Round 12 Double Header: Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans

[DIEHARD]

This game will be a great challenge for us. Hopefully Scott can put on the performance he put on at the start of last year's corresponding match when he put the Bulldogs to the sword until he suffering injury.

I don't know about moving Scott to 5/8th. But let's face it, Preston and Scott are both award winning halves. And as much as I support William at 5/8th he may only be strengthened by a move to fullback.

Most of these things, these left field suggestions never come about and just evapourate. But as a fan you can't help but be fascinated by the prospect of something radical.

I guess out of all our half combinations ever, I always saw Scott and Preston as the 6 and 7. I'd have Campbell at 6 though.

[BackpackingTitan]

Sad news hearing about Sezers knee. Hopefully he can get it back up to full strength by next season.

[DIEHARD]

Sad news hearing about Sezers knee. Hopefully he can get it back up to full strength by next season.

It's heartbreaking news to hear this happen to any player, let alone our future Titan with so much potential. Best of luck Aiden. Hail Sezer!

[DIEHARD]

Laffranchi out for another fortnight

HE put on a brave face but there was no hiding the fact Anthony Laffranchi was hurting last night after specialists confirmed he faced a further fortnight on the sidelines.

The Gold Coast Titans workhorse was set to make his return from a six-week spell against Canterbury on Friday but went down late in Monday's training session.

"He wasn't too pleased about it," Titans assistant coach Steve Murphy said. "It was very unfortunate. He was training really well and looked good."

Having progressed through the warm-up and training drills unscathed, Laffranchi was dusting off the cobwebs in an contact session before aggravating an ankle.

While there was limited swelling, the 30-year-old was clearly in discomfort and quick to put on his all too familiar moon boot.

Doctors yesterday confirmed the Murwillumbah product tore the scar tissue around his recovering ligaments.

"It's a real pain, mate," Laffranchi said.

"Everything was going along nicely then bam, I get caught, twist in a bad direction and we're back to the doctors.

"It's been a frustrating year injury-wise. I've never experienced anything like it.

"I now know what guys go through with back-to-back injuries. It seems to have been my go this year."

Diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and damaged ligaments following the Titans' round 5 loss to North Queensland, Laffranchi was told he would be out for eight weeks. His reputation for speedy recovery times came to the fore again though, and until Monday he was ready to return two weeks early.

Now he's looking at a round 13 return against Penrith at Skilled Park, all things going well.

"I could open up a shop called Boof's Braces, I've had that many shoulder, wrist and ankle braces," Laffranchi said.

"It doesn't even faze my boy now if I'm in a bandage.

"While they're not long-term injuries, they're ongoing nigglies, especially this ankle one now which is almost two months.

"I spoke to Carty (coach John Cartwright) and we just want to get it right. If that takes full eight weeks, so be it."

With backrowers Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird on State of Origin duty, Laffranchi's experience would have been welcomed in a Titans side desperate to get their season back on track.

While those numbered one through 17 remain unchanged, Murphy yesterday named an extended six man-bench in Cartwright's absence, with Joseph Tomane and Ben Ridge on standby.

"We have named an extended bench to cover all bases," Murphy said. "It's a bit of concern but at the same time we have these young guys who we're keen to give a go to and are confident can fill the void."

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

[DIEHARD]

Halves not to blame for Dogs' slide: Moore

Canterbury coach Kevin Moore says it is up to his senior players to offer more support to young halves Kris Keating and Trent Hodkinson following a dramatic slide in their attacking efficiency over the past three weeks.

Statistics obtained from NRL Stats show that the Bulldogs were the most lethal side in the competition over the opening seven rounds inside their opponents? ?red zone? but have dropped all the way down to 14th following consecutive losses to Brisbane, St George Illawarra and Canberra.

Moore said it was inevitable that halves of such limited experience would suffer from inconsistency but insisted it wasn?t fair to lay the blame wholly on his junior playmakers.

