Titans v Broncos preview

v BYE at

Little Brother v Big Brother in local Queensland derby.

Proving to be the surprise packets of 2016 so far, the Titans claimed their third scalp of the year against the Raiders in controversial circumstances. While issues surrounding extra players and refereeing calls have distracted from the Gold Coast club's efforts, the resilience and strength of Neil Henry's men deserves to be commended, after fighting back from a 14-point deficit with 15 minutes remaining. Club captain Nathan Friend returns to the side after missing last week through injury, while former Broncos lower grader Cameron Cullen has been included on an extended bench as cover for Tyrone Roberts, pending the outcome of scans.

Coming out victorious over North Queensland in extra time last Friday, Brisbane will be hoping for less resistance from the Titans as they hunt for Grand Final redemption. Outside backs Corey Oates and Jack Reed have been named to make their returns from injury, at the expense of Lachlan Maranta and Greg Eden in an otherwise unchanged lineup. Holding a significant advantage over the Gold Coast since 2007, winning 14 of 19 clashes, the Broncos will be out to continue their dominance and move to the top of the competition ladder.

Last meeting: Round 20 2015 - Broncos 34 Titans 0

Who to watch: Having struggled for involvement early in the season, former Titan James Roberts produced a stellar effort last Friday to help Brisbane topple the reigning premiers. Producing three line-breaks, a try-assist and a try to boot, the Broncos flyer will have his sights set firmly on replicating that performance against the resurgent Gold Coast club and helping his new team continue their strong start to 2016. With positions up for grabs in the Blues side for State of Origin, Roberts may well find himself in line for a NSW debut if he continues to show his class in the centres.

Unable to usurp Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford in the halves at Brisbane, former Broncos Under 20's star Ashley Taylor has injected new life into the Titans since switching to the Gold Coast over the off-season. Playing a leading role in the Titans opening month, the 21-year-old halfback will be out to prove he is capable of competing against the NRL elite and send a statement that the Gold Coast won't be the easy-beats many predicted at the start of 2016. Set to take on the mantle of primary playmaker with Tyrone Roberts in doubt, Friday night shapes as a pivotal moment in the rookie's career.

The favourite: After outlasting the Cowboys in an absorbing contest last Friday, the Broncos are expected to account for the Titans on the Gold Coast.

My tip: Brisbane could potentially blow the Gold Coast away in the opening 20 minutes, however the Titans resurgence may reach a new high with a win against the odds. Titans by 4.

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. John Olive 5. Nene Macdonald 13. Greg Bird 7. Ashley Taylor 14. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 15. Agnatius Paasi
Interchange: 14. Lachlan Burr 18. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Daniel Mortimer

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;