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  1. #31
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    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
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  2. #32
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    Drop-kicks have Bird in real flap

    GOLD Coast Titans five-eighth Greg Bird is hoping a bit of luck swings back his way against the Broncos after watching the football gods smile on his opposition last week.

    Backing up for his third game in 10 days at Skilled Park on Friday, Bird is also looking to snap a streak of heartbreaking losses when he lines up against Brisbane.

    Bird looked on last Wednesday as Queensland five-eighth Darren Lockyer slotted a 46m field goal to turn the Origin finale in the Maroons favour before some Billy Slater magic stole victory from NSW.

    On Friday against the Tigers, it was a case of deja vu as Wests playmaker Benji Marshall potted a 50m drop kick to secure his team a one-point win at Campbelltown.

    "Hopefully none of the (Broncos) halves jag one from halfway again, I think it was two in three days, which was a bit upsetting," said Bird.

    "You see them in certain games but to see two in one week is a bit different. It is definitely going to be a tight one but hopefully more than one point separates us."

    While Bird and Titans teammate Ash Harrison will be doing it tough, the Broncos' Origin contingent -- Lockyer, Israel Folau and Sam Thaiday -- will be well rested after a bye round at the weekend.

    "The local derby is always a big game no matter what club you are at," said Bird.

    "They knocked us off last time at Suncorp and we will be out looking to return the favour this week.

    "Every team in and around the top eight is playing for those top eight spots. There is only one team that is safe and that is the Dragons.

    "Every team from 10th to fourth are within two points of each other.

    "Everyone needs to pick their act up if they want to be playing come September and we are no different.

    "We can kick off the end of our season now and hopefully build up some momentum running into the semis."

    THE TITANS will challenge the NRL's decision to fine them $5000 for comments allegedly made by `club officials' towards a touch judge during Friday night's loss against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.

    The league last night issued the club with a breach notice and the Titans have five working days to respond.

    Gold Coast general manager of football Scott Clark said the club would not cop the fine lying down and had asked the NRL for more information on the exact reasons for the penalty.

    "As it stands, the breach notice doesn't actually pinpoint who the offenders were," said Clark.

    "We need them to expand on the allegations. "He (the touch judge) was saying he was continually being abused from the 59th minute onwards and when he finally turned around with a few minutes to go, he thinks it was a certain person and I know for a fact it wasn't that person, but I am not going to say who that was."

    Titans coach John Cartwright could be seen on the telecast making his way to the sideline late in the match but other club officials were also present.

    Cartwright has been fined twice for approaching match officials.

    NRL rules state that 'under no circumstances are match officials to be approached, questioned, or harassed in any way by club officials either during or after a match'.

    The breach notice follows a written warning issued to all clubs in May that there had been a number of incidents where club officials had gone close to breaching NRL rules in relation to approaching, questioning, or offering unsolicited advice to match officials.

    Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au
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  3. #33
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    Nick Kenny Pumped For Finals Run

    NICK Kenny is full of confidence with the Broncos to field their strongest squad of the season for the local derby with the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park.

    In addition to the return on Friday of Origin stars Israel Folau, Sam Thaiday and captain Darren Lockyer, centre Alex Glenn returns from a five-week layoff with an ankle injury.

    With the finals eight weeks away, the news could not come at a better time for the Broncos, who now have only Justin Hodges still to return from injury.

    Prop Kenny, who has missed a large part of the year through injury himself, says the strength of this week?s squad can be measured by the quality of the players who will miss out.

    Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson will all line up in the Queensland Cup this weekend, while Gerard Beale and Corey Norman will play for the Broncos under-20s side.

    ?When you look at the guys who are missing out this week, there?s some good players there and they?ve been playing some good footy,? said Kenny.

    ?With guys like that in the reserves it gives you a lot of confidence in the depth of the side at the moment.?

    With State of Origin and the byes out of the way, the squad is well and truly focussed on building momentum in the run in to the finals.

    ?When you string a few wins together, your confidence grows, the balls start bouncing your way, and before you know it your in great form and you?ve won five or six in a row,? he said.

    Kenny said the team was well aware of the pressure the Titans will be under to perform at the business end of the season.

    ?I think this time of year brings out the best in those clubs that are at the top of the table and competing to make the semi-finals,? he said.

    ?Getting close to the end of the year and approaching the semis there is that extra bit of incentive there and you can see that desperation in teams.?

    Source: http://www.broncos.com.au
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  4. #34
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    Nick Kenny Pumped For Finals Run

    NICK Kenny is full of confidence with the Broncos to field their strongest squad of the season for the local derby with the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park.

