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DIEHARD
23-03-19, 03:50 PM
SOUTHS vs TITANS
SUNDAY 31ST MARCH
6.10pm ADST

Mr Bods
23-03-19, 04:38 PM
At 0-2 already it’s time for me to say it

MINI GF!

There’s no top 8 if we don’t pull off a miracle

lonegull
23-03-19, 05:12 PM
This game could be a bloodbath

Dobes
24-03-19, 11:39 PM
I’m going to be extremely perplexed if Brennan doesn’t change his side this week.

Titanic
25-03-19, 10:51 AM
For the first time in my life, I am not looking forward to a game ... I'm already puckered and preparing for a reaming. I am not even going to suggest a line-up because I hate seeing players shuffled around and moved left to right (James, Brimson, Lee, Peachey, Kelly and Cartwright in particular) ... yes I will :laugh:

From my observations, Cartwright and Lee go better on the right; Kelly on the left; James in the middle; Brimson at the back; Peachey and Boyd as interchange. Peats and Proctor need to be dropped as a reality check with Cartwright on the right edge (his best years were there and that's where his defensive issues could be on the left) and Hipgrave on the left. I'm done with plodders:

1. Brimson
2. Sami
3. Kelly
4. Lee
5. Don until someone better comes along like Spry
6. Somebody other than Peachey until Taylor gets back
7. Jacks until Roberts gets back
8. Wallace (but only just)
9. Rein
10. James
11. Cartwright
12. Hipgrave
13. Arrow

14. Peachey
15. Boyd
16. King
17. MoFo

Titanic Believer
25-03-19, 11:37 AM
For the first time i my life, I am not looking forward to a game ... I'm already puckered and preparing for a reaming. I am not even going to suggest a line-up because I hate seeing played shuffled around and moved left to right (James, Brimson, Lee, Peachey, Kelly and Cartwright in particular) ... yes I will :laugh:

From my observations, Cartwright and Lee go better on the right; Kelly on the left; James in the middle; Brimson at the back; Peachey and Boyd as interchange. Peats and Proctor need to be dropped as a reality check with Cartwright on the right edge (his best years were there and that's where his defensive issues could be on the left) and Hipgrave on the left. I'm done with plodders:

1. Brimson
2. Sami
3. Kelly
4. Lee
5. Don until someone better comes along like Spry
6. Somebody other than Peachey until Taylor gets back
7. Jacks until Roberts gets back
8. Wallace (but only just)
9. Rein
10. James
11. Cartwright
12. Hipgrave
13. Arrow

14. Peachey
15. Boyd
16. King
17. MoFo

I like the mysterious 6. Perhaps the Phantom aka. "the ghost who walks"? Since the other depth halves are accounted for who do you suggest?

JunctionBlock
25-03-19, 11:38 AM
Prediction: No changes except Sami on Lee off. Rein to 14.

Oh and if you're religious pray we don't see Walker on the right side of the field and GI has a couple of big macs before kick off.

MightyTitans
25-03-19, 01:29 PM
Im not impressed with brennans use of the bench so far this season.

last game, Moe getting 23 mins, King 29 mins, Sami got no minutes and Cartwright got 59 minutes.

Momentum can change a game yet we are not making good use of our forward rotation.

If the guys look tired sub them off, we dont need our props like ryan james playing 71 minutes and saving his efforts, we need him going 100% and putting on a fresh forward when he tires.

Also with cartwright, send him out and tell him to get involved and get the team going forward not sit out on the edge and wait for the ball

RavShamrock
25-03-19, 03:51 PM
I’m pretty sure every team in the comp would have have lost that game against the Sharks without their first choice halves.

Gee we looked pretty good in the first 10 and the old “what if” if we had those points on the board instead.

Don’t think we will/should make many changes with the team until we get our halves back to really get a gauge on where we are at before we start self-imploding. (Not sure we can use the same halves again though)

The player’s performance I’m most disappointed in is that of Peats (I was a fan).
He is the one who needed to step up and help the inexperienced halves guide our boys around. ****Peats go and watch the Farah performance against the Warriors…that’s what we needed from ya old mate****. (Can’t stand Farah so that’s hard to stomach).
Don’t think it’s in him to be honest…. so I’d be happy to go along with the switch-a-roo for Rein and have Peachy do some time raking when needed. (A big no to Peats and Rein in the same side)

Anyway, as we all know Titans are most dangerous when everyone writes them off (pressure-release syndrome) so don’t count ya rabbits just yet uncle Benny.

The Mole
25-03-19, 06:13 PM
Changes need to happen but I don't know why people want mass changes for this game. There shouldn't be changes at all except for dropping Sami and moving Don to left wing leaving Brenko on the right (who has honestly impressed me with his application this year).

It'd be very foolish to make mass changes when you don't have your main halves back. Like I said changes definitely need to happen both in terms of positional changes and droppings but give it till round 6 where you'd have a better gauge at things, that's enough time to assess our depth/rookie players progress as well as the main team.

As for Procter, he is one of those overrated plodders that I mentioned however the reality is we can't afford to drop him this year unless someone has a breakout year. Why people are calling for Hipgrave to be promoted in his place, especially the very same who criticise Wallce and rightly for being an absolute mong giving away stupid penalties. We have limited edge forward options and will need to recruit some for next year.

This needs to be said though, despite Procter being a plodder even a smart coach can make use of him. He can run a good line. We've never seen him do it in our club yet. Last year Brennan tried to do that if you remember but it kept failing because it was always telegraphed. That's his f****** problem, we always do these f***** set plays that are so easy to defend against. Compare that to the Storm who have been doing the same play where they either pass it to a edge forward or back to the fullback who chimes in the backline. They do the same damn play for years, you see it coming yet they always pull it off unlike us or most teams and do you know why? It's because they bend the line, stretch the line, target the markers and get a quick play the ball. They put the opposition team's defense under duress and go for the highly effective play that every team has done video sessions on yet still unable to stop and how could they given our effective it is.

We play one outs, don't bend the line. no second phase, no targeting the ruck. And after all that we play our attacking set move that has been poorly imitated to a ready defensive line under no pressure. F****** amateur hour. It's high school level stuff. Don't believe me? Can you at least name me one time during those two games where we turned a runner back on the inside against the grain after a quick play the ball. I'll save your time and give you the answer, nope we didn't. This was a play even Henry utilized and we can all agree he was an average coach at best.
Still not convinced? When we lost both our halves against Canberra we still did the f***** attack set move where we passed a short ball to an edge forward or back to a chiming fullback. We did it with no halves and against a defensive line not phased by us. No wonder we lost badly.

It's only two games in and it's still a long way to go. I could be made to eat my words but I doubt it.

Titanic
25-03-19, 07:21 PM
Moley, I can’t speak for others but (1) I want Hipgrave because he plays to win and we need that, plus he can only improve. (2) I don’t want wholesale changes, I just want them playing in the positions they’ve mastered previously. Brennan’s problem seems to be reading the press. In fact I hear the knives sharpening now. (3) Proctor runs hard, plays dumb ... go back and wake up. (4) The mystery 6 should be Jacks and 7 Fogarty ... why because at the very least they are specialists.

ozynorts
25-03-19, 07:27 PM
Love it mate. I am heading you about the Proctor play. It does my head in that there is no variety there. Just the same play every time.

Randomologist
26-03-19, 03:08 PM
Good to see he's named the same 17 :/

BundyTitan
26-03-19, 04:04 PM
Taylor has got to be really close surely, also if we go with Sami ahead of Rein again.....

Mr Bods
26-03-19, 04:14 PM
What’s the definition of insanity again??

