Warriors v Titans preview

Warriors v Gold Coast Titans
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 11:45am

Can the Warriors bounce back or will the Titans make it three straight wins.

After leading the Cowboys for the majority of the game, the Warriors will be bitterly disappointed to return home without the points following last week's 28-24 loss. In the first of five ANZAC Day matches, the Warriors will get proceedings underway to celebrate the historic occasion. With Konrad Hurrell and Albert Vete relegated to NSW Cup, David Fusitua and Sam Rapira will play their first matches for the season, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner will make his first grade debut off the bench. The Warriors will be out to extend their recent from against the Titans, winning the past eight encounters dating back to 2011.

For the Titans, captain Nate Myles returns after missing last week through injury while Lachlan Burr earns a starting spot in place of the suspended Dave Taylor. In other changes, Eddy Pettybourne is back after missing the win over Penrith through suspension and Matt Robinson has been recalled following the season ending injury sustained by former Panthers teammate Ryan Simpkins. Winger David Mead will be out to extend his strong try scoring form against the Warriors, having crossed for seven tries in nine appearances.

Last meeting: Round 25 2014 - New Zealand Warriors 42 Gold Coast Titans 0

Who to watch: While his regular centre partner has paid the price for his inconsistency, rookie Solomone Kata has cementred his place in the Warriors backline, displaying the form which saw him claim the Jack Gibson Medal in the Holden Cup decider last year. Crossing for five tries already this season, the Tongan international has averaged over 120 metres a game, while his combination alongside Ryan Hoffman and Manu Vatuvei has produced more than half of the Warriors tries in 2015. Having bombed a try in last week's defeat, Kata will be out to make amends against the Titans in his personal duel with speedster James Roberts.

After a series of inconsistent season at the Titans, fullback turned centre William Zillman is thriving in his new role, running for 270 metres in last week's victory over Penrith. Working in conjunction with former Bronco Josh Hoffman, Zillman has rediscovered the form which saw the Titans sign the former Raider on a long term deal, averaging more metres than any other Gold Coast player. With Queensland suffering a number of backline injuries in the lead up to Origin, if Zillman is able to continue his strong form he may well see himself making his debut for the Maroons in just over a month.

The favourite: Despite their inconsistent start to the year, the Warriors strong form over the Titans in recent years has seen them come into the game as favourites.

My tip: After the disappointment of last week, the Warriors will notch up their fourth win of the season in a close encounter. Warriors by 6.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathan Friend 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Sam Lisone 17. Sam Rapira 18. Dominique Peyroux

1. Josh Hoffman 2. Anthony Don 3. James Roberts 4. William Zillman 5. David Mead 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Kane Elgey 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Nate Myles 11. Ryan James 12. Lachlan Burr 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Matt White 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Matt Robinson 17. Kierran Moseley 18. Mark Ioane

Referees: Gavin Morris, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: David Ryan, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Steve Folkes;

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