Jesus Mary and Joseph
1-why pick Matthews ahead of Boyle or even Latu....Matthews is cooked as an NRL footballer
2-Brennan is so stubborn about persisting with Rein on the bench and not playing LG. When Rein comes on Peats goes into a Lock/Playmaker role and we lose our shape with Rein at dummy half. If you are going to do that wouldn’t it make more sense to keep Peats at hooker and have the attacking genius of LG playing a libero role?? Plus LG provides so many more utility options if there’s an injury.
But don’t worry I’m totally behind him, he’s a great man and will take us to a Premiership in the fullness of time.
Go Titans!!
^^^^^ hahahaha Brennan for Prime Minister.
Probably the least shocking team list I've seen. Fingers crossed our boys are fit after SOO3.
Hurrell's NRL chance after Copley injury
https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/
The door has been left ajar for exiled Gold Coast centre Konrad Hurrell after Dale Copley's season-ending hamstring injury.
Sunday's clash with the Sydney Roosters will be Hurrell's first as a starting centre since he was dropped ahead of round 10, two months ago.
The likeable Tongan representative endured an error-riddled start to the season but, still contracted for another year at the club, now has a chance to finish the campaign where he started.
The Titans have named Queensland forwards Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow for the clash, while Alexander Brimson is set to play three games inside a week as he prepares to represent the Queensland under-20s on Wednesday night.
Kane Elgey, off-contract and linked to a move to the Europe next season, is waiting in the wings if Brimson is unable to back up.
Brennan said the Titans were yet to table a new offer to Elgey, with the big-money five-eighth out of favour and restricted to just seven NRL games this season.
"Kane's more than capable of slotting in there if AJ is a bit fatigued or sustains an injury, I'm sure Kane will grab his opportunity," Brennan said.
Copley's hamstring rupture rubbed salt into the Titans' wounds after a horrid 34-0 defeat to Brisbane on Sunday.
"It's not good for Dale; he's been playing some good football too and battled injury in the past so it's important we get it right," Brennan said.
"The first thing he said to me was 'how can I help out the team'.
"He's a very smart footballer, Dale, and to have him helping out the players with preparation before games and doing homework on opposition is going to help us out as well."
The loss to Brisbane all but ended the Titans finals hopes, with the side now four wins outside the top eight with eight games remaining.
"They're down on the performance, they're embarrassed about it and it's important we go out and put on a better performance against another powerhouse in the Roosters," Brennan said.
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
Hipgrave to make amends after apologising for ill discipline
https://www.nrl.com/
Keegan Hipgrave has apologised to coach Garth Brennan for being sucked into the baiting of Broncos forwards last Sunday and says he is out to avenge the loss of discipline against the Sydney Roosters - a pack that could be even more aggressive.
The 21-year-old, who is courting offers from three Sydney clubs, will start in the second row after lasting just 17 minutes against the Broncos because of a concussion. In that period he was twice involved in dust-ups that earned him cautions from referee Henry Perenara and his side conceded two penalties.
The Titans need controlled aggression from the local product in a team that has lost left centre Dale Copley for the season through a hamstring injury and will wait on the fitness of Maroons’ State of Origin forwards Jai Arrow and Jarrod Wallace and under 20s five-eighth AJ Brimson.
Konrad Hurrell will start in the centres for the first time since round nine after which he was dropped for Brenko Lee as right centre. His two games since have been on the wing against the Roosters in round 12 and last weekend off the bench against the Broncos.
Hipgrave can make a difference against the Roosters if he can keep his aggression but temper his over-exuberance.
"Playing against his old team [Hipgrave played two seasons of under 20s with Brisbane], there was a little bit of spite in there and Keegan got caught into it a little too much," Brennan said.
"He has apologised to me for it and said he had learned from that. He got baited and he took it. That’s a 21-year-old still learning and making mistakes at NRL level he will learn from.
"He feels he has let the team don with his ill-discipline. Keegan is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, he is passionate and players love playing with him because he has that little bit of an edge."
