Panthers v Broncos preview
5 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Red V attempt to kick start their spluttering campaign against 2016's surprise packets the Gold Coast Titans.
With only 8 rounds remaining in the NRL Telstra Premiership for 2016 we are getting down to the business end of the season with every game becoming valuable. Even more so between these two teams that are only separated by two points on the ladder and are 8th and 9th respectively. These are the kind of games that can either make or break the season and the momentum gathered from a win could greatly benefit either St George Illawarra or the Gold Coast considering their inconsistent seasons to date.
For the Dragons they will be desperate to turn around their last start which resulted in a humiliating 36-6 drubbing at the hands of the Cellar Dwelling Manly Sea Eagles. The Dragons attack has been one dimensional and predictable all year and this is something they need to try and improve slightly if they want to trouble this young Titans side. With Benji Marshall celebrating his 250th game, you can guarantee there is going to be lots of passion and desire being shown by the Red V who love nothing more than to make Benji a winner in such a milestone game.
The Titans on 18 points are desperate to collect another 2 competition points and will fancy their chances against this up and down defence of the Dragons. With some very talented players in their squad including Ash Taylor and Josh Hoffman leading the way, there is a bright future for this side that has struggled with off field dramas in the past. They will continue to play that exciting brand of football we have seen throughout 2016 and if they can squeeze their noses into the finals, could cause more than a few upsets.
With the experienced Neil Henry guiding the Titans, expect to see a smart gameplan for this match and another show of attacking, exciting football come Friday Night.
Last meeting: Round 7 2016 - Titans 14 Dragons 19
The Red V have already notched up a win against the Titans this year - collecting the spoils in Round 7. They have recorded 4 wins out of the last 6 games against the Gold Coast (including a 34-6 drubbing of the Titans at Kogarah in 2014).
There have only been 3 meetings at UOW Jubilee Stadium (Kogarah Oval) with the Titans leading 2-1.
The Dragons lead the all time series 11-5 from 16 meetings.
Who to watch: In the absence of Josh Dugan and Benji Marshall the Dragons will need Gareth Widdop will need to step up his game and take on a large bulk of the playmaking duties. Look for him to take on the line with his strong carries and ability to find space through the defensive line. His kicking game will also be important especially if he can turn around the back three of the Titans and minimize the amount of kick metres they have. If the Red V are to win, Widdop needs to play out of his skin.
The Titans will be relying on the experience of David Mead at the back especially in the absence of veteran fullback Will Zillman, to guide them through this tough clash. Averaging 140 metres a game, he'll be hoping to get plenty of free kick metres and putting pressure on the Dragons kickers. Mead has a lot of experience and that will continue to help this young Titans side as he guides them around the park. Look for his ball playing ability out the back through the Titans 2nd phase play and look out if he gets into open space against this Dragons side!
The favourite: At home, the Red V are favourites in this vital match for both sides.
My tip: This is a really hard game to predict as both these sides are capable of performing and displaying great attacking football but are also susceptible to lapses in concentration and poor defensive reads. The Dragons tend to lift at Kogarah and are undefeated at their spiritual homes of Wollongong and Kogarah this year, I don't expect this to change. Dragons by 6.
5. Jason Nightingale 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Euan Aitken 20. Timoteo Lafai 4. Kurt Mann 6. Gareth Widdop 18. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Jacob Host 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Jake Marketo 1. Michael Cooper
1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi 17. Nathan Friend
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Steve Chiddy