Round 4: Titans v Broncos NRLW preview
Derby delight as Broncos look to secure minor premiership title
The NRLW gets its first true derby in its fourth season, with the two South-East Queensland clubs coming face-to-face for the first time.
Taking place at Robina's Cbus Super Stadium in the lead-up to the men's clash between the Titans and Warriors, the Titans and Broncos are sure to set the field alight in a match that will hold plenty of significance for both sides.
And not just for derby bragging rights either.
For the Titans, a win would put them in the box seat to secure a finals spot and make it difficult for the Roosters to go past them. Brisbane meanwhile will be looking to al-but secure their fourth straight NRLW minor premiership with a round to spare, should they be victorious in this clash.
Gold Coast's Tazmin Gray will miss the contest after copping a two-game suspension for a Crusher Tackle in Sunday's loss to Parramatta. Instead, Shaniah Power will start in the second row in her place. Further up the teamlist, Brianna Clark comes in at prop after missing last week's contest. Ngatupuna moves to the bench.
Brisbane's lineup is hugely impacted by the absence of fullback Tamika Upton, who hasn't passed concussion protocols to take her place in the lineup after a head-knock in the win over St George Illawarra. Maddick replaces her at fullback. Jada Ferguson and Kaitlyn Phillips join the bench.
Who to watch: The two number 10's were teammates at the Broncos up until this season, and will likely form the front row pairing for Queensland in June's State of Origin match in Canberra. For this week though, they're mortal enemies and will both be key. Steph Hancock was a standout for the Gold Coast in their loss to the Eels and will be primed for a huge showing against her former club, while Chelsea Lenarduzzi will need a big performance after not seeing as much ball in the win over the Dragons last weekend.
The favourite: Brisbane, of course.
My tip: Whenever I see a derby clash like this, I tend to throw the formbook out the window and tip with the emotion of the game rather than any kind of logic. Brisbane went very close to losing their perfect record last round and without Upton, there is weakness there. Gold Coast could just do this. Titans by 2.