Upthetits
26-03-19, 04:18 PM
Sami on the bench again....we are going to get ran over. Their PTB speed with cook running through our slow and lumbersom middles whilst wasting a bench spot on sami is going to makw it a long night. Will be surprised if we stay within 20 of them.

DavidBouveng
26-03-19, 05:24 PM
What’s the definition of insanity again??

definition of Insanity ;
the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.

Mr Bods
26-03-19, 05:27 PM
definition of Insanity ;
the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.



I’ve heard a different definition often mentioned

EDIT- I just found it

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”....it’s attributed to Albert Einstein

Titanic
26-03-19, 05:31 PM
What’s the definition of insanity again??
Being a Titans supporter? We could be 0-4 before our next home game.

DavidBouveng
26-03-19, 05:36 PM
I’ve heard a different definition often mentioned

EDIT- I just found it

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”....it’s attributed to Albert Einstein


I knew what you were searching for, was just playing a bit as the saying annoys me

Mr Bods
26-03-19, 05:54 PM
^^^ ok DB-moving on now.

Titanic Believer
26-03-19, 06:15 PM
I knew what you were searching for, was just playing a bit as the saying annoys me

I got it. Me too. But I do question Sami on the bench.

JunctionBlock
27-03-19, 07:20 AM
https://i.imgur.com/EZW7mtz.jpg

I think one of our biggest problem isn't on the field anymore. Ferris is an issue, our rehab is now an issue and now a coach that hopes the same tripe can beat a team twice as good as anything we've played this year.

BundyTitan
27-03-19, 09:05 AM
You pick and stick when you are successful and the lineup is proven to be winners. Why we haven't made a single change this week and barely any changes the week before is mind numbing. I don't know what Mitch Rein has to do to be picked, we are really lacking his spark and running game around the tired forwards.

lonegull
27-03-19, 09:13 AM
Hopefully Garth takes some notice when Damien Cook destroys us around the middle and sees that we need an attacking hooker

JunctionBlock
27-03-19, 12:53 PM
Being a Titans supporter? We could be 0-4 before our next home game.

We don't play the dogs till round 10 and even then it'll be 50/50 at this stage. Need our halfs back now more than ever and then we can gauge how diabolical the rest of the season is.

Firetruck
27-03-19, 03:36 PM
Oh, here we go again! Please tell me why Ferris is now the problem and what evidence you have to make that statement, maybe you should take time to sound out the players because they will only speak in glowing terms of him. And how can he be blamed for current injuries or the length of absence from the field? We’re the injuries caused directly by his training methods or his rehab. Programme?

Mr Bods
27-03-19, 03:55 PM
^^^ JB can speak for himself but just briefly we’ve looked slow and unfit this year and Taylor’s chronic injury from last year has resurfaced again so the off season for Taylor is now a total waste.

Firetruck
27-03-19, 04:49 PM
Well, it’s true that the boys had many more miles put into their legs in the off season and everyone in the club was raving about how good and how much fitter they felt compared to previous seasons. In fact, their beep tests and other indicators showed improvement year on year. In the trials, particularly the one against the Donkeys, they looked much quicker and slicker than last year. I know that hasn’t translated into the two premiership games so far but it is a bit raw to simply blame Ferris. And in regard to Taylor, it is true he has a chronic problem and it is being managed by the player, the physio, the trainer and the doctor but that will not stop it flaring occasionally. The only way to prevent it is to put Taylor to bed all week and even that is no guarantee. In regard to Roberts, no person can be held accountable for that one.

Titanic
27-03-19, 05:47 PM
I'm with you Fiery, they don't look unfit or disinterested to me either, they just look tired from all the extra work they have to do from their own stupid mistakes and lack of direction.

Firetruck
27-03-19, 06:01 PM
My major concern thus far is that our two major playmakers are missing but besides that, most teams... and certainly the top teams... have at least three major points of attack... their two halves and their hooker. Some even have more with strike centres or fullback. We have only two directors because Peats, as good a defender as he is, has been left behind in the new attacking requirement of No. 9’s. We need Rein in there and sooner rather than later .

JunctionBlock
27-03-19, 06:36 PM
Oh, here we go again! Please tell me why Ferris is now the problem and what evidence you have to make that statement, maybe you should take time to sound out the players because they will only speak in glowing terms of him. And how can he be blamed for current injuries or the length of absence from the field? We’re the injuries caused directly by his training methods or his rehab. Programme?

Just read that part again slowly......I didn't talk about it last year, but the year before that I did. Hmmmmmm. I would think one of his KPI's would be to have players match fit.

Ask Manly their thoughts of him after he's left. I'm guessing the Titans thought they could do better when they let him go the first time. Would a current player speak poorly of a member of the Titans team in an open forum, I ****ing doubt it.

C-Whiz
27-03-19, 06:46 PM
I was fortunate enough that I was working for the Sharks game so only had to suffer through it on the radio, and it sounded woeful.
Lets accept the starting halves being out and we accept a certain lack of creativity, but that doesn't excuse poor ball handling basics or a lack of already trained plays.
As I said in the Canberra thread, it concerns me that we didn't have a finishing play on the buzzer at C-Bus, and it concerns me that we didn't have a trained play (other than trying to barge through a defensive line) for repeat sets in the red zone at Sharks.
Apart from stairs and beach runs, what have the guys been doing at pre-season training?
I'd take the forfeit against Rabbits and save ourselves for a trip across the ditch.

Firetruck
27-03-19, 07:03 PM
Just for the record. Manly didn’t release Ferris, he was courted by us. The players all attest to the fact that they are fitter this year than last year. Many of them including Taylor, Lee, Boyd privately and publicly talk about how they are fitter and at better playing weight than last year. I attend training quite often and it is easy to see the respect the playing staff have for Ferris. And as I said earlier, Ferris doesn’t set rehab. Plans on his own. They are majorly determined by the doctor, Physios, trainers and coaching staff. They draw up an agreed plan and work to it. I suppose Ferris will always be the figurehead or the person in the gun sights for injuries etc. and that’s fair enough. It’s the same with selections where Brennan’s head is on the line but there is really Brennan, Hodges and Burt who get together to select the side. Naturally, Brennan’s view would prevail in a deadlock and his head will always be on the block. All I am asking is to give Ferris a fair go and where there is clear evidence that he is failing the club, players and fans then go hard on him. But until then a bit of support may not hurt.

Mexican titan
27-03-19, 07:18 PM
Just for the record. Manly didn’t release Ferris, he was courted by us. The players all attest to the fact that they are fitter this year than last year. Many of them including Taylor, Lee, Boyd privately and publicly talk about how they are fitter and at better playing weight than last year. I attend training quite often and it is easy to see the respect the playing staff have for Ferris. And as I said earlier, Ferris doesn’t set rehab. Plans on his own. They are majorly determined by the doctor, Physios, trainers and coaching staff. They draw up an agreed plan and work to it. I suppose Ferris will always be the figurehead or the person in the gun sights for injuries etc. and that’s fair enough. It’s the same with selections where Brennan’s head is on the line but there is really Brennan, Hodges and Burt who get together to select the side. Naturally, Brennan’s view would prevail in a deadlock and his head will always be on the block. All I am asking is to give Ferris a fair go and where there is clear evidence that he is failing the club, players and fans then go hard on him. But until then a bit of support may not hurt.

I'm certainly happy enough to leave Ferris alone. From what I have seen in the two games the results have been due to lack of player talent and performance and poor selections in my opinion.

