Broncos v Titans preview

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans
Suncorp Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

Two Queensland teams at either end of the ladder do battle at Suncorp.

Despite a lapse early in the second half, the Broncos had little trouble accounting for Wests Tigers last Sunday. Once again the ladder leaders face off against a side anchored at the bottom of the table, however there are a number of changes. Jack Reed is out after accepting a one-match suspension resulting in Jordan Kahu shifting into the centres with Corey Oates elevated to the starting side on the wing. Dale Copley has been named on the bench, while Kodi Nikorima returns from a leg injury sustained again Newcastle two months ago in place of Matt Parcell. Brisbane have dominated fixtures against the Titans, winning 13 of 18 since 2007, including four of the past five.

Having been thoroughly outplayed by the Knights last week, Gold Coast coach Neil Henry has responded by making several changes in the hope of changing the fortunes of the struggling club. In a major boost, Aidan Sezer returns in the halves to partner Kane Elgey, while Anthony Don has been replaced by flyer Kevin Gordon on the wing. Once again Dave Taylor has been dropped to Queensland Cup in place of Lachlan Burr; while Daniel Mortimer moves back to the bench in favour of Chad Redman. Currently sitting in 15th position, the Titans will need to improve if they have any hope of avoiding the wooden spoon.

Last Meeting: Round 5, 2015 - Gold Coast Titans 16 Brisbane Broncos 26

Who to watch: It's hard to believe that at the start of 2015 Brisbane looked rudderless in attack; but due to Anthony Milford's development in the halves the Broncos appear set for their most successful season since the retirement of Darren Lockyer. Working in combination with Ben Hunt, the former Raiders fullback has been a standout in recent weeks, displaying remarkable ability to set up tries whilst being equally adept at scoring them. With the race for the minor premiership separated by just one win, Milford may well prove the difference for the Broncos as they chase Grand Final glory for the first time in a decade.

Having spent the past three months on the sidelines through suspension, Greg Bird will be desperate to help the Titans avoid the embarrassment of finishing last in 2015. In a side thoroughly beaten by Newcastle last week, Bird showed promising signs by running for close to 150 metres and 40 tackles. Coming up against the Broncos, Bird will need to be at his best in attack and defence to give the visitors any chance of staying in touch with the ladder leaders.

The favourite: It won't come as a surprise to see that Brisbane aren't expected to break a sweat against the lowly Titans.

My tip: While Brisbane will need to ensure they remain relentless across the entire 80 minutes, they won't have much cause for concern playing at home. Broncos by 20.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Lachlan Maranta 3. Jordan Kahu 4. Justin Hodges 5. Corey Oates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Dale Copley 17. Kodi Nikorima

1. Josh Hoffman 2. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Kevin Gordon 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. Agnatius Paasi 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Matt White 17. Daniel Mortimer 18. David Hala

Referees: Adam Devcich, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;

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