    In addition to the return on Friday of Origin stars Israel Folau, Sam Thaiday and captain Darren Lockyer, centre Alex Glenn returns from a five-week layoff with an ankle injury.

    With the finals eight weeks away, the news could not come at a better time for the Broncos, who now have only Justin Hodges still to return from injury.

    Prop Kenny, who has missed a large part of the year through injury himself, says the strength of this week?s squad can be measured by the quality of the players who will miss out.

    Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson will all line up in the Queensland Cup this weekend, while Gerard Beale and Corey Norman will play for the Broncos under-20s side.

    ?When you look at the guys who are missing out this week, there?s some good players there and they?ve been playing some good footy,? said Kenny.

    ?With guys like that in the reserves it gives you a lot of confidence in the depth of the side at the moment.?

    With State of Origin and the byes out of the way, the squad is well and truly focussed on building momentum in the run in to the finals.

    ?When you string a few wins together, your confidence grows, the balls start bouncing your way, and before you know it your in great form and you?ve won five or six in a row,? he said.

    Kenny said the team was well aware of the pressure the Titans will be under to perform at the business end of the season.

    ?I think this time of year brings out the best in those clubs that are at the top of the table and competing to make the semi-finals,? he said.

    ?Getting close to the end of the year and approaching the semis there is that extra bit of incentive there and you can see that desperation in teams.?

    Source: http://www.broncos.com.au
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  5. #35
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    Ashley Harrison plans to shut down his Queensland team room-mate Sam Thaiday


    AS Sam Thaiday's roommate during the State of Origin series, Ashley Harrison formed part of a devastating backrow that dominated NSW.

    On Friday night, however, Harrison's focus will be on containing the in-form Bronco, knowing that doing so means he just might help the Titans get their stuttering season back on track.

    After a sensational opening to the year, John Cartwright's side heads into Friday night's Queensland derby on the back of two straight losses. The Titans have lost five of their past seven matches to slide from equal first to fifth place on the ladder.

    "This is a big game for both teams. I mean the local derby is always a big game, but in the context of the season, I think it is a pretty important two points that is up for grabs," Harrison said.

    "The Broncos obviously started the year slowly, but they have got a bit of a roll on lately and Sammy has been a big part of that.

    "Having been his roomie for Queensland and played alongside him there, I know what he brings to the table, though I don't think there is much doubt this year he is playing the best footy he has played in his career.

    "He is playing long minutes and his workrate is amongst the best in the competition, but at the same time he hasn't lost any of the impact of his work. I don't think it is too much to suggest he is probably the form forward in the NRL this year.

    "Beating the Broncos is more than just about stopping one player, but Sammy is definitely the leader of their forward pack so controlling him will certainly be very important."

    Thaiday ranks among the competition's best backrowers for average minutes, runs, metres gained and tackles.

    And following Greg Inglis's decision to reject a $400,000 offer to head north next season, he is in line for a major pay upgrade ahead of the 2011 season.

    Along with Thaiday and veteran lock Corey Parker, young duo Matt Gillett and Ben Te'o have announced themselves as future stars and together form what Harrison admits is one of the most potent backrow combinations in the NRL.

    "Definitely I think they have come a long way since the start of the year and they are up there with the best backrows around," said Harrison.

    Thaiday, captain Darren Lockyer and centre Israel Folau return to the Broncos' line-up after missing Brisbane's last-minute loss to the Tigers a fortnight ago.

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/
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  6. #36
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    Desperate days as finals dash begins

    Here's one truth - the Brisbane Broncos are in the hunt.

    Who would have been saying that two months ago, when it looked like the ground was about to open up and swallow everyone - from the kids learning to be first-graders to the hordes of walking wounded?

    Exactly how 'back' they are could be determined on Friday night in a derby against the Gold Coast that, even this far out, may have lingering effects on what is already becoming a dog-eat-dog scramble for the NRL finals.

    Advertisement: Story continues belowWith Melbourne out of the race and no clear frontrunner bulldozing their way to the decider, there is a lingering feeling across the clubs in and around the top eight that if you are in it, there's a good chance you can win it.

    The story is no different at the Broncos, who meet the fifth-placed Titans from eighth on the ladder but could finish the round equal on 22 competition points should they steal the win at Skilled Park.

    Just to be in the running for the post-season is an achievement in itself for Brisbane, with some engraving 'Broncos' on the wooden spoon after a horrible run that produced just two wins from the first eight rounds.

    Now things are on the up and up.