Specifically, I can't work out why Rein has not made the team, and as starting hooker with Peats out of the 17, the selection of Sami on the bench, and not changing the team at all after last week. Add to that, as per last year we don't appear to have forwards that can bend the line and quickly play the ball. We must be the slowest team in the NRL and we give so much time for opposing defences to get set.

I'm certainly cutting some slack until the halves get back but Brennan pretty much has the squad he wanted so that and the selections are on his head. What worries me is that players when they come here seem to go backwards, proctor and more recently Kelly and Peachey are good examples. I'll forget Cartwright as he was screwed in the head when he got here. Players who perform worse here than at the previous clubs is probably not down to the conditioning staff. I have no real view on Ferris but I think the problems are elsewhere.

shamus
28-03-19, 07:15 AM
I'd take the forfeit against Rabbits and save ourselves for a trip across the ditch.

Me too...a 5 day turnaround and a trip across the ditch. Not feeling confident at all.

lonegull
29-03-19, 06:09 AM
being reported that rein will come onto the bench, with either sami or Mo to drop off, surely Brennan will not go into this game with a hooker and a winger on the bench bloody hell that would be a first.

Dooldog76
29-03-19, 07:02 AM
We can't take a winger on the bench against south's. Their forwards will murder us in the second half. Maybe rein has shat in someone's bed. The only explanation I can come up with.

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 07:08 AM
We can't take a winger on the bench against south's. Their forwards will murder us in the second half. Maybe rein has shat in someone's bed. The only explanation I can come up with.

Which feeder club does he play for and has he been playing for them? Injury perhaps, or recovering from offseason injury?

BundyTitan
29-03-19, 07:36 AM
Rein is finally coming onto the bench this week in place of Sami. Also Ash likely back next week. Source: our best mate Pete Badel

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 09:25 AM
Late Mail:

https://i.imgur.com/j0MD181.jpg

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 12:41 PM
Gold Coast have been hit by serious injury to yet another spine star.
The Courier Mail reporter Peter Badel revealed Peats has seemingly torn a pectoral and faces up to three months in the casualty ward. He joins Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts on the injured list.


*cough cough*

BundyTitan
29-03-19, 01:03 PM
Wow...this year just gets better and better

Hail Sezer
29-03-19, 01:17 PM
Weird how Ferris comes back and suddenly they’re all dropping like flies again...

https://imgflip.com/s/meme/But-Thats-None-Of-My-Business.jpg

NZFan
29-03-19, 01:21 PM
Despite everybody wanting Peats to be dropped this could be a big blow for us. Who have we got after Rein that can play hooker? Roberts? Injured. Peachey maybe?

I was hoping that we wouldn't see a centre on the bench again this week but I can see Garth keeping one to fill in for Peachey when Rein needs a break.

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 01:34 PM
HS just called triple 0

Mexican titan
29-03-19, 01:36 PM
I might as well post this here. An email from the club titled "Member exclusive with the Titans Head of Performance Dan Ferris". Apologies if this was posted elsewhere but I need to ensure that Bods in particular has seen it.

"Dear
The Titans’ hopes for a flying start to the new season took a major hit just 12 minutes into the 2019 campaign when experienced half Tyrone Roberts hobbled off Cbus Stadium with an Achilles injury against the Canberra Raiders in Round 1.

In the latest instalment of our Members Exclusives, we talk to Titans Head of Performance Dan Ferris about Tyrone’s injury, and the work required to get him back on the field.

The loss of Tyrone Roberts to injury in Round 1 against Canberra was a big blow for the Titans. Could you explain what his injury is, and how it occurred?

Tyrone suffered a partial strain in his Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It is responsible for connecting the heel to the muscles of the lower leg.

Contracting your calf muscles pulls the Achilles tendon upwards, resulting in the foot articulating downwards.

As a result, the Achilles tendon allows a person to stand, walk, jump, run, or stand on your tip-toes.

Interesting note: The Achilles tendon can withstand very strong forces – up to 500kg when you're hopping for example, which is why they are a less common injury.

Tyrone landed on his leg after kicking the ball and went to planter flex his foot into acceleration, and felt a slight strain in his lower limb.

After initial assessment from our Head Trainer Adam Russell, Tyrone couldn’t calf-raise, and had mild pain.

This indicated he wouldn’t be able to pursue the required running mechanisms to continue in the match.

Is this just a “bad luck” type of injury, or did the awful wet conditions contribute to his injury?

Unfortunately, it was bad luck. Tyrone participates in our weekly lower-limb strengthening sessions, which aim to improve lower-limb power and stiffness.

But on this occasion, the tendon couldn’t hold the weight of force Tyrone was trying to produce.

We have now undertaken an intense training program aiming to strengthen the area even more, to protect any future load that Tyrone requires the tendon to produce.

Achilles injuries tend to be very serious for rugby league players when there is a rupture. Why does this type of injury take so long to heal?

For one, it’s surgery, which means there is always an extended period on the sidelines.

Secondly, tendons generally have poor blood supply, which means a longer healing process.

But most importantly, you have to let the surgically repaired tendon heal first before you start your rehab process.

Due to the weight bearing nature of the Achilles tendon, this is a slower process.

Obviously it was a “best-case scenario” that it was a strain, and not a rupture. But does a strain make him more susceptible to a rupture down the track, particularly for a halfback that uses explosive acceleration?

Tyrone will do all the necessary return-to-play protocols that our physiotherapists and rehabilitation staff prescribe for him, to ensure he strengthens the tendon to deal with all required actions that he will complete on the field – including accelerating, jumping, kicking and, hopefully, running at maximum speed to score a try!

Tyrone’s running is going to be restricted for a while presumably. How do you work around this an ensure his conditioning remains high when doing his rehab? What is the treatment program like?

First protocol is to ensure Tyrone’s chronic load of running is high.

This means prior to the injury, he has a solid base of running fitness – which he has, and will ensure his conditioning level remains suitable during the rehab phase.

The second part is to immobilise the injury and place him in a moonboot to lighten the load that is generating through the tendon to ensure the healing process starts.

Next he will work with the physios to remove any excess swelling, and begin a tendon-strengthening program before his running protocol starts. This can take seven to 14 days.

The next part, once the previous goals have been met, is to start the running phase and return to play.

This includes starting running on the anti-gravity treadmill at 80 per cent of Tyrone’s bodyweight, and continuing to increase to 95 per cent over the course of a week.

Once Tyrone achieves 95 per cent, he can start the last phase which is return to the field.

He will commence his running protocol, which finishes off with an exit-run into main skills and, finally, returning to play – ideally with a stronger tendon.

Lastly, and most importantly, when will Tyrone be back?

He remains a week-to-week proposition, but is on track for a return between next week (Round 4) and Round 6 against Newcastle.

lonegull
29-03-19, 01:39 PM
[QUOTE=Hail Sezer;390823]Weird how Ferris comes back and suddenly they’re all dropping like flies again...

Couldn't agree more with this statement, no good being fit if you cant handle contact injuries, no surprise from here though

Mr Bods
29-03-19, 02:15 PM
How many times did I mention losing the Catterick Trio was a disaster?
But go ahead and tell me how wrong I was.

Not forgetting what a crime it was to be anything but positive in pre-season discussions.
Train wreck.
Later.

GCTTSD
29-03-19, 02:24 PM
Feel for peats but gives rein an opportunity to show he can be the number 1 hooker, plus we also have hazard and politoni who could also come in if we need them on the bench

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 02:56 PM
Can Rein last 80 minutes because I don't see any other options to give him a rest that make sense.

I guess if people are happy to have our head of performance put injuries down to "Bad Luck" then that's where we differ.