?Both Kris and Trent have been really good for us the entire year but Friday night was probably their worst performance of the year and they were both very disappointed after the game,? he said.

?They?re both good kids that work very hard at their game so we just need to sit down ? we?ve had a good look at where we went wrong and the things that we need to improve.

?I?ve got no doubt that they?ll bounce back this week but the rest of the team needs to help them, too. I don?t think we helped those young guys much last week with some of our options on the outside. We didn?t have a lot of bodies in motion and blokes went away from doing their roles, which makes it harder for the halves.?

The Bulldogs have averaged fewer run metres, line-breaks, try assists and tackle-breaks during the past three weeks than they had over the opening seven rounds, while their attacking efficiency has dropped by almost 75 per cent.

Incredibly, the Bulldogs averaged an NRL-best 17 touches for each try scored during their impressive start to the year but have taken a whopping 61.5 since Round 8 ? behind only Canberra and the Sydney Roosters.

But Moore contends the statistics are misleading.
?Certainly against Brisbane and St George ? they?re two of the best defensive sides in the competition,? he said. ?They defended well against us and not a lot of sides have scored points against them.

?Against Canberra we were far more disappointing but there were a number of factors there. We had a young guy in at dummy-half in Josh Reynolds and it was always going to be tough for him to come straight into the side without Mick Ennis there.

?Unfortunately his cohesion with Kris and Trent wasn?t quite where we?d like it to be just yet so overall we need to be better when attacking [the opposition] line.

?But that will come with experience ? and you can throw Ben Barba into that mix, too.

?He has been great for us but he has only played 10 games at NRL level at fullback so we don?t have a lot of experience there. The more they play together, the better they?ll get.?

Despite their recent woes, the Bulldogs still find themselves in eighth spot on the ladder and will welcome back State of Origin hooker Ennis, fitness permitting, for Friday night?s trip to the Gold Coast.

Moore pointed to upcoming games against the Titans and Manly as vital to the club?s finals hopes in 2011.

?Certainly, the next two weeks I see as critical for our season,? he said. ?It?s not do or die just yet but we?re in a position where if we win those two and then go into the bye, you?re feeling pretty comfortable with yourself.

?But we?ve got a lot of work to do to make sure that happens. There were certainly some positives to be taken from the past few weeks but in the end you?ve got to accumulate points to get to the back end of the season.

?All you can do is put your thoughts ahead to this week and we?ve got the Gold Coast on Friday night.

?We know we need to go up there and be very good to beat them.?

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[doc]

1. zillman
2. michaels
3. tonga
4. tomane
5. mead
6. campbell
7. prince
8. bailey
9. lawton
10. white
11. mini
12. thompson
13. ridge
14. james
15. taga
16. lawerence
17. srama

[teke]

I think the teams main problem is lack of points rather than their defence. The Titans are only averaging 15.9 points a game (which is only higher than the Roosters who are averaging 15.7) while they average 22.2 points scored against them a game (which is higher than 5 other teams). Take away the 40 points that Melbourne put on them in Rnd 2 and they are leaking an average 20.2 points a game, which isn't too bad. 10 teams are averaging 20 points or more scored against them a game at the moment.

I know stats aren't everything, but to me the bigger problem is the Titans inability to score points. Tomane is someone capable of scoring plenty of points.

I agree with the attack however it really isnt the time to hope someone improves out of sight.

[Rage]

Our poor attack is also compounded by the number of meters our forwards are making and the possession we've had in some games

[Rage]

NRL.com Wed, May 25, 2011 - 4:00 PM

Bulldogs v Titans
Suncorp Stadium
Friday 8.45pm

The second match of what should be an awesome double header at Suncorp Stadium is crucial to both sides as they try to negotiate the Origin period.

The ?home? side Bulldogs have slipped to eighth on the NRL ladder after losses to Brisbane, the Dragons and Raiders in successive weeks, while the Titans? struggles remain, seeing them languish in 14th spot.

