Round 14: Sharks v Titans preview
Sharks look to steady ship against resurgent Titans
While this game may not be receiving match of the round accolades, it shapes as an intriguing one and the way both teams execute on Saturday will provide an insight into how seriously both the Sharks and the Titans can be taken for the remainder of 2020.
It was a case of déjà vu for the Shire boys last round, taking an unwanted step back into 2019 and losing despite scoring more tries than their opposition. The conditions for Saturday at Kogarah are looking a lot less rainy, so expect kicking by the likes of Johnson and Graham to play a less prominent role for the Sharkies.
The Titans had their biggest win of 2020 last start, beating the Cowboys 30-10, surpassing the 18-point margin they put on fellow state rivals the Broncos earlier in the year and becoming the best team in Queensland in the process. They played what was being described as their best football of the last few years or so, with Kevin Proctor and Ash Taylor both winding the clock back with vintage performances.
In team news, Jack Williams has been recalled for the Sharks to replace Teig Wilton on the interchange, while Will Kennedy remains at fullback after extending his contract until the end of 2021 during the week. Halfback Chad Townsend remains at least 2 weeks away from a return.
The Titans are looking the most settled they have all year and have kept the same 17 together that demolished the Cowboys. Young gun AJ Brimson has made a stellar return from a back injury that kept him out for the first half of the year, while mid-season signing Young Tonumaipea has been named on an extended bench and could play his first game since Round 6.
These two sides met just over 6 weeks ago, and on that occasion, it was a 30-point win to the Sharks, however a lot has changed since then. Players who will turn out for the Titans who weren't there in Round 8 include Brimson, Sami, Kelly, Copley, Peats and Proctor. That is quite a handy list and given the recent form of the Gold Coast, one would be naïve to think the margin will be similar. Nonetheless, the form of the Sharks recently has been outstanding, particularly their kicking game. They performed better than most expected them to against Parramatta, however there were some basic errors that cost them dearly, including losing a scrum against the feed. If they are able to rectify those sorts of areas, they'll be very hard to stop come game day.
Last meeting: Round 8 2020 - Titans 10 Sharks 40
Who to watch: Young Cronulla back-rower Siosifa Talakai has flown somewhat under the radar this season, but he has developed into a quality 80 minute player after playing 11 games for Souths in 2016/17. Last week he ran for a team high 178 metres, an effort made all the more impressive by the wet conditions, as well as making 28 tackles. His battle on the Sharks left edge with Keegan Hipgrave will be one to keep an eye on.
While it wasn't technically his return match, AJ Brimson last week showed what a difference he can make to the Titans attack and how valuable he is to the Gold Coast side moving forward. He scored a try double, ran for an astounding 207 metres, made 4 tackle breaks and set up another try. He is a genuine superstar in the making and provides the Titans with much needed spark at the back, and if he plays to a similar standard his team could well give the Sharks a good shake.
The favourite: Cronulla are clear favourites to return to form with a win.
My tip: The Titans playing well is something that isn't only good for Rugby League on the Gold Coast, but Rugby League in general. While the team they've put together this week is probably the best they can offer, it still isn't of enough quality to challenge for the top 8 and while I think it will be a fairly close game, I don't expect anything other than a Sharks victory come Saturday afternoon. Sharks by 10.