Asked if the lesson against Brisbane may be a turning point, Brennan replied: "I hope so, the last few suspensions and sin-binnings haven’t worked and maybe this will.
"He is passionate and doesn’t want to let his mates down and he was dirty on himself because he felt he let his mates down and that’s what he’ll learn the most from."
Brimson would have to play his third game in eight days if he backs up from being starting five-eighth in the Justin Hodges-coached Maroons under 20s.
Kane Elgey is on standby for a recall for the first time since round seven if Brimson is injured or rested.
The Titans have not made their former golden boy an offer for next season and he has been courted by English clubs Warrington and Catalans and at least two NRL clubs.
"AJ wanted to play on Wednesday night and I am not going to rule a guy out who wants to represent his state at any level," Brennan said.
"He knows his body best, we will see how he pulls up and Kane Elgey is in our 22-man squad and is more than capable of fitting in there if AJ feels fatigue or suffers an injury."
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
^^^ if he had of decked Lodge when they butted heads he’d be a hero for life with people right across society including people with only a cursory following of the game
Titans v Roosters: Arrow and Wallace on Origin back-up but Cordner may rest
http://www.nrl.com
The Gold Coast desperately needed a win over the Brisbane Broncos last Sunday to keep alive any slim hopes of playing finals football.
What they served up was one of their most lacklustre performances of the season as they were belted 34-0 to slide to 11th on the Telstra Premiership ladder, eight competition points behind the eighth-placed Warriors.
How Garth Brennan's men respond to that disappointment will be the key factor as they look to overcome a Roosters side sitting in fifth place by virtue of a superior points differential to the other three sides on 22 points (Sharks, Broncos, Warriors).
The Titans need their marquee men Ash Taylor and Ryan James to take ownership of the side and ensure heads don't drop with the finals now out of the equation.
Key match-up: A man who has played 22 Origins, Cooper Cronk, matches wits with a man who most believe will one day be the Maroons No.7 Ash Taylor. Sure, Cronk has had more dominant seasons, but he remains one of the game's elite playmakers and he is timing his run to September. Taylor wants to be there one day and gets a great chance on Sunday to orchestrate an upset win which will restore some pride at the club.
For the Titans to win: Backing up from Origin is never easy but if the Gold Coast are to rebound they'll need Maroons forwards Jai Arrow and Jarrod Wallace to aim up against a Roosters pack which boasts a potent mix of power and skill. Arrow and Wallace have been pivotal to the Titans' wins in 2018 and their ability to aim up four days after a bruising Origin clash will be vital to the home side's chances.
For the Roosters to win: Stay composed. When Trent Robinson's men get their structure right and Cronk and Luke Keary play off the back of good go-forward, this is one of the most formidable outfits in the NRL. If their big men stay disciplined and focus on doing the hard yards they can lay the platform for the likes of Tedesco, Mitchell, Manu and Ferguson to run riot like they did against the Panthers in round 15.
Titans stat attack: The Titans were held scoreless last Sunday, further illustrating a lack of potency which sees them with the sixth worst attacking record in the NRL. Only the Tigers, Knights, Cowboys, Eels and Bulldogs have scored fewer points in 2018. You get the feeling the Titans will need at least 20 points if they are to topple the Roosters.
Roosters stat attack: Defence wins premierships and one thing you can be sure of with this Roosters side is that they'll make the Titans earn every point. They boast the best defence in the comp and every player in the red, white and blue wall has trust in the man next to him.
And another thing: The Roosters have four of their next six games away from home, a stretch which includes games at Brookvale and Canberra and a blokbuster against Souths at ANZ Stadium. Those six games will dictate whether the Roosters secure a vital top-four spot or have to do it the hard way in September.
Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters, Sunday 6.30pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Konrad Hurrell, 4 Brenko Lee, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 AJ Brimson, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jarrod Wallace, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Ryan James (c), 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Keegan Hipgrave, 13 Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Moeaki Fotuaika, 16 Will Matthews, 17 Jack Stockwell
Reserves: 18 Morgan Boyle, 19 Leilani Latu, 20 Kane Elgey, 21 Brendan Elliot, 22 Jai Whitbread
Konrad Hurrell starts at centre for Dale Copley (hamstring, season) with Jack Stockwell joining the bench. Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow have been named to back up from Maroons duty in the starting back shifting Moeaki Fotuaika and Will Matthews to the bench and Morgan Boyle and Leilani Latu to the reserves.
Roosters: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11 Nat Butcher, 12 Victor Radley, 13 Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14 Zane Tetevano, 15 Lindsay Collins, 16 Mitch Aubusson, 17 Kurt Baptiste
Reserves: 18 Matthew Ikuvalu, 19 Sitili Tupouniua, 20 Ryan Matterson, 21 Sean O'Sullivan, 22 Paul Momirovski, 22 Poasa Faamausili
Blues skipper Boyd Cordner has not been named and may get a rest. Joseph Manu returns from suspension at centre for Matthew Ikuvalu. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves replaces Dylan Napa at prop. Mitchell Aubusson replaces Sitili Tupouniua on the bench. Ryan Matterson (wrist/concussion) has been named in the reserves as he looks to make his return from injury.
Head-to-head: Played 17; Roosters 9 wins, Titans 8 wins
Previous result: Roosters won 34-14 in round 12
Points per game: Titans 18.5; Roosters 20.1
Points conceded per game: Titans 25.1; Roosters 14.2
Televised: Live on Fox League
Petero Civoniceva's prediction: I thought the Roosters were very unlucky in Adelaide, and should be raring to go after the bye. Gold Coast have a few blokes backing up from Origin in key positions, it is too big a mountain to climb, even though they are at home again. Tip: Roosters by 4
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
Taylor will rise from the ashes
http://www.couriermail.com.au
TITANS coach Garth Brennan says Sunday’s loss to the Broncos will serve as a big lesson for halfback Ash Taylor.
The Gold Coast’s finals hopes took a hit when they sunk to a 34-0 defeat to Brisbane, placing them eight points outside of the top eight.
Taylor came under fire for his performance at Cbus Super Stadium, in what was one of the young halfback’s worst games of the season.
Just one week after he was in talks to come into the Queensland Origin team, Taylor had an error-riddled night against his old club and failed to help the Titans fire. Brennan (pictured) questioned after the match whether the disappointment of missing his Origin debut had hurt Taylor, but said it also served as a massive lesson for the 23-year-old.
“He was talked about for Origin III and maybe he had a bit of disappointment about that,” Brennan said.
“But they’re things that maturity will hopefully (help) him adapt to those disappointments throughout his career.
“He’s going to have a lot more disappointments throughout his career than that.
“He’ll be the first to say his performance wasn’t where it needed to be, there’s no doubt about that.”
Brennan said, however, Taylor was not solely to blame for the match, with the whole team failing to put up enough of a fight against their Queensland “big brothers”.
With a clash against the fifth-placed Roosters looming on Sunday, Brennan said he would have a catch up with Taylor to talk about what went wrong against the Broncos.
But he said, overall, he knew Taylor would be more disappointed than anyone in how he played and would know what he had to do.
“Ash wouldn’t be happy with his performance,” he said.
“He’ll learn from that and move on to next week.”
Meanwhile, halves partner AJ Brimson has been given the green light from the Titans to play for the Queensland Under-20s tomorrow.
Coach Justin Hodges unveiled his line-up yesterday, with Brimson to feature in the halves alongside Cowboys young gun Jake Clifford.
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
Sunday 6:30 game so crowd prediction anyone? Even though Titans are offering half price tickets (they are obviously aware of expecting a low crowd) I estimate 4831.
I could have sworn Radley got suspended for this game, since they handed in the early guilty plea from a hit in round 16 and Roosters had a bye last week. Wonder why he was named?
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
Apparently the NRL is blocking the move to let Radley play. You'd hope so as it would be ludicrous if u20s origin was counted towards his suspension.
Doesn't matter. Let the kid play. He is one out of the box. Future superstar Radley.