Match Centre

Round 1: Titans v Dragons preview

AJ casts his eye over the upcoming clash between the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Two returning coaches intent on rebuilding sinking ships

Des Hasler and Shane Flanagan return to coaching with their new clubs in the second match on Super Saturday as the Gold Coast Titans go head to head with the St George Illawarra Dragons. 

For the Titans, this marks another new era for the club. After the swift and decisive decision to end Justin Holbrook's tenure last season, the Titans are hellbent on fixing their image. They want to go from the team that can't hold a lead to a team that can grind it out with the best in the game. In the attacking phase, there's no denying their quality. AJ Brimson, Phil Sami, Alofiana Khan-Pereria and Keano Kini will all be sparking fear in the opposition, while an imposing pack of forwards such as Tino, Mo Fotuaika adds Keenan Palasia, fresh off a grand final berth with Brisbane.

But for the Titans, it will be defence that is the main watch here. Across the last 4 seasons, the Titans have conceded on average over 25 points a game. That is nowhere near acceptable at the NRL level, especially for a club that is trying to compete for premierships year on year. Under Des Hasler, there will be a renewed focus in that department, hopefully that doesn't compromise the attack like it did at Canterbury.

David Fifita and Jayden Campbell will be missing for the first few weeks still recovering from injuries sustained in the off-season for the former and last season for the latter. So, Kini will get the first crack at the fullback jumper. Brimson will slot in at centre, he looked good in the pre-season but this is a new kettle of fish. Chris Randall starts at hooker with Sam Verrills reverting to the bench.

For the Dragons, they have had a horrific off-season. Shane Flanagan has dealt with distraction after distraction this summer, but it appears that has strengthened the resolve within the squad. Speaking with Yvonne Sampson on The League Scene podcast, Sampson said "Flano loves a scrap and he has drilled them this off-season". First up results look promising, yes trial footy doesn't mean the world. But they look a fitter, more cohesive unit then perhaps many were expecting. 

The big conundrum is the fullback spot. Tyrell Sloan has it for the moment, but one slip up appears to have him surrender the jersey to Zac Lomax. Elsewhere, the side appears to be stable and will be a gritty, determined side in 2024. Up front appears to be solid, with Blake Lawrie and Francis Molo leading the way. Depth could be a problem, but the only way we will answer that is with time. 

On the team front, Kyle Flanagan will get the first crack at partnering Ben Hunt in the halves. Lawrie and Jacob Liddle have overcome injuries to take their place. Viliami Fifita makes his debut from the bench. 

Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Titans 20 Dragons 18

Who to watch: With the injury to Jayden Campbell, all eyes are on Keano Kini. The young phenom burst on the scene with an impressive season with Burleigh in QLD Cup, winning fullback of the year and man of the match on a losing side in the Grand Final. Kini's elusive footwork and evasion is scintillating to watch, he also presents some silky passing which will present this talented backline with opportunities galore.

For the Dragons, the focus is on Mosese Suli. After a few seasons with many questions asked of his fitness and commitment. Suli has really brought into the changes Flanagan has made at the club. In the trials he looked slimmer and fitter than any point of his career since arriving in the Red V, his damaging ball-running against new look Titans edges will be a key highlight to watch in this one.  

Favourite: Home ground advantage and supercoach Des have the Titans the better backed of these sides heading into Saturday evening.

My tip:  Two sides deep in a rebuild in the early stages of the season. This suggests a scrap with chances of individual brilliance sneaked in. It will be a tightly fought contest throughout, but expect the Titans X factor to just sneak them home in the dying moments. Titans have had a good record against the Dragons at CBUS in recent seasons, so expect it to continue. Titans by 4.