John Cartwright can hear the clock ticking ? he knows time is running out for the Gold Coast to make their move back up the ladder. They are two wins short of the Bulldogs and have a negative differential, something they need to rectify, and fast.

They are coming off the bye week and back-to-back losses prior to the rest.

Titans Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison will be hoping to back up from Origin, while the Bulldogs will be sweating on Michael Ennis? fitness.

Bodene Thompson comes in at centre for Joseph Tomane in the only change from their heartbreaking loss to Manly in Round 10.

The Bulldogs will be missing the injured Aiden Tolman at prop but have responded by moving captain Andrew Ryan up front.

With Ennis due back at hooker, Josh Reynolds returns to the New South Wales Cup competition, while Sam Kasiano is slated to start at prop, with Greg Eastwood moving back to the bench.

Jake Foster is the new starting second-rower, with Michael Hodgson joining the reserves list.

Watch Out Bulldogs: The Titans might not be the most efficient attacking side in 2011 but they do prefer heading left, which has been a real weak spot for the Bulldogs.

Despite his attacking prowess (see below) Jamal Idris still has plenty to learn in defence. Teams attacking to the left come straight at the Bulldogs? right-side defence, where Idris resides. The fact opposition teams have scored 19 tries on the left against the ?Dogs compared to 10 on the right is probably the biggest reason why Idris was handed the No.18 jersey for the Blues and left to watch from the sidelines, rather than making the starting line-up. The dreadlocks-wearing giant has missed 21 tackles so far, or just over two a game.

The Titans have scored 12 tries on the left side, nine on the right so chances are they?ll keep hitting their strength, and the Bulldogs? weakness.

Danger Sign: The Titans hit the short side left more than any other team in the NRL and if they continue this trend it could certainly upset the ?Dogs defensively. Watch for Scott Prince to shape right but switch back down the short left corridor, really trying to work over Idris and co.

Watch Out Titans: He isn?t in the Gold Coast jersey yet but this game represents the first time Bulldogs centre Idris will play against the club he will join from next year. Fresh off New South Wales 18th man duties, Idris will be out to prove just how damaging he can be. So far this season he has averaged 79 metres, has three line-breaks, two line-break assists, three try assists and four tries. He also has 54 tackle-breaks (fifth most in NRL) and 15 offloads.

Idris has played the Titans three times in the past and managed three line-breaks, two tries and 21 tackle-breaks. He also averages 110 metres in those three games, his second best yield against any opponent.

Danger Sign: Idris will be lurking on the right side looking for early ball. He is just as dangerous hitting a flat line and powering through defenders as he is getting a nice outball at depth, allowing him to get up a full head of steam. The Titans need to get up in his face quickly and get physical with the big centre ? before he gets physical with them. They have already leaked 11 tries this year to right-fringe attack. Plus, their centres pairing of Bodene Thompson and Esi Tonga have missed 45 tackles between them, making the region in from touch a real worry on both sides of the field.

Plays To Watch: Scott Prince grubbers for edge forwards and a flying William Zillman; Michael Ennis scheming around rucks trying to catch out Titan props; Frank Pritchard?s offloads; Preston Campbell injecting himself at second receiver.

Where It Will Be Won: Field position. The side which gains abundant, good position will get the competition points, as both sides boast halves who are skilled to take advantage.

Earlier in the year the Bulldogs were able to overcome a severe deficiency in metres gained compared to opponents and still win ? but in recent weeks their lack of go-forward and inability to stop other teams rolling forward has hurt them.

The Bulldogs average 1288 metres running a game ? well in the bottom half of teams ? while the Titans are pumping out 1336 metres each week. The big difference comes defensively where the Titans concede just 1275 metres while the Bulldogs are letting teams dominate on their way to 1434 metres. The side that gives themselves more chances is going to be in great position to take full advantage.

Scott Prince is at his best when taking on the line from close range. The same can be said for the ?Dogs, who have some strike backs who are hard to stop from close range and offloading forwards like Frank Pritchard who can create enough space to make a half-break and result in points.