Mr Bods
29-03-19, 05:13 PM
MINI GF and we are $4.70
Lose this week and I doubt I’ll get to say MINI GF again.

This may well be our one and only MINI GF.

So lads need to dig in.

PS will any of you be there?

DavidBouveng
29-03-19, 05:18 PM
OMG, now Peats

Its good to lose weight, but id rather a slightly large player who plays every game than all these 'lean-beans-fittest-i've-ever-been' on the sidelines.

So ridiculous it is moving into hilarious territory.

Cant believe we went back for seconds.

DIEHARD
29-03-19, 07:18 PM
Gold Coast injury crisis continues with loss of rake Nathan peats
Peter Badel, The Courier-Mail

The Titans have suffered a huge blow with star hooker Nathan Peats tearing his pectoral muscle and facing up to 10 weeks on the sidelines.

In a disastrous build-up for Gold Coast’s clash with South Sydney at ANZ Stadium this Sunday, Peats suffered the injury at training on Friday and will have scans in the coming days to determine the extent of the damage.

Titans coach Garth Brennan will confirm Peats’ breakdown at his press conference on Friday afternoon.

The former NSW Origin hooker will miss at least six weeks but he could be out for a further month depending on results of the scans.

Peats tore his pec in his final weights session before the clash against the Souths club his father Geordi played for. It is understood the pec is not fully torn, giving Peats hope of a return this season.

It is another blow to the Titans’ playmaking spine, with coach Brennan having lost three of his four key shot-callers following injuries to star halves Ash Taylor (quad) and Tyrone Roberts (achilles).

Mitch Rein, originally named as 18th man, was set to be promoted to the interchange bench but he will now start at hooker to fill the Peats void.

DIEHARD
29-03-19, 07:20 PM
Well... we get to see Rein in the team.

I was pretty disappointed to see GB name an identical team on Tuesday.

LU Preview: https://leagueunlimited.com/news/32996-rabbitohs-v-titans-preview/

DIEHARD
29-03-19, 07:27 PM
Rabbitohs v Titans: GI's waiting game; Brennan keeps the faith
NRL.com

One team is sitting pretty after wins over the 2018 premiers and a side that made it to the second week of last year's finals.

The other has endured a horror start to 2019 with 21-0 and 20-6 losses and injuries to key playmakers all they have to show for their efforts.

The Rabbitohs have looked as good as any side over the first two weeks of the Telstra Premiership. The forwards are firing, Adam Reynolds looks at the top of his game and Wayne Bennett has integrated himself into the club seamlessly.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have the Titans. They've scored one try in two matches while conceding 41 points.

Unless a major reversal of fortune transpires at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night, an 0-3 start is looming large for Garth Brennan and his men.

Match: Rabbitohs v Titans
ROUND 3 - SUNDAY 31ST MARCH
Venue: ANZ Stadium

Team news
Rabbitohs: No surprises with Wayne Bennett keeping last week's winning team intact. Greg Inglis (shoulder) will make a final decision later in the week whether he takes his place.

Titans: Garth Brennan has named an unchanged side for this Sunday’s trip to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs. Dale Copley has been named among the reserves as he looks to return from a calf injury.

Key match-up
Cameron Murray v Jai Arrow. The growing case for Murray to play for the Blues in this year's State of Origin series will be tested when he faces Maroons regular Arrow. The Titans forward had a monster afternoon (290 running metres) against the Sharks in round two. Here's hoping he and Murray stage a great personal battle within the match.

For the Rabbitohs to win
After years of being one of the best middle forwards in the game, Sam Burgess has enjoyed a great start to life playing on an edge. As a back-rower, his powerful running game and ability to slip a pass away while being tackled is already proving a great avenue for the Rabbitohs attack. It's still early, but it appears Burgess is still getting better. Get him the ball early and often and good things will follow.

For the Titans to win
Brennan's side need to turn statistical dominance into points. The Titans enjoyed a 56 per cent share of possession against the Sharks and also completed their sets at a greater rate than the side that ran out 14-point winners. The mix-and-match approach they've been forced to adopt in the halves hasn't helped.

Brett Kimmorley says ...
The Titans’ edge defence has been horrible for two weeks now, it is something that needs to be fixed. They need to abide by their structures and Garth Brennan has to do very well to get them to stop leaking points. While you are doing that you won’t win a game. South Sydney have been so good to watch. We haven’t even seen Greg Inglis do anything in the first two weeks and they are still winning convincingly. When he does get fit it will be pretty nice to watch. Rabbitohs by 18

Rabbitohs Stat Attack
The Rabbitohs have scored 11 tries in two matches but are credited with just 13 offloads. That means there has been a lot of powerful running, clever kicking and passing plays that have put players into open space well before the defensive line has been engaged.

Titans Stat Attack
Thirty-two errors in 160 minutes of football is a sobering stat. That's a bit better (or actually worse) than one every five minutes. Scoring tries is already hard enough - the Titans have spent large slices of their opening two matches making it harder.

And another thing ...
The draw is stacking up very nicely for the Rabbitohs. After this week's meeting with the Titans they face Manly (away), the Warriors (home) and Bulldogs (away) to wrap up the first quarter of the season. A 6-0 start is well and truly on the cards.

DIEHARD
29-03-19, 07:33 PM
Published before the Peats injury.

http://www.diehardtitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2747-1.jpg

http://www.diehardtitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2749.jpg

http://www.diehardtitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2750.jpg

BundyTitan
29-03-19, 07:55 PM
Really terrible losing Peatsy but actually think we may be better with Rein. Peats is a machine who tackles his heart out but lacks the creativity and speed around the ruck that Rein has. Just hope our middle defence doesn’t suffer too much.

JunctionBlock
29-03-19, 08:44 PM
At a weights session, WTF is going on with this club? Hope they weren't goofing around with a 'who can bench the most'.

Mr Bods
29-03-19, 08:57 PM
At a weights session, WTF is going on with this club? Hope they weren't goofing around with a 'who can bench the most'.

Yes can only agree....heavy weights is for the off-season not for when you are 0-2 and about to put the season on the line in a Mini GF.
Brennan has got to be joking-he had the best off field staff you can put together and in the space of a year he lost all of them.

And FfS rather than recycle someone like Ferris how about trying someone new?? The incestuous nature of the Footy Industry gives me the Poos too.

gotitans101_
30-03-19, 03:53 AM
Nothing surprises me with this club anymore.

ozynorts
30-03-19, 06:29 AM
At a weights session, WTF is going on with this club? Hope they weren't goofing around with a 'who can bench the most'.

The article I read was that he was doing extra's in the gym so it wasn't a club session. Bit hard to pin that on the training staff. But I think you may be right about the hero lifting though......

Titanic
30-03-19, 06:42 AM
This game has the feeling of going to the dentist.

JunctionBlock
30-03-19, 08:25 AM
The article I read was that he was doing extra's in the gym so it wasn't a club session. Bit hard to pin that on the training staff. But I think you may be right about the hero lifting though......

No compo for him.

Titanic, I've got more a feeling that I'm waiting to have a colonoscopy and the anesthetist just told me they ran out of anesthetic but were going ahead with the procedure anyway.

shamus
30-03-19, 08:47 AM
Even the Manly Sea Eagles Facebook site is commenting on Ferris

Mr Bods
30-03-19, 09:55 AM
Even the Manly Sea Eagles Facebook site is commenting on Ferris

They were stoked when he left

rj62
30-03-19, 09:57 AM
I seriously can’t blame 1 bloke for a torn pec or anything else for that matter.

