Round 4: Titans v Dolphins preview
Beth previews all the action from Saturday evening's game between the Gold Coast Titans and the Dolphins.
The Titans will be looking to find a sliver of hope against the rested Dolphins who just came off their first bye of the season.
Gold Coast's season goes from bad to worse, after losing their opening match of the season to the Dragons, they were held scoreless against the Bulldogs in their Round 3 Saturday clash fresh off the bye, conceding 32 points. Not only have they started the season in poor form, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear, joining David Fifita who has been out in the casualty ward since December since undergoing surgery for a partial pec tear.
In a much-needed boost, Jayden Campbell has been named for his NRL return at fullback, along with Fifita in for a chance, joining the squad as 18th man. Keenan Palasia starts at prop, with Joe Stimson the new face on the bench.
After an unpromised season opener being beaten by the Cowboys, the Dolphins showed up in Round 2, where they held the Dragons scoreless and piled on 38 points. Round 3 saw them have their first bye of the season, letting them be well rested ahead of their trip down the coast to Cbus Super Stadium.
Ray Stone returns from concussion, replacing Jarrod Wallace on the bench, this being the only change to the 17-man team who decimated the Dragons with Round 2. Kodi Nikorima is good to go after suffering a head knock in that game, pushing Sean O'Sullivan back to reserves.
Dolphins won both QLD clashes between the Titans last year, with both matches being won by a two-point score line. The first of those two clashes being decided by a questionable penalty in golden point to the Dolphins.
The Titans have only won one of their last four matches at their home ground, and only have scored one try in their opening two matches of the year. They are really struggling to get going and will only further struggle with the loss of experienced forwards.
Last meeting: Round 19 2023 - Titans 21 Dolphins 23
Who to watch: After suffering a knee injury late last season, Jayden Campbell might just be the spark the Titans have been looking for. A young and potential filled fullback, Campbell scored five tries in 22 games last year, and it'll be exciting to see him back in action on Saturday night.
Bagging his first career hat-trick against the Dragons, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is an unstoppable force a fullback. Also running for 204 metres in 14 runs, whilst making one line break and four tackle breaks last match. Regularly leading the team for run metres, Hammer is an important piece of the Dolphins attack.
Favourite: Dolphins are favoured to make it 3-0 against the Titans in their history as an NRL club.
My tip: The Titans season is off to a rough start, and I think it'll be an uphill journey, but the return of Jayden Campbell could provide them with a boost and some energy, however I think that will take some time. Though far from perfect, the Dolphins have shown some promise in attack. Dolphins by 20.
