Round 17: Broncos v Titans preview
Battle for the South East as Titans hit go on their season
It's a South East Queensland derby as the Brisbane Broncos play host to the Gold Coast Titans in a rare home afternoon game for the Broncos to kick start a triple header on NRL Sunday.
Brisbane have flown highly in season 2023 and after their first bye of the season (yes finally) they are primed for the run into September football. They have played high octane attacking football but have also been quite strong defensively in matches. In recent times, they've had a habit of allowing teams back into the contest with the Warriors and Knights nearly pipping them at certain points in the season. However, with their Origin contingent expected to back up, the Broncos look primed for a statement victory.
To beat the Titans, the home side need to simply play a full 80 minute game as they're opposition this year have simply forgotten to come out of the sheds in the second 40. All jokes aside, they need to win the physical battle and maintain the rage against Tino, Fotuaika and Fifita for the duration of the contest. Their backs will get a chance to shine and with Adam Reynolds' productive kicking game, it should be enough to escape with the competition points.
On the team front, all Origin stars will back up and they'll get Selwyn Cobbo back following a few weeks rest after sustaining a hip pointer injury. Kurt Capewell won't join festivities though, he's sidelined with a quad tendon injury. Brendan Piakura gets his chance in the starting back row alongside Jordan Riki. State reps Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, Tom Flegler and Reece Walsh are all named to play, while Tyson Smoothy remains the preferred back-up hooker ahead of Corey Paix.
For the Titans, it's a tale of two halves. The first half, they look amazing and near premiership contenders as they're able to outmuscle their opposition and consistently play great open attacking football and frustrate the opposition with stern defence. Whatever Justin Holbrook says at the break goes in one ear and out the other as they've showcased some STUNNING collapses this season to lose the near unlosable fixture.
To beat Brisbane, they need to look at the good things they did early in the season. The Titans frustrated their opposition early in the forward battle and went to the sheds with a lead. But, like most half-time leads they've held it went away faster than you can say Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. They've held some leads this year, but if they can complete high percentage and play possession footy they can pull an upset victory.
On the team front. Kieran Foran is back at five-eighth after four weeks out with a toe injury, which sees Jayden Campbell move back to the interchange. The expected return of David Fifita, after he missed Round 15 with concussion, means Klese Haas drops back to the bench, with Kruise Leeming and Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui the players to drop out of the 17. Along with Fifita, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika are named to back up, while AJ Brimson is expected to be good to go after serving as Queensland's 18th man.
Last meeting: Round 7 2023 - Titans 26 Broncos 43
Who to watch: On the Broncos, Adam Reynolds has to figure for a strong performance. He has been back to vintage Reynolds which saw him represent the Blues and win the 2014 Grand Final this season setting up 12 tries, forcing 10 drop outs and kicking his side to victory on a number of occasions. Reynolds' control this season has been a big reason for the Broncos' strong start to season 2023 and if that continues with an afternoon of glorious football, then the Broncos look the goods.
Onto the Titans, the focus is going to be on Sam Verrills. His first season in the glitter strip has been one interrupted by injury and poor fortune. But, he was looking back to his best against a Tigers side as he was able to patrol and control the ruck and give a solid platform to Tino and Fotuaika to run over what was an improved Tigers pack. Watch for Sammy to dictate terms in this S-E QLD Derby.
Favourite: Brisbane are heavy favourites. When these teams last played in the afternoon at Suncorp Stadium, the Titans ran away with their last victory of 2019 downing the big brother 26-18.
My tip: Brisbane are coming off their first bye of the season feeling refreshed and this should lead to a convincing home victory. With their Origin contingent backing up, it should be a slam dunk for the home side, but I have a feeling the Titans will be keen to atone for their second half fadeaways and keep it close. Brisbane by 4.
