Round 20: Titans v Knights preview
Titans look to set records as Knights hope to secure home final.
A top-eight finish may be out of sight for the Titans in 2020 but from the outside looking in, it was never a realistic goal.
Most had Justin Holbrook's men once again dwindling down the bottom of the ladder with the arrivals of big-name recruits next season being the lone positive to take out of an otherwise listless season.
Instead, Holbrook has instilled a resilience that has been severely lacking in this Gold Coast side. He has also seemingly started to unlock the enormous potential of million-dollar halfback Ashley Taylor.
By handing Jamal Fogarty not only an NRL lifeline but the captaincy too, he has uncovered a genuinely passionate leader capable of making the Gold Coast a desirable location.
The issue has always been attracting big names. But with David Fifita, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Herman Ese'ese on the move, this is a Titans side that is on the rise.
With four-straight wins to their name, it will only build even more confidence heading forward if the Gold Coast topple Newcastle this week.
The Knights put a disappointing performance against the Roosters behind them last round to flog the lowly Dragons.
They'll face a much sterner test against the fast-improving Titans though. The big incentive for Newcastle is a home final.
The Rabbitohs aren't likely to beat the Roosters anyway but in the off chance they do, a loss on Friday would see the Knights forced to travel to Homebush as opposed to staying put in the Hunter.
Mason Lino has been retained in the halves this week while in a huge boost Edrick Lee and Bradman Best make their returns just in time for the finals.
Last meeting: Round 24 2019 - Knights 38 Titans 4
Who to watch: While most of the focus heading into next year is placed on the Gold Coast's big-name recruits, they also have plenty of talent externally.
Alexander Brimson in particular has taken his involvement to another level. With a locked down spot in the No. 1 jersey, Brimson has thrived - averaging 48 more running metres while he also has more try assists, linebreak assists and linebreaks despite playing 13 fewer games.
The Knights could look to the Titans for inspiration to one of their biggest flaws heading into the finals.
Against the tough teams, Newcastle have a tendency to be overreliant on Kalyn Ponga to spark their attack. It makes sense given he is their most dangerous player. Unlike Brimson who chimes in and out, Ponga is constantly fed the ball (he averages 42 possessions per game compared to 30) on expectations he will create points. The Knights could better use him as a decoy to draw defenders in and build uncertainty.
The favourite: The Knights are backed to carry momentum into the finals.
My tip: Even though they are out of finals contention, I get the sense the Titans will lift for the chance to prove themselves against a top-eight side. Titans by 7.
