Titans have 50 reasons to bring down Israel

WHILE rugby league fans may miss Israel Folau when he defects to Aussie rules next season, the Titans can't wait to see the back of the flying Broncos centre.

Folau has proven the Gold Coast's nemesis since they entered the competition in 2007, having never lost to the Titans and posting an incredible 50 points in just five matches through 12 tries and one conversion.

It's no surprise the Titans have identified nullifying Folau's aerobatics as a key to beating the Broncos at Skilled Park on Friday night, although his Queensland teammate Ash Harrison yesterday conceded the task was next to impossible.

"He is pretty hard to shut down," said Harrison.

"Lockyer will be kicking to him most times so we have just got to do our best to get people around the ball and protect our wingers.

"But he is such a great jumper of the ball that he is pretty hard to defend against.

"We have just got to get numbers around the ball when Locky puts the kicks up and hopefully get the crumbs."

Asked if Folau had any weaknesses that could be exploited, Harrison said: "No, not really. He is a pretty complete player.

"He jumps high for the footy and competes hard when he runs with the footy.

"Izzy is a great player but he is one of 17 that we have to stop on Friday."

The Titans will tumble out of the top eight for the first time since 2008 if they lose against the Broncos and the results of a few other key matches go against them.

The Coast could end up as low as ninth on Monday night if the Warriors manage to rack up a score to beat Melbourne, the Rabbitohs topple the Dragons and Manly also fend off Cronulla.

The Titans have met the Broncos eight times since entering the competition in 2007, winning three.

But the Gold Coast has never beaten a Melbourne or Broncos team featuring Folau.

Folau missed the Broncos' 34-18 loss against the Titans in Round 20 last season with a broken ankle, while he was on Queensland duty when the Coast upset Melbourne in Round 10, 2008.

Titans coach John Cartwright yesterday named an unchanged side from the one that fell agonisingly short against the Tigers last week.

Harrison said there were many positives to take out of the Tigers clash, saying the Titans were looking to build on that performance against the Broncos.

"It is a really important game for us this week and a game where we have to start building a little bit of momentum coming into the back end," he said.

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au