Rogers out of Titans team
April 7, 2007 - 12:14PM
Gold Coast dual international Mat Rogers has been ruled out of Sunday's clash with Penrith at CUA Stadium after failing a fitness test on his neck.
Titans officials said it was "touch and go" whether the 31-year-old would make the trip to Sydney, but erred on the side of caution with the former Wallaby utility likely to be fit for next week's local derby against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
Titans co-captain Scott Prince (ankle), five-eighth Matt Hilder (shoulder) and centre Jake Webster (knee) all passed fitness tests on Saturday and have been cleared to play on Sunday.
Former Eel Brett Delaney will replace Rogers and make his debut in Titans colours on Sunday after starring in the club's feeder team during the first three weeks of competition.
Despite the loss of Rogers, Panthers captain Tony Puletua has warned his side not to underestimate the Titans.
"I'm not sure what they're doing in their camp but I'm sure they're doing everything they can to prepare to win every game every week and (Sunday) will be no different," said Puletua.
"They put in a good performance against us in the trials but it's going to be a different story this time because we are in season.
"We have both had a few games under our belts now and it should be a good one.
"I think they've been pretty solid in their games. They have been playing those games that can go either way. They have put in some good performances the last three weeks and are going well.
"Any team can win if they play well on the day."
Puletua said the Panthers must expose a weakened Titans outfit if they are to build momentum on their early season spark.
Unheralded five-eighth Peter Wallace booted Penrith to a golden-point extra time victory over reigning premier Brisbane last week with a 40m field goal and Puletua said his side must continue to win the tough games like that if they are to remain competitive in 2007.
"It would be good (to win three in a row). We've had a couple of good wins now and we'd just like to keep that going," said Puletua.
"We know there's a lot to be gained from playing consistently good footy and it's just a matter of keeping that going on Sunday.
"(The 29-28 win over Brisbane) was just one of those games, that happens in footy. I suppose before we might have lost that game through fitness and stuff but it was good how the boys played the full 80 (minutes) and we ended up coming away with the result.
"It was a good win but we can't get carried away with it, there's still a long season to go."
? 2007 AAP