People have been squealing about not having Rein in the team- well now you have so let’s be thankful.

I like both Peats and Rein though at the moment I think Rein brings a bit more that makes the opposition have to think. He’s just a bit busier.

Not looking forward to the game I must admit though as always I’ll go in with hope if nothing else.

- - - Updated - - -


No compo for him.

Titanic, I've got more a feeling that I'm waiting to have a colonoscopy and the anesthetist just told me they ran out of anesthetic but were going ahead with the procedure anyway.


:rolf:

DIEHARD
30-03-19, 05:11 PM
JB and Titanic capturing the mood. :laugh:

I'll tune in for my weekly check up... Hope for the best.

I also wanted Rein in but gee not at the expense of Peats out for three months with a serious injury. I can't imagine how painful that injury would be.

DIEHARD
30-03-19, 05:11 PM
Ryley’s Titans tactics
PETER BADEL
goldcoastbulletin.com.au

RYLEY Jacks has outlined his vision to help turn the Titans into a finals force as the Gold Coast halfback prepares to face Wayne Bennett – the coach who torpedoed his hopes of becoming a Bronco.

The injury-hit Titans are hoping Jacks, who served an apprenticeship under Origin champion Cooper Cronk at Melbourne, can produce the game of his life to spearhead a boilover of South Sydney tomorrow at ANZ Stadium.

The clash contains a spicy sub-plot for Jacks, whose planned move to the Broncos last season was terminated by former Brisbane coach Bennett, now calling the shots at the Rabbitohs.

Impressed by Jacks’ 80 per cent win record at the Storm, Broncos recruitment chiefs tabled a two-year contract for the Brisbane junior last June.

The deal was on the table for a fortnight and Jacks was poised to agree when Bennett intervened, believing the 26-year-old was not the answer at halfback to break Brisbane’s 13-year premiership drought.

With his NRL career in limbo, the Titans delivered a one-year lifeline weeks before the start of the pre-season.

Jacks is too affable and too appreciative of his new home to be critical of Bennett, but he can make a statement tomorrow in his quest to secure a new deal at the Gold Coast and make the Titans a regular playoffs contender.

“I was close to going (to the Broncos),” said Jacks, who made his Titans debut in last week’s 20-6 loss to Cronulla.

“In my mind, I thought I was off to the Broncos and then it all stopped suddenly.

“The Broncos made an offer and then two weeks later it was pulled from me. For the Broncos to turn around and say no, it was pretty hard to take, Brisbane is my hometown and they are a great club.

“I won’t say much about Wayne, there’s no issue with him, just because I’m going up against his side this week, it doesn’t change my mindset.

“I want to play well every week and I’ll be trying to do my job this week to beat Souths.”

Jacks plays his 27th firstgrade game against Bennett’s Bunnies and admits he is playing for his future at a Titans club blessed with quality halves in Ash Taylor, Tyrone Roberts and AJ Brimson.

The off-contract playmaker may lack Taylor’s $1 million salary but his Storm apprenticeship is priceless.

DIEHARD
30-03-19, 05:29 PM
Souths' Inglis ruled out for Titans clash
http://www.espn.com.au/

Wayne Bennett has declared South Sydney more than a one-man team after losing skipper Greg Inglis for up to a fortnight.

Inglis will be absent from Sunday's NRL clash with the Gold Coast because of a shoulder injury and could also miss next week's match with Manly.

"He won't play tomorrow, he may not play next week either," Bennett said.

"We're playing it by ear at the moment, the shoulder is pretty sore. We need some time, it certainly wasn't ready today.

"There's no further damage, there's just a lot of soreness there, he's pinched something there, nothing serious."

Highly-touted youngster Corey Allan will come into the side on the wing with Dane Gagai pushing into the centres.

Inglis was hindered by injury throughout pre-season, undergoing neck and shoulder surgery and struggling with a knee problem which prompted rumours about his weight and fitness.

Inglis this week revealed his problems with his shoulder had forced him to abandon plans to move from centre to fullback at some point this year, and that Alex Johnston would remain in the No.1 jumper.

Bennett said the side wasn't reliant on the Queensland and Australian star and remained confident they could maintain their undefeated start to 2019.

"I think we're being sensible with it, we're not pushing him, we're not making him play, we're not putting him in a place that we know is only going to make him more vulnerable," Bennett said.

"We're rebuilding his confidence. We're more than a one-man team so we can get the job done without him."

Despite Inglis' absence, the Rabbitohs will start as hot favourites against the Titans.

Garth Brennan's side are winless, still without first-choice halves Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts and will be without hooker Nathan Peats (pec) for up to three months.

Mitch Rein will replace former NSW rake Peats.

"I'm expecting them to be pretty good tomorrow to be honest with you," Bennett said.

"They started their season without a win and we're into game three now so they'll be feeling that pressure and there will be plenty said about them.

"I don't think they'll come tomorrow unmotivated."

STATS THAT MATTER

* South Sydney's win percentage against the Gold Coast Titans (62.5 per cent, 10 wins from 16 games) is its best record against any current team.

* South Sydney will be aiming to make it three straight wins to start the season for the fourth time since 2007 (2007, 2013 and 2015). They made the finals on all three of those occasions.

* The Titans have scored one try and just six points this season, the fewest through two rounds since the Bulldogs in 2000 (two points).

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 01:53 PM
Struggling Titans have to take the game to the Rabbitohs
Gorden Tallis, The Courier-Mail
https://www.couriermail.com.au/

It is a line-in-the-sand day for the Gold Coast Titans.

Very few people give them a chance against South Sydney.

They haven’t won a game yet and have been hit very hard by injuries while the Rabbitohs are flying.

But there are two things that the Titans can do about it. Bring the right attitude and have 17 blokes put in their absolute best effort across 80 minutes.

It is amazing what happens in rugby league when a team does those two things.

You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to have a red-hot go.

There’s no excuse for not having a crack. You can have excuses for anything and everything these days but save them for September.

Last week against Cronulla, Jai Arrow was incredible for the Titans with all those hit-ups and running metres while Ryan James was good too.

The Gold Coast need all of their players to bring that effort on Sunday.

The modern game gets a little too wrapped up in stats. This is not about stats for the Titans. Efforts plays don’t always show up on the stats sheet but those one percenters all count towards the one number that matters — the final score.

The Titans can take heart from what St George Illawarra did to the Broncos on Thursday night.

Like the Gold Coast, the Dragons went into Round 3 out of form and with a 0-2 record.

They had injuries to key players and also lost Gareth Widdop in the second half. The Titans have also been decimated on the injury front that got worse with Nathan Peats doing his pec this week.

They were also up against a side that was coming off a fairly comprehensive win after the Broncos belted the Cowboys in Round 2.

But St George Illawarra found a way to win. They hung tough. They had a great attitude and turned their fortunes around.

The Titans can do the same. No excuses.

The great Johnny Lang once said that the great players show up in case they are needed, not because they are needed.

He was talking about players who always seem to be in the right place, at the right time because they give you multiple efforts that go unrewarded.

They’ll back up down the middle of the field all day just to be on the receiving end of that one pass to score the one try that is the difference at full-time.

Johnathan Thurston is a modern-day example of that kind of player. Terry Lamb back in the 80s and 90s was another example. Kevvie Walters would often handle the footy two to three times in the one movement for the Broncos because he never gave up on the play.

And that’s the key for the Titans today. Never giving up on the play.

Because you never know what can happen. And you never know unless you have a go.

Dooldog76
31-03-19, 02:21 PM
I would have actually preferred inglis to play. Looks done already in round 3. If we string three sub par efforts together then our season is almost over. Looking for a strong challenge from our forwards today.

