The Late Mail: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
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Last-start losers face off in Sunshine State.
Despite going down to the Eels in Darwin last Saturday, the Titans will return to the Gold Coast buoyed with confidence after recording three wins in the past month. Currently outside the top eight on percentages, the Titans will be hoping to take advantage of a wounded Manly outfit, while also making amends for their last start loss. With Greg Bird out on representative duty, Agnatius Paasi has been named in the starting lineup, while Ryan Simpkins will make his first appearance of 2016 off the bench. Making his club debut last weekend, former Warrior Konrad Hurrell has been named 18th man with Nathan Davis preferred in the centres. While their form of late has given fans plenty of confidence heading into Monday night, the Titans boast a poor record over Manly, managing just one win from the past five clashes.
Conceding their fifth straight loss at home last Sunday, the Sea Eagles are in dire need of a win if they are to be any chance of making the play-offs this season. Having allowed the Panthers to claw down a 20-point lead, coach Trent Barrett will be emphasising the importance of defence on Monday night. With Dylan Walker (Origin) and Nate Myles (injury) out respectively, Manly have received a minor boost with captain Jamie Lyon returning from injury ahead of schedule, while enforcer Martin Taupau will play his first game back from a three-game ban. Interchange forward Josh Starling will play his 50th game for the Sea Eagles, having joined the club from South Sydney in 2014.
Last meeting: Round 18 2015 - Titans 6 Sea Eagles 38
Who to watch: Taking on a leading role up front, Titans prop Ryan James has continued his ascent throughout the NRL ranks in 2016. With injury disrupting his progress in recent years, the 24-year-old appears to have settled on a place in the front row after flirting on the edges in recent seasons. With the ability to play big minutes and have an even bigger impact on the field, James has been instrumental in helping the Gold Coast this season and will be out to tackle opposition forward Jake Trbojevic head on in a tantalising duel.
In a year of disappointment for the Sea Eagles so far, prop Siosaia Vave has experienced a career-best season off the bench. Having struggled to nail down a place in first grade after previous stints with Cronulla and Melbourne, the 27-year-old prop has been a constant menace for Manly under rookie coach Trent Barrett. Among the sides best contributors, Vave has led from the front with his work ethic with and without the ball, regularly making in excess of 100 metres per game, while his ability to offload the ball will ensure the Titans have their work cut out for them on Monday night.
The favourite: Returning to the Gold Coast after a fortnight away, the Titans are expected to extend the Sea Eagles' losing run.
My tip:While they may not have come away with the two points last week, the Titans have shown they are not to be dismissed in 2016. Against a Manly side down on players and confidence, expect a strong showing from the hosts. Titans by 14.
1. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nathan Davis 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 17. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Agnatius Paasi
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Ryan Simpkins 9. Nathan Friend
1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Tom Trbojevic 11. Lewis Brown 4. Brayden Wiliame 19. Pita Godinet 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Matt Parcell 10. Martin Taupau 15. Josh Starling 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 5. Matthew Wright 18. Liam Knight 17. Siosaia Vave
Referees: Henry Perenara, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Matt Cecchin, Ben Galea