didnt say they hadn't. but it would be a shame if they went missing this week of all times they could. raiders pack is good and our forwards are essential to winning this game.
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Titans captain Nathan Friend in doubt for tomorrow’s clash with Raiders
March 25, 2016 9:46am
Emma GreenwoodGold Coast Bulletin
Nathan Friend has copped two head knocks in the opening three rounds and is in doubt for tomorrow’s clash against the Raiders. Pic by Richard Gosling
TITANS captain Nathan Friend is in doubt for tomorrow’s clash against the Raiders in Canberra after suffering two head knocks in the opening three NRL rounds.
Friend was forced from the field with concussion in both the Titans home games — against Newcastle in Round 1 and again last Saturday against the Wests Tigers.
Friend has passed the NRL’s cognition testing after each knock to allow him to return to the field.
Nathan Friend of the Titans throws a pass during the round three NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)
While the 35-year-old has not suffered chronic after-effects such as headaches, the Titans have been vigilant in following concussion protocols and put Friend through a pre-training session yesterday to assess his recovery.
“He’s had a couple of knocks and we just wanted to see how he went (after training), so he’s had a bit of a sweat up early and we’ll make a decision on him,’’ coach Neil Henry said.
“He has had a couple (of head knocks), so we just want to make sure under the protocol that he’s right and he’s not under duress, that he’s not getting headaches.
“It’s a precautionary thing so we’ll see how he pulls up and make the decision about whether or not he goes to Canberra.’’
Nathan Friend training at Burleigh Bears two days ago. Pic by Richard Gosling
With co-captain William Zillman also out with a calf strain, the Titans will be without a captain if Friend misses tomorrow night’s game.
Henry would not nominate a leader but it’s expected Greg Bird would take the reins, as he has during Friend’s absences from the field so far this season.
Shillo ready for cold Canberra reception
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Friend out of Titans-Raiders
http://www.nrl.com/
Titans captain Nathan Friend will miss Saturday's clash with the Raiders after copping two heavy head knocks in the opening three games of the season.
The 35-year-old was forced from the field in Round 1 against the Knights and also last week against the Wests Tigers and did not take part in Friday's final captain's run. Kierran Moseley will travel with the team to Canberra as cover.
Although Friend passed the in-game concussion tests on both occasions Titans coach Neil Henry said they would show caution after the two head knocks in quick succession.
"He's had a couple of knocks so we just wanted to see how he went so he's had a sweat-up early and he'll hang around," Henry said.
"We just want to make sure that he's right and not under any duress, that he's not getting headaches and things like that.
"He's passed the test to go back on the field each time but there's no doubt he's been stung a couple of times. So far it hasn't been a real problem for him but there is a protocol to go through where you are on restricted duties early in the week - there's no contact obviously - and then you start building up the amount of work you do.
"As long as you don't regress to any headaches, dizziness, other side effects normally you're OK.
"It's a bit of precautionary thing so we'll have to see how he pulls up."
With William Zillman already sidelined with a calf complaint the withdrawal of Friend will open the door for Greg Bird to assume the Titans captaincy a month after he was overlooked for the top job.
One of the Titans' best in each of their three games to date, Bird is displaying the type of form that made him an automatic selection in New South Wales and Kangaroo teams, his roving role at lock forward bringing an extra dimension to the Titans attack.
has mosley been playing Q cup?
what u reckon.. morts will play 50min then mosley finish it off?
probabbly.
I've been going-up to any person I see wearing Titans gear and asking them if they are going next week ... 100% so far :)
We have started like tortoises :(
NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Kick out on the full and absolutely no shoulders on any players and its 0-12
poor penalties are killing us
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crowd not helping either
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nice repeat set to come, get the boys fired up
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of course, nice hands shillo
That's an amazing ten minutes ... onya lads.