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 04:04 PM
Manly lifted, Dogs are half way to lifting, second half to tell. Hope we can say the same by the end of the day.

GCTTSD
31-03-19, 04:24 PM
Mo and Lee dropped for copely and hipgrave, don't know what Garth sees in copely, Lee's been pretty good, Peachey more to blame for the defensive issues than lee

RavShamrock
31-03-19, 04:36 PM
Well in theory having Copely move to centre the shape should look a bit better than having Lee once Peach goes to hooker

ozynorts
31-03-19, 04:59 PM
James back into the middle is a good start.

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 05:04 PM
https://i.imgur.com/f3T72ia.png

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 05:11 PM
OK here we go.

I think we can win but either way it'll be close and perhaps crappy.

Some improved dummy half service, some better vision for our opportunities by the halves (and AJ not backing himself so often).

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 05:13 PM
Looking forward to hearing Jwal eating cat food on Seafm tomorrow. Maybe a can for every penalty he gives away.

gotitans101_
31-03-19, 05:28 PM
Sorry but that defence is just embarrassing.

ozynorts
31-03-19, 05:32 PM
Fricken Wallace and his stupid penalties

gotitans101_
31-03-19, 05:33 PM
Our edge defence is downright embarrassing.

Dooldog76
31-03-19, 05:34 PM
He's up to two cans already

Boonarga
31-03-19, 05:34 PM
Replace Wallace with Hipgrave. Same stupid penalties but at least some added mongrel.

lonegull
31-03-19, 05:36 PM
Wallace and his stupid penalties bloody hell how long before this plodder gets dropped, might be the kick up the you know what he needs

Our edge defence is an shambles

- - - Updated - - -

Why is the defensive line always on it’s heel and back peddling

Titanic
31-03-19, 05:36 PM
My toothache just turned into a rout canal. We’re rooted in the far canal.

NZFan
31-03-19, 05:40 PM
Wallace must be the stupidest player in the comp. Why can't he just get on and do his job.

gotitans101_
31-03-19, 05:53 PM
Why take Arrow off. Dude can play 80 ffs

C-Whiz
31-03-19, 05:58 PM
Don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but surely that ball could have been promoted closer to in front?

Dooldog76
31-03-19, 05:59 PM
I've missed Hipgrave

C-Whiz
31-03-19, 06:01 PM
Just seems like a lack of the 1%'ers is where we are lacking. The 1%'ers that separate the good teams from the best, and the lesser teams from the worst.

NZFan
31-03-19, 06:02 PM
I've missed Hipgrave

Me too. Finally we see some aggression from someone apart from Arrow

C-Whiz
31-03-19, 06:02 PM
I've missed Hipgrave

Something on Facebook the other day asked which ex player would you like back most, and I said Greg Bird because we need some agression and mongrel. Hipgrave is the new Greg Bird. I'd take all his penalties for some agro right about now.

Dooldog76
31-03-19, 06:06 PM
Something on Facebook the other day asked which ex player would you like back most, and I said Greg Bird because we need some agression and mongrel. Hipgrave is the new Greg Bird. I'd take all his penalties for some agro right about now.

Bringing the aggression back. Couldn't agree more.

- - - Updated - - -


Me too. Finally we see some aggression from someone apart from Arrow

No more penalties than what Wallace is giving away. But with passion.

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 06:10 PM
Something on Facebook the other day asked which ex player would you like back most, and I said Greg Bird because we need some agression and mongrel. Hipgrave is the new Greg Bird. I'd take all his penalties for some agro right about now.

Yea I was a critic of Bird and he was never anywhere near my favourite player. But his impact on the side was undeniable in that regard.



I've missed Hipgrave

Me too.

We are in this, hopefully we can play ourselves into some better form. Less silly penalties (1 to 5 against us at H/T) and defensive lapses.

Half time stats here: https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2019/round-3/rabbitohs-v-titans/

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 06:12 PM
Hard done by with the decision to give Lowe the try, Arrow rolled him over and only his wrist touched the ground.

rj62
31-03-19, 06:19 PM
My toothache just turned into a rout canal. We’re rooted in the far canal.

Just choked on my beer 😂😂

- - - Updated - - -


Hard done by with the decision to give Lowe the try, Arrow rolled him over and only his wrist touched the ground.

Agree 150%

gotitans101_
31-03-19, 06:21 PM
I was so wrong about Jacks. Complete rubbish kicking game from him so far.

lonegull
31-03-19, 06:23 PM
WAllace again dumb penalty he only has been back on field for a minute

- - - Updated - - -


I was so wrong about Jacks. Complete rubbish kicking game from him so far.

Yep and his reads in defence are horrible

Titanic
31-03-19, 06:29 PM
I was so wrong about Jacks. Complete rubbish kicking game from him so far.Me too ... we look ok except for Wallace, Jacks and Brimson.

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 06:30 PM
Just sat down after being called away. How's Rein handling it? Did we move Peachey into dummy half?

Titanic
31-03-19, 06:33 PM
Rein has been really good while Hipgrave and Copley need to in the 17. Peaches needs to come off the bench.

lonegull
31-03-19, 06:34 PM
Have a look at the difference in attacking plays, the titans run their play before the defensive line and in slow motion, blind bob can just sit back and wait to the play unfolds, Rabbitohs on the other hand everything done at speed and right on the defensive line the way they hold their passes right to the last minute

rj62
31-03-19, 06:37 PM
Rein has been really good while Hipgrave and Copley need to in the 17. Peaches needs to come off the bench.

:thumbsup:

teke
31-03-19, 06:39 PM
Love Kellys aggressive straight running. Peachey is mud

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 06:45 PM
What a sensational try by Don to make him our highest try scorer record holder. The high kicking game makes a welcome return to our game.

lonegull
31-03-19, 06:52 PM
Wallace again another penalty

TitansState
31-03-19, 07:01 PM
Whats Peachys deal.. straight sabotage

lonegull
31-03-19, 07:01 PM
Better effort at least tonight take one thing out of the game

Dobes
31-03-19, 07:03 PM
Can’t be too disheartened by that performance. Shame we didn’t come up with the two points though. But Peachey what the hell was that? Can’t recall the last time he played that badly.

gotitans101_
31-03-19, 07:03 PM
10-1 penalty count, yeah that's fair. As if Souths were anywhere near flawlessly disciplined that game.

Titanic
31-03-19, 07:05 PM
Now the team picks itself. Rein gets 9, Copley gets left centre, anybody gets left wing, Cartwright gets left edge forward, Wallace gets reamed, Peachey gets benched and King starts. Hipgrave squeezes in somewhere and please get Brimson out of the half’s.

Congrats Anthony Don.

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 07:12 PM
Hope no one is relying on Politoni to come into the squad for a relief hooker.

https://twitter.com/Vossy7/status/1112245989702684672s=07&fbclid=IwAR2KM19gfZgAOIC58yP699nu8NXJigNikVd0RkaQc GL1XmY0vxWsnSbNu0

He's gone for a long time.

Hey Pat, Peats is out and rein isn't an 80 minute hooker, you might get a call up...... Hold my beer

DIEHARD
31-03-19, 07:20 PM
Injury-hit Bunnies hold off fast-finishing Titans
https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/31/south-sydney-rabbitohs-hold-off-fast-finishing-gold-coast-titans/

South Sydney continued their unbeaten run in the 2019 Telstra Premiership with a 28-20 win over the Titans on Sunday, but the Rabbitohs are now down two starting centres.

