As bodsie said it wasn’t a mini gf this weekend, but it would have been nice to win.
Today highlights how much we have depended on the defense of peats, James, Boyle and arrow. As soon as peats came off we suddenly looked really vulnerable and the panthers started to really power on. Take away your three best defenders against a team with their confidence up is always going to end in tears.
I thought koni was ok this weekend, a lot better than last week. Particularly nice touch to Gordon down the wing. Simpkins looked way off the pace and also highlights how much we missed Boyle off the bench.
To me, it seemed as though a switch was flicked about the 25th minute and we looked like we were going to lose. Then on top of that we were punished with penalties. Absolutely punished. I’m hoping the injuries aren’t too bad and we bounce back against the cows, although them losing this weekend will make it harder for us next weekend.

[Hail Sezer]

Are we blaming Koni?
****! He was well below par but I doubt the performance will get him sacked.
That would be panic stations.

- - - Updated - - -

We owe Koni some respect in my eyes

Haha come on mate werent you one of the ones calling for Elgey to be dropped after round 2?

Koni has been worse overall this season and in fact I’d say he is the near the weakest link in the team atm. I’m a huge fan but his error count and defensive deficiencies are not even close to being outweighed by the offensive work rate and strike he was bringing at stages last year

[RavShamrock]

Yes HS I was harsh on LG recently but for the record I defended him like crazy the year last (still a fan but not much to cheer about today).

I agree with your comments on Koni but he’s still in credit as far as I’m concerned.

[Mexican titan]

Haha come on mate werent you one of the ones calling for Elgey to be dropped after round 2?

Koni has been worse overall this season and in fact I’d say he is the near the weakest link in the team atm. I’m a huge fan but his error count and defensive deficiencies are not even close to being outweighed by the offensive work rate and strike he was bringing at stages last year

Even in Koni's offensive work he often screws up the simple things like holding the ball and playing it properly. Like you say, his plusses do not outweigh the negatives. I love having the bloke around but he isn't NRL standard.
As for LG, I thought things had turned for him and I'm hoping they have but that tackle attempt on the 5th where he fell off and the bloke scored was one of the most pathetic tackle attempts I have seen for a while. However to point the finger at him today would be unfair. When the forwards don't go forward and leave defensive holes straight through the middle, then we have no hope.
As I said earlier I think many things just conspired against us today and it was just one of those days. Nothing like the Dragons loss.

[DIEHARD]

Stop NRL games for injuries: Titans' coach

Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan is furious referees had failed to stop play in the Penrith NRL loss, with Mitch Rein being treated for a suspected neck injury.

Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan has fired up about player safety, believing referees are failing in their duty of care towards potentially serious injuries.

The call from the Titans' boss comes on the back of an incident involving hooker Mitch Rein in Sunday's loss to Penrith.

Brennan was furious match officials didn't take the advice of Gold Coast trainer Craig Catterick and stop play when Rein was being assessed for a suspected neck injury.

With the Panthers charging towards a crucial try just before halftime, Rein tried to rush back to help his teammates as the game continued.

Brennan was incensed that the advice of a trained professional like Catterick - an experienced nurse - could be ignored.

To rub salt into the Titans' wounds, Penrith scored a converted try while Rein was down to grab a four-point lead before the Panthers ran out eventual 35-12 winners.

Rein, cleared of any serious injury, has been named to play on Saturday night against North Queensland. But Brennan said the 27-year-old had "pins and needles down his neck" while he was being assessed.

"Craig put his hand up to to stop play, he was yelling to the referees to stop play, but play went on for another four tackles and James Tamou scores with Mitch down in the backplay," Brennan told reporters on Tuesday.

"Mitch was desperate to get back in the line because he didn't want to let his team down, so not only did it put extra pressure on Craig but Mitch as well and it's cost us a try.

"To have touch judges and referees making judgment calls over qualified people is risky business when it comes to player safety.

"I can handle referees getting decisions wrong in the heat of battle and I can live with that. I can't live with processes breaking down."

Brennan said there was no consistency in how referees stopped play, believing games were halted for far less than Rein's situation.

"You'll watch a game this weekend with players cramping in the backplay and they'll stop it," Brennan said.

Brennan said he had spoken to NRL referees boss Bernard Sutton, who conceded the wrong call was made and play should have been stopped.

https://www.sbs.com.au/

[Mr Bods]

^^^ Coach Brennan finally starting to learn that when you Coach the Titans you never get a fair rub of the green from the Referees