Round 11: Titans v Knights preview
Injuries strike as depth looks to make some magic
Injuries are the flavour of the NRL this season and to open Super Saturday on Magic Round, we have two sides that were heavily hit by the injury bug last weekend in the Newcastle Knights and the Gold Coast Titans.
Newcastle were struggling in 15th position after an embarrassing loss to the Bulldogs, throw in the absence of Kalyn Ponga and everyone was expecting the Knights to throw in the towel for season 2024. Throw in three straight victories and their season has some beating hearts to it. Despite these wins, their still seems to be some stutter in the Knights engine, defensively they were a little bit shoddy against the Tigers, allowing them back into the game late and found themselves wanting at times in attacking field position.
Although many have been quick to discard the Titans chances, even quicker than normal. This game again seems to be a trap game for the Knights. A lot of people will see the form guide and think that it's a walk in the park. But, their forward pack has been hit and miss this year, while the Titans pack are hitting their strides. If they start slow once again, they are in grave danger of being run off Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Onto team news, they will have to go with a Cogger/Hastings half combination once more due to Tyson Gamble's ankle injury this season. Elsewhere, Daniel Saifiti will face suspension after a high shot so in comes his brother Jacob. There are some doubts over players but all concerned parties have been named to take their place.
While I have been very critical of the Titans defensively this season, there has been a clear DNA change in the last few weeks. This gritty, win at any cost that was a feature of Des Hasler's coaching philosophy has finally made it to Robina. They were down to the 13 bare players on the field, with Chris Randall and Sam Verrills in the halves, then throwing Klese Haas at centre to bravely hold the Cowboy stampede at the end of the game.
To beat the Knights, it starts up front. Their forwards have been a bright spot with Mo Fotuaika and Jaimin Jolliffe proving to be more than capable in stepping up production with Tino missing. Despite David Fifita's departure to the Roosters next year, he's keen on proving a point to his new club and departing fans. The big question mark though is their attack. No doubt, the attack will have to improve, and it will be hard with Foran, Brimson and Boyd missing. But with their absence presents opportunities for Keano Kini and Tom Weaver to shine in their absence.
Onto team news, as mentioned, their back-line resembles a M*A*S*H unit with Smith-Shields, Sami, Brimson and Foran all set for the injured list. Alofiana Khan-Pereria, Aaron Schoupp coming into the back-line. A new look halves combo with Chris Randall and Sam Verrills playing while Erin Clark starts at hooker. Keenan Palasia and Joe Stimson are new faces onto the bench.
Last meeting: Round 11 2023 - Knights 46 Titans 26
Who to watch: The focus is going to be on Jackson Hastings. Made the unfair scapegoat of the Knights 0-2 start to the season, Hastings has returned in flying form boasting three try assists and four forced dropouts in his sides impressive three game winning streak. His combination with Cogger and flying fullback David Armstrong will be key to the Titans success.
Keano Kini is an excitement machine with plenty of room to wriggle around the tiring forward packs. Given that he has been given the keys to the fullback position for an indefinite period, look for him to shine against the Knights who have struggled to contain opposition fullbacks.
Favourite: Newcastle are favourites for this fixture. Last year, the Knights were victorious at Newcastle in a try-fest. But, the Knights haven't beaten the Titans in a Titans home game since 2015!
My tip: The Titans just have too many key outs for me to back them in. Newcastle will win, but I suspect it will be a tough and torrid affair. Des Hasler will know his troops have their backs against the walls, so expect a rough afternoon to kick off Super Saturday. Knights by 6.
