Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys
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Titans v Cowboys preview
Two underperforming Queensland rivals look to keep momentum rolling
Despite their last-start win, it is do-or-die from this point forward for the Gold Coast Titans. The 36-18 victory over Manly was impressive but will mean little if they can't build on it.
With just three wins to their name in 2019, the Titans still sit four points shy of the eighth-placed Eels and will still likely need to win at least 10 of their 13 remaining games to be any hope of figuring in September footy.
Fortunately for Garth Brennan's men, they have the luxury of naming an unchanged side this week. Jai Arrow is their only Origin casualty but missed last week's clash with Manly anyway.
They face an equally desperate Cowboys side looking to claim their third-straight win.
After a slow start to the year, where they won just two of their opening seven matches, Paul Green's men have burst back into form.
They have emerged victorious in three of their last four games and now sit level with eight-placed Parramatta on five wins.
Four of those triumphs have come with barnstorming lock Jason Taumalolo on the field and he will run out once more as the Cowboys attempt to overcome the loss of Origin representatives Michael Morgan and Josh McGuire on top of injuries to Matt Scott and Justin O'Neill.
Last meeting: Round 8 2019 - Cowboys 28 Titans 14
Who to watch: Dumped by Queensland coach Kevin Walters in favour of Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue, it will be interesting to see how Titans workhorse Jarrod Wallace responds. Wallace has been a consistently strong performer for the Gold Coast in 2019, constantly churning out metres and tackles through the middle. In fact, in the past two weeks he has cracked the 200-metre mark. He will have to step up and lead from the front again this weekend though against a massive North Queensland pack without regular bash brother Arrow.
Jake Granville may have missed out on State of Origin selection this time around, but he can't afford to drop his head. The 30-year old was impressive last week against Canberra, his running game proving a constant threat from dummy-half as he finished with a line break, try-assist and 70 running metres. Although Moses Mbye may have been the favoured utility off the bench for the Maroons, much of Queensland's success will depend on how long Ben Hunt can last in the number nine jersey. And if he needs a rest, Kevin Walters may find that Mbye isn't the most suitable replacement. If Granville can emulate his effort last week at a more consistent basis he may find himself pushing for a Maroons call-up once more.
The favourite: Back at home, the Titans are slight favourites.
My tip: Despite being without a couple of key men, the Cowboys should still win the battle up front. North Queensland by 6.
1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Brian Kelly 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Whitbread 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Jack Stockwell
1. Jordan Kahu 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Mitchell Dunn 4. Tom Opacic 5. Gideon Gela-Mosby 6. John Asiata 7. Jake Clifford 8. Scott Bolton 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Shane Wright 16. Corey Jensen 17. Francis Molo
Referees: Henry Perenara, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Beau Scott;