Skipper Greg Inglis (shoulder) never took to the field after withdrawing on match eve, then left centre Braidon Burns lasted only 24 minutes at ANZ Stadium before he came off with a hamstring strain. The 22-year-old was hobbling so badly in front of the eastern grandstand the medi-cab was needed to ferry him to the dressing sheds.

Coach Wayne Bennett had already shuffled his backline shifting Dane Gagai to right centre and Broncos recruit Corey Allan to the wing to accommodate the loss of Inglis. Now he will have to do some more head scratching before he names his team on Tuesday to face Manly at Lottoland on Saturday.

Kyle Turner came off the bench for Burns against the Gold Coast.

The Titans now remain the only team in the NRL not to register a win so far, after round three contained upset 'away' wins for the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Dragons. But they were far from disgraced against South Sydney, able to hold their heads much higher than the 21-0 drubbing by the Raiders or the 20-6 loss to the Sharks last week.

And Anthony Don's one-on-one strip in the 64th minute gave him his 68th try for the Titans – to become the club's highest scorer passing David Mead (67).

Despite all the positive news, it is hard to defend some of the pinpoint kicks and passes that Souths pair Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds come up with. Lanky Rabbitohs winger Campbell Graham scored two tries on Sunday off the back of a 20-metre pass from Walker and then a gem of a corner kick by the No.6. That was all after Walker received on-field treatment by trainers for a left shoulder complaint in the 14th minute.

Souths followed the script of a top-four side playing a bottom four with a comfortable 18-8 lead at halftime.

After Walker's heroics early, Reynolds sent a long-range pass to his right-side winger Allan for was the 20-year-old's first try in the NRL. Throw in former Cowboy Ethan Lowe charging over for his first try in Rabbitohs colours in the first half and it was celebrations all round.

But the Titans didn't go into their shell – it ended up four tries apiece.

Brian Kelly burrowed over in the 24th minute and on the stroke of halftime winger Dale Copley intercepted a Damien Cook pass to race 40 metres untouched. Cook was hit late by Titans forward Keegan Hipgrave and left the field for an HIA test. He returned at the start of the second half.

Kelly scored his second in the 58th minute, which reduced the Rabbitohs lead to 10 points at 24-14 before Don got the visitors within four at 24-20.

But two penalties to Reynolds, plus the unfortunate Titans figures of 39 missed tackles and the 9-1 penalty count against them, sealed their fate.

DavidBouveng
31-03-19, 07:20 PM
much better effort from almost everyone.

Rein has a few months to make the spot his own.

Cartwright has played solidly enough to get the 12. He isn't in our top 10 problems - his defence was above average and really quite good in parts. as that builds his confidence over the next couple of weeks he could start to fire.

It was 4 tries all - the biggest issue was the ridiculous penalties from Wallace. omg is he dim n the head?

Not to mention Lowe didnt score imo, and the other try where the guy dropped it offloading and they said backwards was exactly the type of subtle ref reaming we always cop. i frickin hate it and that's possibly two tries the rabbitohs ( not to be confused with rabbits ) shouldn't have had.

But then again we didn't have one orthodox, constructed try either - one barge over from half, two janky tries from bombs and an intercept. the next backline play we run will still be the first.

Overall - i appreciate the lift in effort for the most part, but it doesn't get me there

Mr Bods
31-03-19, 07:21 PM
0-3
Can’t come back from that
Mini GF lost
Dammit

Now it’s into development and learn to win again mode

Whats Doing
31-03-19, 07:22 PM
Can’t be too disheartened by that performance. Shame we didn’t come up with the two points though. But Peachey what the hell was that? Can’t recall the last time he played that badly.
Last week with 4 missed tackles was worse and he was not much better today. He is a real liability in defence which is disgraceful for a first grade player

JunctionBlock
31-03-19, 07:22 PM
Congrats to The Don on achieving the club record for most tries scored too. Didn't see that much of the game to comment but at least we kept the scoreline very respectable.

DavidBouveng
31-03-19, 07:24 PM
i must say though - Boyd isnt earning his keep yet. Saw maybe 2-3 proper charges from him?

No where near enough. He is the only guy with size and the team needs more from him

Dooldog76
31-03-19, 07:29 PM
Wallace needs some time on the bench. He alone cost us that game. Giving away penalties on the 4th and 5th tackles. Unfair on everyone. I agree with you DB. For any other team it would be a knock on. It was a knock on.

Boonarga
31-03-19, 07:30 PM
Hope no one is relying on Politoni to come into the squad for a relief hooker.



Just watched it. I hope he never pulls on a Titans jersey again. Dog act.

DavidBouveng
31-03-19, 07:32 PM
if we don't win next week I'm starting a 'Who should coach us in 2020' thread.

Mr Bods
31-03-19, 08:16 PM
^^^ absolutely DB. Results business and this is not acceptable.

teke
31-03-19, 08:17 PM
if we don't win next week I'm starting a 'Who should coach us in 2020' thread.

Lol. I was gonna post "1 loss closer to Kevvy Walters next season" last week

Mr Bods
31-03-19, 08:27 PM
Hope no one is relying on Politoni to come into the squad for a relief hooker.

https://twitter.com/Vossy7/status/1112245989702684672s=07&fbclid=IwAR2KM19gfZgAOIC58yP699nu8NXJigNikVd0RkaQc GL1XmY0vxWsnSbNu0

He's gone for a long time.

Hey Pat, Peats is out and rein isn't an 80 minute hooker, you might get a call up...... Hold my beer

Don’t rate the bloke pushing him in the back of the head like a smart Alec and he had every chance to see that punch coming given he did what he did.

Two weeks.

DavidBouveng
31-03-19, 08:39 PM
he will get more like 6 week Bods, but i agree 100% - the head rubbing is such a weasely, germy thing it is about time someone got a poke in the snout for it.

Hope the guy didn't suffer any injuries out of it, but i don't have a lot of sympathy.

Titanic
31-03-19, 08:49 PM
Although I don't condone punching, it wasn't a cheap shot, he was baited from behind (that's a dog act) and responded face to face. I hope the bloke who pushed him is sidelined for at least as long as Politoni ... both are guilty of different offences but surely the instigator cannot escape punishment although he probably gets a credit because he was dropped like the cat he is. The rules should be altered to add "baiting" as a chargeable offence.

DavidBouveng
31-03-19, 09:09 PM
Although I don't condone punching, it wasn't a cheap shot, he was baited from behind (that's a dog act) and responded face to face. I hope the bloke who pushed him is sidelined for at least as long as Politoni ... both are guilty of different offences but surely the instigator cannot escape punishment although he probably gets a credit because he was dropped like the cat he is. The rules should be altered to add "baiting" as a chargeable offence.

Well said.

i think i heard best it in a movie 15 years ago - ' you keep campaigning for this ass whooping, you gonna get elected'

Mr Bods
31-03-19, 09:22 PM
^^^ the last three posts rock!

Titanic
31-03-19, 09:23 PM
Well said :laugh:

Dobes
31-03-19, 11:07 PM
Just watched it. I hope he never pulls on a Titans jersey again. Dog act.

How is it a dog act? The other kid put his hands on Pat first. You can’t go and shove somebody in the back of the head like he did and not expect anything to happen.

JunctionBlock
01-04-19, 07:08 AM
Although I don't condone punching, it wasn't a cheap shot, he was baited from behind (that's a dog act) and responded face to face. I hope the bloke who pushed him is sidelined for at least as long as Politoni ... both are guilty of different offences but surely the instigator cannot escape punishment although he probably gets a credit because he was dropped like the cat he is. The rules should be altered to add "baiting" as a chargeable offence.

