Round 19: Titans v Broncos preview
Contrasting ambitions in southeast Queensland derby
The Gold Coast Titans will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon when they take on a Brisbane Broncos team eyeing off a place in the top eight in the latest edition of the southeast Queensland derby.
Starting fast against Melbourne before fading away 38-18 last Sunday, interim coaches Craig Hodges and Luke Burt have responded to the Titans run of losses by wielding the selection axe in an effort to make players accountable for the club's worst season since running last in 2011.
Currently one win behind the 15th-placed Bulldogs, despite holding a superior for-and-against points differential, recent history has seen Gold Coast upset Brisbane with two wins from their past three clashes, however it has been five years since the Titans claimed victory over their southeast Queensland ‘big brothers' at CBUS Super Stadium.
Set to make his NRL debut after enjoying a prolific career with Leeds over the past decade, mid-season signing Kallum Watkins will start in centres as part of a reshuffle that sees AJ Brimson replace Ryley Jacks at halfback and Tyrone Peachey come onto the bench in a utility capacity.
Working their way back into the reckoning for a finals finish after claiming two wins and a draw over the past three rounds, the Brisbane Broncos will be eyeing off their ‘little brothers' with a big win on Saturday evening.
Currently one point outside the top eight in 10th position, the Broncos boast a favourable draw over the final seven rounds with all bar one match in Queensland; however with clashes against premiership favourites Melbourne and South Sydney still to come, the side can ill afford to go down to the Titans for the second time this season.
Fielding one of the youngest squads in the NRL, including the most rookies blooded by the Broncos since 2010, the influx of young talent looks set to usher in a golden era for the Queensland powerhouse with teenage powerhouses Payne Haas and David Fifita leading the way after holding their own in the Origin arena earlier this season.
Disposing of the Bulldogs 28-6 with a comprehensive second half showing last Thursday, coach Anthony Seibold has received mixed news on the selection front with veteran Matt Gillett returning in place of suspended rookie Thomas Flegler, while Alex Glenn remains in the backline in a defensive move that allows David Fifita to retain his place in the back row.
Last meeting: Round 13 2019 - Broncos 18 Titans 26
Who to watch: Bringing up 100 appearances in the NRL on Saturday evening, Gold Coast second rower Bryce Cartwright will be aiming to showcase the best of his talents. Earmarked as a star of the future upon bursting onto the scene with Penrith in 2014, the 24-year-old NSW City and World All Stars representative has endured a turbulent ride over the past five years with glowing plaudits and intense criticism in equal measure. Closing the gap between his best and worst performances this season by opting against his instincts for attacking flair, look for Cartwright to play without fear in an effort to lift the Titans off the bottom of the ladder.
In a team that has struggled for consistency this season, Corey Oates has remained Brisbane's most reliable strike weapon on the left wing. Climbing to equal second on the NRL try-scorers list with a double last Thursday against the Bulldogs, the 24-year-old Baralaba Panthers' junior has enjoyed a phenomenal strike rate in his seventh year in the top grade with 12 tries from 14 appearances. Posting a brace of tries in two of his past three clashes against the Titans, look for Oates provide the Broncos with a strong go-forward platform, having averaged over 150 metres per game in 2019, as he presses his claims for a Kangaroos debut in the end-of-season internationals against New Zealand and Tonga.
The favourite: Winning by a combined total of 88-0 in their past two visits to CBUS Super Stadium, the Broncos are well-supported to come away with two points on Saturday evening.
My tip: Having won 19 of 26 clashes against the Titans since 2007, the Broncos should get the job done to set up a season-defining clash with Melbourne next week. Broncos by 20.