    Star centre Justin Hodges is being primed for a return and coach Ivan Henjak has been forced to send three regular top graders - Scott Anderson, Lagi Setu and Ashton Sims - back to the Queensland Cup to accommodate the log-jam of fit forwards.

    The Titans have suffered two close losses but are notoriously difficult at home and present a stringent test for the Broncos, who are acutely aware of the increasing desperation of both clubs as September draws near.

    "I think this time of the year brings out the best in those clubs at the top of the table and who are competing to make those semi finals," said Broncos prop Nick Kenny, who has beaten off some stiff competition to start in the front row.

    "The footy's been great but just getting closer to the end of the year, there's that extra bit of incentive. You can see that desperation in teams. It's only a few weeks until it comes crunch time.

    "Every team in that top bracket is feeling the same and are excited about having a good run into the semis."

    Simply winning on the night is the driving factor for any side, Kenny believes, but the exacerbation of coming back from the brink of early season extinction and missing out on the finals is giving the big prop cold sweats at night.

    "There's congestion around the eight. There's going to be some teams that miss out. That's going to be a terrifying prospect that you could come that close and miss out of the finals," Kenny said.

    The Titans looked like a lock for the finals but recent stumbles have humbled their advances. Even the bookmakers are yet to be convinced - Brisbane are third favourite for the premiership behind St George and Penrith, while the Titans are the ninth fancy at $21.

    Kenny isn't taking notice of the odds but is wary of Blues Origin star Greg Bird, who will be desperate to bring some of the confidence he found against Queensland back to the Titans.

    "He's strong. He's in that ball-playing position, so he does a lot of the organising position for them. He's always a handful in attack. We'll have to be on our game to make sure we shut him down," Kenny said.

    Off the field, the week had a sour beginning for the Titans after they were hit with a $5000 breach notice for comments made by club officials towards a touch judge during last Friday's game against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.

    The Titans breach notice follows a written warning issued to all clubs on May 19 this year that there had been a number of incidents where club officials had gone close to breaching NRL rules in relation to offering unsolicited advice to match officials on game day.

    The Titans have five business days in which to make any submissions in relation to the breach notice.

    www.theage.com.au/
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  7. #37
    Coach teke's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by titansrawesome View Post
    have you watched him play at brisbane? he was the fault in their backline thats why they offloaded him.
    Have I watched him play, I have probably seen 90% of his games and only a very small percentage of them he had trouble in defence in the centres where it is probably the hardest position on the field to defend in. He was offloaded because they had good talent coming through.

    Zillman into centre with Michaels on the wing would be a good attacking option.

  8. #38
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    Harrison firmly focussed on finals charge
    Adam Gardini and Brooke Muir

    State of Origin hero Ashley Harrison says he hasn?t allowed himself to dwell on Queensland?s record-breaking achievements in an effort to put his full focus behind the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans? finals charge.

    Harrison helped put the icing on Queensland?s historic fifth straight series win with an involved performance in the final game of the series seven days ago as they notched their first 3-nil whitewash since 1995.

    However, Harrison said he hadn?t reflected too much on the enormity of the achievement, with his focus firmly on the run home to the finals with the Titans - beginning with Friday night?s clash against the Broncos at Skilled Park.

    ?What happened last Wednesday was a very special moment in my career and something I?ll remember forever,?? he said.

    ?In saying that you can?t really dwell on it or think about it.

    ?Your concentration goes straight back into club footy and it?s an important time of year for the Titans, so I?m just looking to perform well on Friday and continuing to do so.''

    Fellow NRL Titans squad member Greg Bird also took plenty out of his performance for NSW in the final game of the series but agreed that with the representative season now over, it would help the team focus on their finals charge.

    ?I haven?t really been involved in Origin the whole time because I only got the one chance. But for Harro (Harrison) I?m sure he?s happy its over so we can keep the same squad week-in and week-out which is going to be good for the team,'' he said.

    Bird said the Titans had taken positives out of last Friday night?s loss to the Tigers, which they aim to build on against the Broncos.

    ?Apart from the kick from Robbie Farah, they didn?t break our line too much so that was a confidence booster for us and we?ll definitely take that with us into Friday night?s game,'' he said.

    Source: http://www.titans.com.au
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  9. #39

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    Got a very bad feeling about this game. I'm never confident tipping us lately, but hopefully we defend our line like we did against the Tigers. If not, we will continue our fall down the NRL ladder. Locky & Folau to dominate.

  10. #40
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    Titans talking tough

    Gold Coast forward Luke Bailey has warned Brisbane to get ready for fireworks and heavy contact from a Titans outfit who have re-discovered their self-belief.

