Broncos v Titans preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 2:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Sunday afternoon at Suncorp is set for the local derby as big brother Brisbane Broncos take on the little brother Gold Coast Titans for Indigenous Round 2024.

The last time these teams met, it was a strong Broncos lineup that went down 12-18 against a Titans team that had just lost their coach. Ten months on, the Broncos are riffing as a team, while the Titans are still looking for form and consistency.

The Broncos put on an average yet gallant performance last week, beating Manly 13-12 during Magic Round. Brisbane coach Kevvy Walters said it was the contest they needed, which could mean it was the test Kevvy wanted for Jock Madden as he fills in for Adam Reynolds for the next ten weeks. Kevvy was impressed with Madden's defence and what he could see as connections with the team. He also connected with his boot perfectly, kicking the winning field goal in the game's dying minutes.

Selwyn Cobbo at full-back was sound, showing a cool head under the high-ball attacks from Manly, but with the return of star player Reece Walsh, Cobbo will take his hot form to the centres.  Billy Walters will also bolster the Broncos for Sunday as he comes back from a wrist injury. Kotoni Staggs will miss this game with a rib injury, with last week's debutant Josiah Karapani running on again after a solid entrance into the NRL.

There was some concern as Payne Haas was helped from the field last round, but he did manage to return to see the game out. He's since been named to run on to lock horns for the Sunday afternoon special.

An angry Des Hasler didn't mince his words at the Magic Round presser after the Gold Coast went down 24-28 to the Newcastle Knights. With his views on the officiating aside, Hasler was still happy his team had put in the effort for 80 minutes. But missing 67 tackles during the game is hopefully the place Hassler will focus on what must be fixed for the team.

David Fifita shook off any aggregates from the publicity he got from backflipping on a move to the Sydney Roosters. The talented back rower worked well with Beau Fermor to keep the middle alive for the Gold Coast. And they had to with the loss of Jaimin Jolliffe early in the game to a pectoral injury.

Brian Kelly has been finding form and causing trouble out wide. He opened up plenty of opportunities for the Titans, getting denied a try in the game after a Bunker review showed a loss of control. Kieran Foran has been named in the reserves, which implies they will give the veteran half as much time as possible to be ready for Sunday. The sudden departure of Aaron Schoupp moves Jojo Fifita into the centres and Tony Francis to the wing.

Last meeting: Round 17 2023 - Broncos 12 Titans 18

Who to watch: It will undoubtedly be Reece Walsh, surely the most exciting player in the NRL. And with this being a final chance to show he is ready and fit for Origin selection, watch for an impressive day out. It seems that Selwyn Cobbo can fit in anywhere he is asked, and going back to the centres will have him just as dangerous as usual, being one of the top of the ladder in tackle breaks this year. Pat Carrigan continues to perform strongly, leading in post-contact meters in the NRL. The captain is a workhorse and loves to get into the fight in the middle and leads by example with high tackle counts.

In Payne Haas' case, it is big brother versus little brother, and he ready's himself to take it to Klese Haas on Sunday. With a Blues jersey up for grabs, he's sure to show he is fit to play after his injury scare last round. Deine Mariner has 14 tries from 13 games and is an exciting player. Seeing his flare match with Walsh's for the game will be good.

David Fifita is also up for Origin selection and will be keen to back up his performance from last week to show he has the right stuff. If he and Beau Fermor get into a mood, the punters will get a good wrestle to watch in the middle. Sam Verrills is getting some confidence; if he can keep getting back into his groove, then it is chaos around the ruck, which will open up the field for Fifita and Fermor.

Keano Kini has what it takes to be an exciting player. A quick fullback, he's one of those speedy players who can just pop up in support of a break on play. Watch for him to lift against the number one player now at fullback, Reece Walsh.

Favourite:  Big brother has a great record against little brother, especially at Suncorp. And with the Titans only going 4 wins from their last 20 games, the odds favour the Brisbane Broncos hands down.

My tip: With the return of star players and confidence growing in their halves pairing of Ezra Mam and Jock Madden, the Broncos are going to do well. The Gold Coast can leak points, and the Broncos can eat them up. Broncos by 18.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Josiah Karapani 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Joshua Rogers

1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 5. Tony Francis 6. Chris Randall 7. Thomas Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson 18. Jacob Alick-wiencke 22. Jaylan De Groot

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Damian Brady, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;