Titans wary of depleted arch rivals
GOLD COAST are ignoring Brisbane's horrendous injury toll and anticipate a backs-to-the-wall performance when they meet the Broncos at Skilled Park tonight.
History shows the local derbies - which the Broncos lead 3-2 - produce thrilling finishes, with just five points separating the teams in for against across the five matches they've played.
But after Origin duo Karmichael Hunt and Peter Wallace joined captain Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Israel Folau, Tonie Carroll and Nick Kenny on the sidelines yesterday, bookmakers were offering $3.75 about a Brisbane victory - the best odds for the six-time premiers in more than a decade.
Titans co-skipper Scott Prince conceded Brisbane were below strength but said history showed they were very dangerous when faced with adversity.
"Obviously, they're missing a lot of quality players with a stack of experience, and we know a wounded Broncos is a dangerous opponent," said Prince, who will line up against 19-year-old one-game rookie Ben Hunt.
The Titans have an injury concern of their own, and will have to wait until this morning to find out if hooker Nathan Friend (ankle) will play.
Former Bronco Ian Lacey and 20-year-old Penrith product and Toyota Cup hooker Kayne Lawton were on standby. Friend appeared no chance of being able to play earlier in the week after injuring his ankle against the Bulldogs last Friday, playing his second game in four days.
"It was terrible two days ago, but we will just wait and see tomorrow," said Friend, who did not train yesterday. "I'll go see the physio in the morning and see if the swelling's stayed away."
With veteran dual international Mat Rogers ruled out, lightweight utility Preston Campbell will move to five-eighth, and William Zillman will take over at fullback.
New Zealand-born prop Aaron Cannings is also back from injury, adding some extra go-forward to the Titans pack.
Source: AAP