    "It's always a big challenge when you play the Broncos, it's big two points this weekend," said the battle-hardened Bailey.

    "I'm sure there'll be some fireworks and also some pretty big contact."

    Sometimes a tough loss like last weekend's 15-14 field goal defeat to the Wests Tigers can knock a team's confidence for six.

    But Bailey feels it's had the complete opposite effect and has the Gold Coast steeled for the challenge posed by Brisbane coming off their most successful Origin period ever.

    "We could have hung our heads but there's a bit of a feel in the camp that some self-belief was restored, especially with our goal-line defence," the experienced prop said.

    "They threw a lot at us and I think we've taken a lot out of that game."

    Bailey and fellow forward Mark Minichiello said while strapping young centre Israel Folau and veteran five-eighth Darren Lockyer were major attacking threats, the battle up front would be equally as important.

    "Their forward pack has been going great and it's just another challenge for us. I think our forwards have been pretty good all year," Minichiello said.

    "It's always great to come up a good forward pack and challenge yourself.

    "With a big crowd out there, hopefully we can get the job done."

    Minichiello agreed with Bailey that last week's loss had given the Titans a shot of confidence.

    "It was a big game for us and I thought we stood up to the challenge really well," he said.

    "The performance showed we can cut it with the best and this game will be a stepping stone towards the final."

    Bailey is aware of Folau's good record against the Titans.

    "I think he's scored a few points against us," he said.

    "He's a freak of nature, that's what they do, they score points.

    "Darren Lockyer is also playing sensational footy and will be hard to stop.

    "We just need a committed 80-minute performance and a big crowd to get us home."

    Both sides will wrap up their preparations on Thursday.

    With more than 20,000 tickets pre-sold at Skilled Park, there's a real possibility of Friday's game being a sell out.

    Source: AAP http://www.NRL.com
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  11. #41
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    Titans v Broncos Preview
    Skilled Park Friday 7.35pm


    The battle of south-east Queensland gets personal this Friday night as Rivalry Round erupts with a blockbusting clash of major significance: big brother against little brother in a turf war that shapes to be epic in front of a massive crowd.

    Both the Titans and Broncos are neck-deep in the battle for finals places and know every win and loss is particularly crucial from this point.

    The home-side Titans are still fuming after their one-point loss to the Wests Tigers last weekend, as it was certainly one that got away and it took a 51-metre field goal to beat them. But the points are on the board and they have slipped to fifth on the ladder, giving up a top-four berth to the Roosters on percentages.

    A win could be enough to get it back? they could even climb as high as third; however, a loss could see them sink as low as ninth, completely out of the finals zone.

    They have remained loyal to the side that lost in Sydney, with the only change being former Bronco Steve Michaels added as an 18th man.

    The Broncos are fresh from a bye but coincidentally also lost their last match to the Wests Tigers.

    With their Origin players back in the line-up they look a much more formidable outfit.

    Currently in eighth spot on the ladder, the Broncos are in the danger zone. A win can catapult them into the top four at fourth, but a loss is likely to see them fall out of the eight ? and a heavy loss could potentially plummet them as low as 11th.

    The side welcomes back Alex Glenn and Israel Folau in the centres, which pushes Matt Gillett to the bench and Gerard Beale out of the side.

    Darren Lockyer returns for Corey Norman and Sam Thaiday slots into the second row at the expense of the off-contract Ashton Sims. Scott Anderson misses out also.

    Watch out Titans: This is a game where the Titans need to enforce strict discipline or face the consequences. In a week where they were served with a breach notice for comments made towards sideline officials during the match against the Wests Tigers, and where hooker Nathan Friend was scrutinised for a possible head butt, they come up against the competition?s ?cleanskins? in terms of penalties.

    Having been penalised just 69 times so far, the Broncos are the most disciplined side in the NRL (although Corey Parker and Peter Wallace are repeat offenders with eight apiece).

    On the other hand the Titans have heard the cold shrill of the whistle go against them 92 times this season. Friend has been nabbed 12 times and Mark Minichiello, who found himself in the sin bin last weekend, has been penalised 11 times. Anthony Laffranchi is also at double figures with 10.

    If they get belted in the penalty count here, the Broncos will roll over the top of them with ease.

    Watch out Broncos: Scott Prince needed the run last weekend to blow a few cobwebs out and now is set for a big game on the big stage.

    While quality players don?t need as much time to get into rhythm, Prince?s timing was just a fraction off against the Tigers and should be back to its best against the Broncos.