The History: Played 6; Bulldogs 3, Titans 3. These sides met here in similar circumstances last season, with the Titans getting home in a one-point thriller 25-24. The win means the Titans have won three of the past four against the Bulldogs. The average winning margin in the past four games is just four points. The two sides have met at Suncorp Stadium twice, sharing the victories, although the Titans don?t necessarily love the short trip north ? they have won just two of nine matches played at the venue against all opponents.

Conclusion: It is always hard to tip games before knowing which Origin players will be returning to the fold. For instance, the Bulldogs without Ennis are a much weaker proposition. And the Titans without half their back row would also struggle.

That said, even if everyone comes through it is still a really tough one to pick, as both units are experiencing a slide. The Titans will probably have more crowd support but the Bulldogs should still have the slight edge.

Match Officials: Referees ? Ashley Klein & Tony De Las Heras; Touch Judges ? Ricky MacFarlane & Adam Reid; Video Ref ? Russell Smith.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live 8.45pm; Fox Sports ? Delayed 1am.

* Statistics: NRL Stats.

[Rage]

NRL.com Wed, May 25, 2011 - 4:00 PM

Bulldogs v Titans
Suncorp Stadium
Friday 8.45pm

The second match of what should be an awesome double header at Suncorp Stadium is crucial to both sides as they try to negotiate the Origin period.

The ?home? side Bulldogs have slipped to eighth on the NRL ladder after losses to Brisbane, the Dragons and Raiders in successive weeks, while the Titans? struggles remain, seeing them languish in 14th spot.

John Cartwright can hear the clock ticking ? he knows time is running out for the Gold Coast to make their move back up the ladder. They are two wins short of the Bulldogs and have a negative differential, something they need to rectify, and fast.

They are coming off the bye week and back-to-back losses prior to the rest.

Titans Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison will be hoping to back up from Origin, while the Bulldogs will be sweating on Michael Ennis? fitness.

Bodene Thompson comes in at centre for Joseph Tomane in the only change from their heartbreaking loss to Manly in Round 10.

The Bulldogs will be missing the injured Aiden Tolman at prop but have responded by moving captain Andrew Ryan up front.

With Ennis due back at hooker, Josh Reynolds returns to the New South Wales Cup competition, while Sam Kasiano is slated to start at prop, with Greg Eastwood moving back to the bench.

Jake Foster is the new starting second-rower, with Michael Hodgson joining the reserves list.

Watch Out Bulldogs: The Titans might not be the most efficient attacking side in 2011 but they do prefer heading left, which has been a real weak spot for the Bulldogs.

Despite his attacking prowess (see below) Jamal Idris still has plenty to learn in defence. Teams attacking to the left come straight at the Bulldogs? right-side defence, where Idris resides. The fact opposition teams have scored 19 tries on the left against the ?Dogs compared to 10 on the right is probably the biggest reason why Idris was handed the No.18 jersey for the Blues and left to watch from the sidelines, rather than making the starting line-up. The dreadlocks-wearing giant has missed 21 tackles so far, or just over two a game.

The Titans have scored 12 tries on the left side, nine on the right so chances are they?ll keep hitting their strength, and the Bulldogs? weakness.

Danger Sign: The Titans hit the short side left more than any other team in the NRL and if they continue this trend it could certainly upset the ?Dogs defensively. Watch for Scott Prince to shape right but switch back down the short left corridor, really trying to work over Idris and co.

Watch Out Titans: He isn?t in the Gold Coast jersey yet but this game represents the first time Bulldogs centre Idris will play against the club he will join from next year. Fresh off New South Wales 18th man duties, Idris will be out to prove just how damaging he can be. So far this season he has averaged 79 metres, has three line-breaks, two line-break assists, three try assists and four tries. He also has 54 tackle-breaks (fifth most in NRL) and 15 offloads.

Idris has played the Titans three times in the past and managed three line-breaks, two tries and 21 tackle-breaks. He also averages 110 metres in those three games, his second best yield against any opponent.

