Dragons v Titans: Blacker in line for debut; Rein ready to return
http://www.nrl.com
The Dragons' post-Paul McGregor era started well with a win over Brisbane and they take on another struggling Queensland side this week.
The Gold Coast have shown signs of promise in Justin Holbrook's first season in charge, with halfback Jamal Fogarty developing as a leader – captaining the side in the absence of the suspended Kevin Proctor last week – and AJ Brimson showing flashes of his brilliant best since returning from injury.
But the Dragons will start favourites after back-to-back wins, with Ben Hunt's switch to hooker and the rapid improvement of Matt Dufty at fullback giving Dean Young's side a new lease on life in attack this season.
Team news
Dragons: Only one game back from a COVID hold, star prop Paul Vaughan will miss another two matches after pleading guilty to a crusher tackle. Fellow forward Korbin Sims is set to join him on the sidelines after straining his calf. Back-rower Jackson Ford is available to return from his tripping ban and will likely come straight on to the interchange. Backline utility Tristan Sailor could reclaim his substitute role or, if Dean Young wants another forward, rookie prop Eddie Blacker is an option after previously being named in the extended squad.
Titans: Lock Moeaki Fotuaika is facing a ban for a crusher tackle. Sam Lisone or Jai Whitbread could be in line for a promotion to the starting side. Hooker Mitch Rein is fully fit and available for selection after overcoming a knee injury.
Key Match-Up
Matt Dufty v AJ Brimson: With 11 tries, nine try assists and 11 line-break assists Dufty has a strong case to be regarded as the NRL's most improved player in 2020. His pure speed and evasive running game is well known but his bullet cutout passes to wingers have been his greatest strength this season, giving the Red V some genuine strike power on both flanks.
He goes up against another talented fullback in Brimson, who was sorely missed by the Titans for the first 11 rounds this season but is making up for lost time. Capable of breaking the defensive line himself or creating space for others, Brimson is the chief weapon for a Gold Coast side that has struggled in attack for too long.
Stat Attack
He spent the bulk of last season on the wing and was set to be the Dragons' fullback this season, but instead Zac Lomax has thrived in the centres – finishing last week's win over Brisbane as the leading point-scorer in the Telstra Premiership. His 10 tries and 47 goals amount to 134 points through 15 matches.
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
Great news guys, our mate Henry Perenara is the referee this week
1. AJ Brimson
2. Corey Thompson
3. Brian Kelly
4. Young Tonumaipea
5. Phillip Sami
6. Ashley Taylor
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Jaiman Jolliffe
11. Sam Stone
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tyrone Peachey
14. Erin Clark
15. Sam Lisone
16. Keegan Hipgrave
17. Jai Whitbread
18. Tanah Boyd
19. Anthony Don
20. Treymain Spry
21. Darius Farmer
Strong backline but probably the weakest pack we've ever thrown out there with Stone and Peach. Think Tanah Boyd is unlucky to miss out and hopefully Darius Farmer makes his debut.
Last edited by NZTITAN; 25-08-20 at 05:05 PM.
The gooch again!! What have we done to deserve this.
What a joke that perenara is our ref again, look forward to a game of lop sided penalty count six again calls and all the 50 50 calls going the dragons way and the bunker being referred to for every sing,e titans try to look at possible no try’s
He is a clown and shouldn’t be allowed to ref at NRL standard
Hipgrave will be sent to the bin for sure. Off the bench for the impact and Perenium won't like something and give him 9.5 mins in the bin
With perenium we are definitely going to get a send off. My bet will bet will be wallace or Hipgrave when we are 6 all. It will be for holding the player down, which has been inconsistently applied all game. Fogs will argue and we will get marched ten. Then the dragons will pour on three tries.
- - - Updated - - -
Oh I forgot, when the game is well and truly over, 24-6 he will even up the penalty count in our favour.
Last edited by Dooldog76; 25-08-20 at 08:16 PM.