    His troublesome hamstring limited his kicking game and without the ability to dominate the proceedings, he was a little lost at times. But with another week to get better and slip into the slightly different structure, he should be ready to explode. He has 11 try assists from 11 games this season and 12 line-break assists.

    Where it will be won: Defence. Both sides need to show improvement defensively in the run home if they are to be true contenders, and where better to start then right here?

    The Broncos have leaked 21 fewer points than the Titans so far but they have a slightly worse effective tackle percentage. Both teams are poor in this area, with the Titans fourth last in the NRL and the Broncos third last.

    The home-side Titans are ineffective on 15.8 per cent of their attempted tackles and the Broncos are a tad worse at 16 per cent ineffective. Brisbane has missed 609 tackles and added 352 ineffective, while the Titans have missed 597 tackles and added 308 ineffective. That?s up around 37 and 38 missed tackles for each team each game!

    While they have countered for this somewhat thus far, the more tackles you miss, the greater the chance you will be chasing points.

    It?s time for both sides to muscle up and be countered ? or they won?t command much respect even if they do make the finals.

    (Speaking of defence, Corey Parker needs just 20 more tackles to notch 500-plus tackles in seven of the past eight seasons.)

    A final caution for the Titans ? since the beginning of last season the Broncos have scored an average 29.5 points against their neighbours.

    The history: Played 8; Titans 3, Broncos 5. The Broncos have claimed four of the past five against their little brother Titans, including a 28-6 win earlier this season.

    The Gold Coast does have a slight edge at the venue, winning two of three at Skilled Park.

    Conclusion: The Broncos are rested and have their guns back, so they are a big chance of victory here against a Titans side that has lost two in a row and five of the past seven.

    But in front of a packed home crowd and with so much on the line, the Titans will put up a hell of a fight.

    This really is a close one to call, so don?t be afraid to lean either way.

    Match officials: Referees ? Jason Robinson & Matt Cecchin; Sideline Officials ? Steve Chiddy & Michael Wise; Video Ref ? Steve Clark.

    Televised: Channel Nine ? Live 7.30pm (Qld), delayed 9.30pm (NSW); Fox Sports ? delayed 1am

    Source: http://www.NRL.com
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  12. #42
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    i know this is unrelated but tuiaki is off contract and apparently no one wants him because they fear his career is already done.

  13. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by titansrawesome View Post
    i know this is unrelated but tuiaki is off contract and apparently no one wants him because they fear his career is already done.
    You're right....It is unrelated...

  14. #44
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    Lol Shamus!!
    PUT EM TO THE SWORD! SHOW SOME STEEL!

    Moejoe: "REMEMBER!!!! SLIP - SLOP - SLAP in the sun. Skin Cancer is a growing problem. It could happen to anyone!!"
    TITANS, DIEHARDS, WARRINGTON WOLVES, MAROONS, KANGAROOS, HONG KONG THUNDER

  15. #45
    Administrator DIEHARD's Avatar
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    Limping Laffranchi scares Titans

    BACKROWER Anthony Laffranchi has sent an injury scare through the Titans' camp ahead of tomorrow night's crunch NRL derby against the Broncos on the Gold Coast.

    The former NSW and Australian Test forward is battling a calf injury and missed training last night.

    He spent yesterday being treated and will be required to undergo a fitness test when the Titans hold their final session at Robina this morning ahead of the Skilled Park clash.

    "He had a tight calf and after he started warming up it just got a little bit sore," said Titans physiotherapist Scott Thornton.

    "We don't think he has torn it but he has got some tightness in his calf.

    "As a precaution we stopped him training. He will run this morning and if he gets through that he will play. I am confident he will play."

    While the prognosis looks bright for Laffranchi, a cloud of uncertainty continues to hover over both young centre Joseph Tomane (shoulder) and strike weapon Sam Tagataese (shoulder).

    Tomane has not been sighted since Round 13 against the Raiders, while Tagataese has been missing in action since Round 14 against Manly.

    Both players are suffering from suspected nerve damage.

    They are understood to have been sidelined for an indefinite period, with no return date as yet.

    Fellow outside back Jordan Atkins is also sidelined with a medial ligament strain.

    In a further blow for the Titans, young forward Will Matthews appears unlikely to play again this season and may need surgery on his injured shoulder.

    Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au
    PUT EM TO THE SWORD! SHOW SOME STEEL!

    Moejoe: "REMEMBER!!!! SLIP - SLOP - SLAP in the sun. Skin Cancer is a growing problem. It could happen to anyone!!"
    TITANS, DIEHARDS, WARRINGTON WOLVES, MAROONS, KANGAROOS, HONG KONG THUNDER


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