Mick Ennis would breath a sigh of relief he has retired if that rule changed.

Mr Bods
01-04-19, 08:43 AM
I don’t like seeing players pat opponents on the head when they make an error too. I’d want to deck them. So what old mate did to Politoni was really inciteful.

NZFan
01-04-19, 08:47 AM
Wallace needs some time on the bench. He alone cost us that game. Giving away penalties on the 4th and 5th tackles. Unfair on everyone. I agree with you DB. For any other team it would be a knock on. It was a knock on.

Hit the nail on the head there mate. It's not fair on everyone. They were the most stupid penalties and you could see them coming every time. He needs dropped and told to tidy up his game. He should also use the time to learn how to fend so defenders are required to do more than tackle a moving cushion.

Hipgrave seems to have tidied up his game substantially. I don't think I saw him give away a penalty all game and he managed to do so while not going backwards in aggression. He deserves a spot in the 17. I thought Cartwright was pretty good also. His defence seems to have improved drastically.

What on earth are we going to do about our centres. This has been happening for years now. Every team that plays us knows to target our edges, especially the left. It doesn't seem to matter who we play there, every game they expose us. I personally would like to see either Spry or Jesse Arthurs given a crack. Arthurs looked good in the trials and has also scored in every one of Burlieghs games this season playing centre/wing. Why bring these players here if we aren't going to use them? Look how many youngsters the Broncos are always blooding and look how they turn out. There is a reason why they didn't want Copley, Kahu etc.

I don't think Peachey can ever be more than a bench utility. He's too small to play anywhere else than Centre but man his defence is woeful. I feel like Garth missed the chance to shift him to the middle earlier in this game. 20min to go we just got a bit of momentum rolling forward, the Souths forwards were looking tired and Sami had fresh legs but Garth didn't pull the trigger until about 12min to go. I'd rather have 50 exciting mins out of Peachey in the middle and a centre playing 80min consistently. This idea of having a centre on the bench-just incase just seems pointless.

This game was definitely more encouraging than the first two but we still have a long way to go. There were some positive signs I thought; Boyd ran with a bit more purpose, Rein was good out of Dummy half apart from that defensive blunder early on and we came close to a win with a shocking 1 sided penalty count. How those refs could justify that was beyond me. Both of their contentious tries were 50/50 at best as well. We fought well but we need to be better so the refs can't keep playing us out of matches.

JunctionBlock
01-04-19, 09:33 AM
Post match interview is interesting, if you take out, we've got to be better than this then it goes for about a minute. Brennan not complaining with the penalties that were awarded against us because we committed them. Whether or not Souths were that clean he will have to watch again.

Team flies from Sydney direct to NZ. Won't get a chance for much of a training run. As mentioned above Taylor and Roberts fly with the team for this weekend but no guarantees they'll be fit.

Upthetits
01-04-19, 10:25 AM
Would have preferred mofo on bench over sami, what is that about....?

Mr Bods
01-04-19, 05:26 PM
Listened to Brennan Post Conference
Twelve months gone and he’s now already back to the “I’m happy they never gave up” mantra as his definition of success.

He said when he got the job we’d be entertaining to watch-we are not entertaining, we are a boring team and on top of that we Suck.

Never played NRL Brennan, he played in the Newcastle Local League....he had some success in the Lower Grades Coaching Penrith/Newcastle however in those powerhouse nurseries I’d argue a Drovers Dog would get success coaching those teams.

I’m starting to wonder if we have signed a clever guy that could sell ice to eskimos but is an imposter as an NRL Coach.

I really feel for Jai Arrow-what he does for us is first class and he’s getting zero reward for effort.

rj62
01-04-19, 06:06 PM
Hey Bods theres a new position going: ‘Team Motivator’

I reckon you should apply

Mr Bods
01-04-19, 06:10 PM
Hey Bods theres a new position going: ‘Team Motivator’

I reckon you should apply

Ha ha I like it. I need a good purge given our predicament and this forum gives me the outlet.
I feel better now.

rj62
01-04-19, 06:18 PM
Ha ha I like it. I need a good purge given our predicament and this forum gives me the outlet.
I feel better now.

:thumbsup:

Titanic
01-04-19, 06:28 PM
They issue you with a cattle prod and a recycled brown paper bag from Red Hill.

ozynorts
01-04-19, 08:04 PM
0-3
Can’t come back from that
Mini GF lost
Dammit

Now it’s into development and learn to win again mode

Not having a go mate but an interesting bit of info on the start of seasons. 2014 Souths won the Comp, after end 4 they sat in 13th place, 2015 cowboys won, after rnd 4, 15th place, so it is possible to recover from this sort of start and recover the season. I am not saying that we will win the comp but we can move up the ladder.

DavidBouveng
01-04-19, 08:05 PM
I thought our defence wasn't too bad the other night, they scored a janky try, that was most likely from a knock on, and another dodgy one as well.

The two that went over the wingers heads - wasn't the wing or centres fault i don't believe - they did the right thing and i might even guess they were told to get up early and shut down to nullify Souths well known back line moves, but the middle defenders ( halves and second rowers should have been up and jamming the ball player before he had time to throw that pass, whereas Walker and Reynolds both had time to look, assess then go over the top. Id like to watch it again to make sure but i think the defenders inside were slow to commit.

Mr Bods
01-04-19, 08:17 PM
Not having a go mate but an interesting bit of info on the start of seasons. 2014 Souths won the Comp, after end 4 they sat in 13th place, 2015 cowboys won, after rnd 4, 15th place, so it is possible to recover from this sort of start and recover the season. I am not saying that we will win the comp but we can move up the ladder.

I’ll be stoked if I’m wrong and the first to come in here and declare myself a dill

Mexican titan
01-04-19, 08:22 PM
Not having a go mate but an interesting bit of info on the start of seasons. 2014 Souths won the Comp, after end 4 they sat in 13th place, 2015 cowboys won, after rnd 4, 15th place, so it is possible to recover from this sort of start and recover the season. I am not saying that we will win the comp but we can move up the ladder.

Absolutely Ozy.
Manly had not won a game before this weekend. They win one game and are now in 8th! Therefore Bods, the top 8 is only one game away!

Mr Bods
02-04-19, 05:44 AM
I have hard and fast beliefs and a non-negotiable is you must be 2/2 after round 4. At 0/3 you are cactus.

shamus
02-04-19, 07:39 AM
This is a quote from Mal in his weekly report........

"So many times the Titans worked hard for a good result, only to release all the pressure with a silly mistake or dumb penalty.

Once we can get that fixed up by concentrating on our personal accountability and discipline, that pressure will build and turn into points.

Our senior players need to take control here. If our senior players are guilty of giving away penalties or making errors through lack of concentration, they can’t tell the younger players to not do the same."

Pretty sure this is meant for Wallace. I am aware it is Brennan's job and not Mal's but I hope Mal backs up his media statements with some quiet words in players ears, as a man of his integrity carries excess respect.

Titanic
02-04-19, 08:17 AM
I have hard and fast beliefs and a non-negotiable is you must be 2/2 after round 4. At 0/3 you are cactus.Percentages are on your side Bodsie but without hope we are hopeless ... just thought I’d share that :p

Mr Bods
02-04-19, 09:39 AM
Percentages are on your side Bodsie but without hope we are hopeless ... just thought I’d share that :p

They need to get win number one and think about nothing else. The Knives are coming. This situation is unacceptable.

JunctionBlock
02-04-19, 10:06 AM
Live in hope and die in despair.....good news is that we're not dead yet.