Round 22: Titans v Cowboys preview
Finals desperation meets both sides
The Gold Coast Titans are hanging on by tenterhooks to a chance to play finals footy when they take on the North Queensland Cowboys to conclude Round 22 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
For the Titans, they were completely obliterated by a Roosters side that has itself experienced inconsistency this season. Their forward pack was monstered without Tino Fa'asuamaleaui on Saturday afternoon while their outside backs had no wriggle room until it was far too late. Jayden Campbell played an impact role and it must be said the Titans looked more cohesive with him in the side.
On the team front, Joe Stimson is back in the starting side after coming off the bench in Round 21, with Klese Haas going the other way to join the interchange. Watch for the late switch between Isaac Liu and Chris Randall prior to kick-off.
To beat the Cowboys, who have been a much improved side during the Origin period. It also means a comprehensive 80 minute performance, something that has eluded the home side for a number of seasons now. They also need to win the physical battle and contain Tom Dearden, a challenge that has evaded a number of sides so often in 2023, but one that is vital to the outcome of the game.
The visitors had a rough start to 2023, as they battled World Cup fatigue which coincided with a 66-18 loss to the Tigers. That loss appeared to be the catalyst for their revival this season with 6 straight wins having them on track for finals footy. Scott Drinkwater has been the game's most energetic and surprising fullback this season, causing all sorts of problems for opposing sides.
The return of Jason Taumalolo has brought a renewed focus to the visitors this season and has seen their charge towards an unlikely finals birth exceed all expectations. They do suffer a big blow with Jeremiah Nanai out for the remainder of the regular season with a high grade AC joint injury, but emerging forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has impressed in his limited minutes in first grade and could own that edge jersey with Heilum Luki still a few weeks away from returning.
On the team front, Nanai's injury sees Kulikefu Finefeuiaki come into the starting pack and mid-season recruit Sam McIntyre joins the bench. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown is the other new face on the interchange, taking the place of Griffin Neame after the Kiwi failed a HIA in Round 21.
Last meeting: Round 4 2023 - Cowboys 24 Titans 12
Who to watch: For the Titans, there's no bigger name to watch then David Fifita. Coming back into the side from Origin, Fifita has been a handful for opposition sides throughout the season. Despite being contained in recent weeks by the Eels and the Roosters, Fifita had joy against the Cowboys earlier in the year setting up his sides two tries. Watch for Fifita to try and keep his sides finals chances alive.
There's been few players to take the game by storm in recent months then Scott Drinkwater. The Cowboys rake has been the catalyst behind the Cowboys rise to NRL stardom in the last few months. Despite being ineligible to win the Dally M Medal, the fullback has been exceptional scoring 9 tries, setting up 22 of them and amassing 71 tackle breaks. With such a game breaker in career best form, watch for Drinky to be back to his best.
Favourite: Cowboys are favourites with the bookies for this one, North Queensland have won all matches between the sides in the last two seasons.
My tip: I think the Cowboys will win this match. Their class and spark will be too much for an inconsistent Titans side. The forward battle will be intriguing as the Titans have sorely missed Tino and it could be another blood bath. Cowboys by 14.
