Round 20: Titans v Warriors preview
A game that has been the focus of the weekend more for the choice of referee rather than the game itself, the Gold Coast Titans will be looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak whilst the New Zealand Warriors look to take their third win in Queensland this season.
The Titans have come off three indifferent performances with a big loss coming against the Broncos which was followed by a controversial loss to the Roosters before giving up a 14 point lead against the Knights last weekend. The Titans last two performances haven't been awful against a much-weakened Roosters side where they were unlucky to be on the wrong end of a couple of controversial calls that took the game away from the Titans. Last weekend, the Titans had a strong patch during the middle of the game last week against the Knights including opening up a 24-10 lead before fading and being defeated by 30-24.
The Titans come into the game in 12th place with just six wins to their name and off the back of three straight defeats which in turn came off back to back wins. The Titans have scored 332 points this season but more concerningly they have conceded 451 points which is the second worst defence of the season thus far.
The Titans have named Will Matthews on the bench once again after being replaced on the bench last weekend by Leilani Latu. Other than the one change, the Titans are named the same as they were last weekend.
The New Zealand Warriors have had an up and down stretch over the past three weeks with a big defeat coming against the Panthers before turning on the style in their win against the Broncos before a tough defeat against the Storm last week in a game where the Warriors had enough chances to win.
The Warriors come into the game sitting in eighth spot although attackingly they have only scored 8 more points this season than their opponents the Gold Coast Titans although defensively they have been much better conceding just 336 points for the season.
The Warriors have named Tohu Harris who is set to return from injury whilst Adam Blair misses the game through suspension with Simon Mannering moving to lock. Blake Green is set play after missing last weeks game through injury.
Last meeting: Round 2 2018 - Warriors 20 Titans 8
The New Zealand Warriors have won the last six clashes between the two sides and have won 14 of the past 15 games with the Titans last home-win against the Warriors coming back in 2010.
Who to watch: Keegan Hipgrave - The Titans second rower has been given a final warning by Titans coach Garth Brennan regarding his aggression and responding to baiting from other teams. Hipgrave is a talented player although he is best known for being sin binned twice in one game against the Rabbitohs earlier this season. Hipgrave needs to put in a big performance if he wants to keep his spot.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - The Warriors captain has come up with some big plays throughout the season but his tackling at the back has been poor at times. The tackling efficiency for RTS is at just 56% which is compared to the 71% of Titans Fullback Michael Gordon. RTS needs to improve both in defence and attack if the Warriors want to bounce back to consistent form.
The favourite: The Warriors have been installed as the big favourites over the Titans
My tip: Warriors should take this game comfortably, their performance last week against the Storm would've seen them beat just about any other side in the competition and if they can turn on the performance they did against the Titans then they will win this. The Titans need to bring their a-game and open they can play for the full 80 if they want to win. Warriors by 12.
