Broncos v Titans NRLW preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans Saturday 1:10pm at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe / Kabi Kabi

Saturday's NRLW action heads to Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe for an all-QLD battle when the Brisbane Broncos take on the Gold Coast Titans in what could be a season defining match for both sides.

The Broncos sit in last spot (yep, you read that right) after being heavily defeated across their opening two matches of the season. Despite losing key players in the off-season, the Broncos have been pretty average to start the season with heavy losses coming against Newcastle in Round 1 and then a 28-8 loss in round 2 against the Roosters. 

The poor start to the Broncos season is noted that they have conceded 60 points across two games as opposed to just 64 points across five games last season. Brisbane have struggled all across the park and despite the key losses there are still some very strong players at the team including their captain Ali Brigginshaw that have struggled to get any momentum. The Broncos poor season is shown by the fact they have conceded the most penalties, most missed tackles and third most errors. Kelvin Wright has swung the axe after two poor performances with some key names axed from the team. The Broncos have dropped Amy Turner, Nita Maynard and Crystal Tamarua all dropped. Shakiah Tungai comes into the side on the wing with Jaime Chapman moving to the centres while Lavinia Gould will come into the side in the hooker role. 

The Gold Coast Titans have had a poor start to the season with errors and ill-discipline derailing the start to their campaign with a poor first round loss to the Dragons before an improved effort where they fell to a 16-10 defeat to the Knights on the Gold Coast. The Titans have struggled to get into strong attacking momentum and their play has been clunky which is proven by the fact that three of their tries this season have been scored by veteran Steph Hancock. Whilst the Titans haven't been awful, they haven't been good by any stretch of the imagination with errors and just poor decisions in attack costing them good field position and the form of some key players has been an issue for them. The push of Evania Pelite to the centres has also been something that hasn't worked for the Titans and stagnated their attacking options a lot.

Last meeting: Round 4 2021 - Titans 28 Broncos 26

Who to watch: It was a game of two very contrasting halves for Tarryn Aiken last week with an error-riddled first half eclipsed by a strong attacking performance in the second half for the Broncos number six. Aiken took control and although her Broncos were outplayed, she dominated the second half and looked dangerous with the ball and came up with some key plays.

Evania Pelite was a star for the Titans last season but her start this season has been much quieter and as mentioned above, the move to centre has been something that on visual appearance hasn't worked for the Gold Coast. Pelite needs to get her hands on the ball and the Titans attack needs to be centred around her dangerous play if they want to get things going.

The favourite: Despite their poor opening fortnight, Brisbane are comfortably backed for victory on Saturday.

My tip: This is a game that isn't as easy to pick, the Broncos have been poor but they will be looking to step up and not allow the Titans to go 2/2 in Queensland Derbies. The Titans will push the contest down to the final whistle but I think the Broncos might just have enough as they look to ensure their season isn't over. Broncos by 4.

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Sophie Holyman 9. Lavinia Gould 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Jasmine Fogavini 12. Amber Hall 13. Tallisha Harden 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Hannah Larsson 16. Sara Sautia 17. Brianna Clark 19. Amy Turner

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Karina Brown 3. Evania Pelite 4. Hagiga Mosby 5. Madison Bartlett 6. Kimiora Breayley-Nati 7. Lauren Brown 8. Shannon Mato 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Stephanie Hancock 11. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 20. Annette Brander 13. Georgia Hale 15. Jessika Elliston 16. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 17. Laikha Clarke 19. Jetaya Faifua 21. Jasmine Peters

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Tori Wilkie, Kailey Beattie; Video Referees: Alan Shortall;