Titans plan bomb blitz
THE Gold Coast Titans are planning an aerial ambush against the Raiders as they aim to bomb the Green Machine's rookie back three into oblivion at Skilled Park tonight.
Statistics obtained by The Bulletin show Canberra have managed to defuse just one of the eight bombs fired at their line in the opening two rounds of the 2010 season.
The reconnaissance has not gone unnoticed by Gold Coast coach John Cartwright, who yesterday hinted Canberra's 19-year-old fullback Josh Dugan, 21-year-old winger James Stuart and 20-year-old fellow flyer Daniel Vidot could be in for a rough night.
Asked if the inexperienced Raiders -- who boast just 25 NRL games between them -- should expect to be tested, Cartwright replied: "You want the rest of the game plan too? We have done our homework on the Raiders and like anyone else they will get attacked where we think we can get most benefit."
The Titans are not known for regularly going to the air to score tries and have somewhat shelved the practice since jumping winger Jordan Rapana left to serve his Mormon mission last season.
But with the addition of new recruit Greg Bird -- who has a mean-looking spiral bomb in his ****nal -- and with young wingers Kevin Gordon and David Mead now finding their feet in first grade, the tactic looks set to be revived.
While the composure of the Raiders' back three under the high ball has been exposed as a weakness, Titans centre Mat Rogers believes the dynamic young trio also present their share of challenges.
"They are playing with that youthful exuberance," said Rogers.
"They are fearless and they can be as dangerous as anybody.
"I don't think they are a weakness at all to be honest.
"They are going to rely on those guys to get out of trouble and get on the front foot. We are going to have our hands full, there is no doubt about it."
Rogers found himself a target of the Rabbitohs last week, missing six tackles on his left side of the defensive line. He is expecting Canberra to direct much of their traffic towards his edge but warned the Raiders he would be prepared.
"Some basic fundamental errors on my behalf let a couple of tries in last week, so I am definitely looking to make amends for that," said Rogers.
Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au