Titans v Warriors preview

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Return of the Hayne plane just one storyline in vital Top 8 clash on the coast!

The Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors clash this Sunday in what is shaping as a vital game in the make up of the top 8. Both sides are jostling for positions in the finals and currently sit 7th (Titans) and 8th (Warriors) on the table. However that isn't the only storyline in this tantalising match up. We have the much publicised return of the "Hayne Plane" and Konrad Hurrell coming against his former club. This match could have some serious fireworks! 

Both sides know the importance of a win and will want to be collecting as many points as they can in the back end of the season in their bid to play finals football in 2016. With just 4 points separating 6th from 12th, there is high stakes on offer!

Last meeting: Round 17 2016 - Warriors 27 Titans 18

The Warriors have exuded dominance over the Titans of late winning 10 of the last 11 including the last 4 clashes up on the Gold Coast. Troubled reading for Gold Coast fans? History doesn't repeat though according to Split Enz? Or will it?

Who to watch: For the Titans, all of the talk has been on Jarryd Hayne after signing on with the club on Wednesday morning and i wouldn't be doing my job correctly if I didn't mention him. Regardless of match fitness or time away from the game, Hayne is a superstar, he has the X factor that leads him to be an attacking threat all over the field. A devastating ball runner who is blessed with pace and a brilliant step he will cause headaches for the Warriors defense is given space or time on Sunday. Don't forget his ball playing skills, as this could really add impetus to the Titans attack considering youngster Cameron Cullen is playing in the halves. Hayne's overall presence on the field and his leadership capabilities will cause his Titans team mates to lift around him, a great acquisition for a club on the up. 

Who will stand up for the Warriors on Sunday afternoon? Surely you an expect another strong game from Simon Mannering. Always on top of his game defensively, Mannering's mark of consistency has led him to play over 250 games and reach the heights that few New Zealander's can attain to. He is their defensive rock in the middle of the field and expect to see him shut down the Titans attacking raids time and time again as well as tackling his arms off. A brilliant player and role model for the youngsters to imitate on and off the field.

The favourite: Gold Coast firmed as favourite playing at home against the travelling Warriors.

My tip: What a game this will be! The return of Hayne is all that will be talked about and his inclusion is a big plus for the Titans. They will be up for this game and will see it as a real test of their attitude. Titans by 8.

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 17. Cameron Cullen 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi 19. David Shillington 21. Jarryd Hayne

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Ken Maumalo 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 21. Jazz Tevaga 10. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 18. Blake Ayshford

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Jason Robinson, Ben Galea