Warriors v Titans preview

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Warriors look to move past last start heartbreak against gritty Gold Coast. 

The New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans do battle in a match that is vital for both sides top 8 chances moving forward. After having last start defeats last weekend both these sides will be very eager to once again re-join the winners circle with only 2 points separating them from a top 8 birth.
The 11th placed Warriors had their 3 match winning streak snapped by a plucky Cronulla Sharks outfit last week, however credit must be given to the New Zealanders who led early on and pushed the Sharks all the way in the Golden Point defeat. They need to bounce back this week and not fall into the trap of getting into a losing streak. Look for the combinations of Thomas Leuluai and Shaun Johnson to again blossom under the lights of Mt Smart.

The Titans will be filthy on themselves for falling away so badly when put under the pump by Canberra last week. Just when it seems the Titans have turned the corner they serve up some ill disciplined football which hinders their progress. Furthermore, they have been dealt the painful blow of losing rookie centre Nathan Davis to a broken leg and will need to manage this tricky injury as they attempt to find a replacement. 
With the dynamic play by Greg Bird and Josh Hoffman a highlight from last week's defeat, look for both these players to again contribute heavily.

Last meeting: Round 15 2015 - Titans 14 Warriors 36

Now this is a bogey team for the Gold Coast Titans. They have lost 9 of the last 10 against the Warriors and have only won 3 times in 8 visits to Mt Smart Stadium. The Kiwi's will be hoping that their home ground advantage will get them over the line against the Titans. 

Who to watch: Look out for Bodene Thompson to leave a mark for the Warriors in this vital clash. The hard running back rower has recorded 3 tries, a try assist and 6 line breaks this season through his dynamic play in the forwards. He has ably supported Simon Mannering defensively and has been a reliable rock for the Warriors this season. He is also averaging 40 tackles, 10 hit ups and a tidy 89 metres per game. His ball playing ability and offloading is of upmost importance for the Warriors attack and watch him attempt to showcase those talents against the Titans. 

For the Gold Coast side they need to control the middle of the ruck and win the forward battle against the big boppers in the Warriors pack. Luke Douglas will be charged in assisting with this along with his partner in crime Ryan James. Douglas is a mountain man and has had such longevity in this game purely because of his fitness and his will to do anything for his team mates. A strong defender who is capable of big hits, he will need to read the play of Shaun Johnson very well to minimize the impact the Warriors forwards have as well as reducing their metres after contact (of which the Warriors are one of the best in the Comp). Averaging 3 tackles every 5 minutes expect to see Douglas in everything defensively in the early stages. Don't count out his attack either as he already has a try next to his name as well as averaging 89 metres a game from just 37 minutes per game. 

The favourite: Warriors warm favourites at home.

My tip: Look for the Warriors to bounce back in convincing fashion against the Titans, this will be a match won in the forward pack in the first 20 minutes. The Gold Coast have the forwards to match the Warriors but can they sustain it? Interesting to see how this young Titans bounce back. Warriors by 10.

1. David Fusitua 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 13. Simon Mannering 17. Charlie Gubb
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 24. Bunty Afoa

3. Josh Hoffman 2. Anthony Don 21. Karl Lawton 4. Chris McQueen 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 20. Cameron Cullen 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 16. Agnatius Paasi 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 12. Leivaha Pulu 15. Ryan Simpkins 18. Lachlan Burr 19. Nathaniel Peteru

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Jared Maxwell, Bryan Norrie