Broncos v Titans preview

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Big Brother v Little Brother in Queensland Showdown

Having started the season as premiership favourites, before slumping to a mid-year rut that yielded just three wins from eleven matches, only to rediscover their best in the lead-up to September, the Broncos return to the finals determined to make amends for the heartbreak of last season. Coming into the First Elimination Final off the back of five successive wins, Wayne Bennett will be buoyant about his sides chances on Friday night, as they oppose their cross-town rivals. With 12 players remaining from the side that featured in last years decider, the Broncos will be looking to capitalise on their experience, while first time finalists Tom Opacic, James Roberts, Tevita Pangai and Jai Arrow will be out to make an impression on the big stage. Fielding the same squad that triumphed over the Roosters last Thursday, rookies Joe Ofahengaue and Jonus Pearson have been included on an extended bench as cover.

Tipped by many to finish the season at the opposite end of the ladder, the Titans make their long-awaited return to the finals after a six-year absence. Having been beaten by the Sydney Roosters in the 2010 Preliminary Final, coach Neil Henry has worked wonders with a squad considered rank outsiders to feature in September; while fortunate to qualify in eighth position courtesy of Parramatta's salary cap infringements, the Titans will have no time for excuses on Friday as they fight to keep their premiership dream alive. Keeping the faith with the same squad that went down 32-16 in Townsville last Saturday, an extended bench of Anthony Don, William Zillman and Lachlan Burr has been named should any late changes be called upon. Having been outclassed in their only other meeting with Brisbane this season, look for the Gold Coast to produce a spirited performance with a slice of Jarryd Hayne brilliance thrown in for good measure.

Last meeting: Round 5 2016 - Titans 16 Broncos 24

Last Finals Meeting: First Qualifying Final, 2009 - Gold Coast Titans 32 Brisbane Broncos 40

Who to watch: Having drifted between the front row and interchange in recent times, Sam Thaiday has made the most of his return to the second row this season. With over 250 games under his belt, 31-year-old forward has been in superb touch recently, offering a potent strike on the edge capable of changing the course of a match. Facing off against the inexperienced Gold Coast outfit, Thaiday will be eager to assert his authority in his 20th finals appearance for Brisbane and cause rookie playmaker Ashley Taylor endless trouble throughout the 80 minutes. Powerful in attack and bruising in defence, look for Thaiday to make his presence felt on Friday night.

Let go by Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett at the end of last season, Ashley Taylor has proven to be the surprise pick-up for the Titans in 2016. Viewed as a back-up option by Neil Henry at the beginning of the season, Taylor has continually impressed in his time in the top grade and will be out to show the Broncos what the lost on Friday night. Looming as the favourite for Rookie of the Year, the 21-year-old halfback faces a giant test in his first appearance at Suncorp since his debut last season, but having paved the way for the Gold Coast's resurgence this season, look for Taylor to stand up and be counted on Friday night.

The favourite: Off the back of five-straight-wins, the Broncos come into the finals ready to make amends for the disappointment of last October.

My tip: After a mid-season slump threatened to derail their premiership aspirations, expect the Broncos to make an impressive statement on Friday night. However, if there is to be an upset this weekend, look for the Titans to be the team most likely to defy the odds. Broncos by 20.

The outcome: The winner of the First Elimination Final will travel away to contest the loser of the Melbourne v North Queensland match.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 5. Jordan Kahu 4. James Roberts 19. Jonus Pearson 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 17. Alex Glenn 19. Jonus Pearson

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. David Mead 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 16. Agnatius Paasi 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Leivaha Pulu 21. Nathaniel Peteru 15. Ryan Simpkins 17. Nathan Friend

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Ashley Klein