Danger Sign: Idris will be lurking on the right side looking for early ball. He is just as dangerous hitting a flat line and powering through defenders as he is getting a nice outball at depth, allowing him to get up a full head of steam. The Titans need to get up in his face quickly and get physical with the big centre ? before he gets physical with them. They have already leaked 11 tries this year to right-fringe attack. Plus, their centres pairing of Bodene Thompson and Esi Tonga have missed 45 tackles between them, making the region in from touch a real worry on both sides of the field.

Plays To Watch: Scott Prince grubbers for edge forwards and a flying William Zillman; Michael Ennis scheming around rucks trying to catch out Titan props; Frank Pritchard?s offloads; Preston Campbell injecting himself at second receiver.

Where It Will Be Won: Field position. The side which gains abundant, good position will get the competition points, as both sides boast halves who are skilled to take advantage.

Earlier in the year the Bulldogs were able to overcome a severe deficiency in metres gained compared to opponents and still win ? but in recent weeks their lack of go-forward and inability to stop other teams rolling forward has hurt them.

The Bulldogs average 1288 metres running a game ? well in the bottom half of teams ? while the Titans are pumping out 1336 metres each week. The big difference comes defensively where the Titans concede just 1275 metres while the Bulldogs are letting teams dominate on their way to 1434 metres. The side that gives themselves more chances is going to be in great position to take full advantage.

Scott Prince is at his best when taking on the line from close range. The same can be said for the ?Dogs, who have some strike backs who are hard to stop from close range and offloading forwards like Frank Pritchard who can create enough space to make a half-break and result in points.

The History: Played 6; Bulldogs 3, Titans 3. These sides met here in similar circumstances last season, with the Titans getting home in a one-point thriller 25-24. The win means the Titans have won three of the past four against the Bulldogs. The average winning margin in the past four games is just four points. The two sides have met at Suncorp Stadium twice, sharing the victories, although the Titans don?t necessarily love the short trip north ? they have won just two of nine matches played at the venue against all opponents.

Conclusion: It is always hard to tip games before knowing which Origin players will be returning to the fold. For instance, the Bulldogs without Ennis are a much weaker proposition. And the Titans without half their back row would also struggle.

That said, even if everyone comes through it is still a really tough one to pick, as both units are experiencing a slide. The Titans will probably have more crowd support but the Bulldogs should still have the slight edge.

Match Officials: Referees ? Ashley Klein & Tony De Las Heras; Touch Judges ? Ricky MacFarlane & Adam Reid; Video Ref ? Russell Smith.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live 8.45pm; Fox Sports ? Delayed 1am.

* Statistics: NRL Stats.

[Rage]

Wow I knew our record at suncorp was bad but is it really THAT bad?!
I hate to be pessimistic but does anyone have a record of how many wins we've had coming off byes? I'm pretty sure that record isn't too great either

[DIEHARD]

Michael Ennis may get suspended for stepping on Cronk's calf with his boot. We can only hope.

[DIEHARD]

Wow I knew our record at suncorp was bad but is it really THAT bad?!
I hate to be pessimistic but does anyone have a record of how many wins we've had coming off byes? I'm pretty sure that record isn't too great either

It's shocking isn't it. We have a real issue here, we can't keep losing at the temple of rugby league. This is where we play half our derbies with the Broncos, our regional Finals matchs and the Double Header.

Winning Premierships is going to be complicated if we can't win at Lang Park.

So let's turn it around tomorrow night against the Bulldogs.

[AmericanTitan]

Michael Ennis may get suspended for stepping on Cronk's calf with his boot. We can only hope.

I really do dislike that man and the way he plays the game. Ennis is worse than Robbie Farah.

[Titan Dad]

I really do dislike that man and the way he plays the game. Ennis is worse than Robbie Farah.

I don't like him either, however he sure is one hell of a competitor, and is one of the best at getting you off your game. If he were at the Titans he would have a cult following and all would be good. However he isn't at the Titans so it is good to dislike him