Wests Tigers v Titans preview

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Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 2:00pm at Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield / Wanngal

Back to Tiger Town in Spoon Bowl Preview?

In a game that features two of the bottom four going head-to-head, there is surprisingly a lot on the line for both the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday. 

The Tigers have ‘improved' considerably on last season's efforts under Benji Marshall, make what you want of their off-field performances. Their product on the field has been at times fun to watch but at other times frustrating to watch as they make the same lapses week in, week out. The almost breakdown of their strong first halves before half-time has been one area of concern. But, the emergence of the Fainu's, Terrell May and Jarome Luai as a leader (despite his stat sheet taking a hit) have been highlights for Tigers fans.

In this dual with the Titans. They need to restrict the Titans big men of Fotuaika, RCG, Fa'asuamaleaui and Jolliffe. When the visitors have flourished this season, it has been on the back of the pack. Expect that to be no different here. They'll have to do a strong job on the edge with Beau Fermor hitting a good run of form with his combination with flyer Phil Sami. Elsewhere, they'll need to be disciplined and focus on their 1% plays.

Onto team news, troubled mid-season recruit Taylan May will make his Tigers debut after a 10 minute hattrick in the NSW Cup last weekend with Adam Doueihi shifting to lock as a result. The reshuffle will see Alex Twal start at prop, while Alex Seyfarth has been named in the back row after Samuela Fainu picked up a knee injury last weekend. Fonua Pole also moves to the interchange.

For the Titans, it has been a rough season. With persistent rumours around Des Hasler's future playing a part, the Titans haven't defeated a side since their Round 15 win over Manly. Despite that, you can see the effort is high, but they are lacking in execution and it's why the Titans are battling down the bottom of the premiership table. They rate fifth in missed tackles while making the third least amount of tackles in the NRL. 

To beat the Tigers, early shifts will be their friend. Edge defence has been a problem for the home side throughout the season, a dynamic centre such as Sami could cause problems, similar to what Mark Nawaqanitawase did a fortnight ago. Elsewhere, they have to contain Terrell May and the offloads he can produce. If they do that, they can cause a bit of a boilover in the race for the spoon and get level with the Rabbitohs. 

Onto team news. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui returns to the starting side after coming off the bench last week. The switch with Jaimin Jolliffe is the only change to the team that fell to Brisbane last week. Sam Verrills has been cleared of a concussion and will take his place at hooker. 

Last meeting: Round 15 2024 - Wests Tigers 18 Titans 10

Who to watch: For the Tigers, it's going to be Adam Doueihi. After the spot fire issued by Isaac Moses calmed down, Doueihi has been in some strong form playing across the halves and the centres. It was a move to the middle that sparked results against the Warriors, his footwork in the middle third of the field could spell trouble for the Titans. 

For the Titans, it's a challenge to David Fifita. It feels like we can't go more than a few weeks without hearing about his future. After backflipping on the Roosters last year, we are yet to see the best of Fifita in this new role off the pine. Expect the former QLD backrower to be at his rampaging best from the bench against the Tigers.

Favourite: The Tigers are favourites with the punters. The visitors hold a 17-10 win-record against the hosts. Last time at Leichhardt, it was a narrow Tigers win.

My tip: Tigers at Leichhardt are a different beast and it should be a comfortable victory to show the doubters how much they have improved. Tigers by 12.

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To'a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi 14. Tristan Hope 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Jack Bird 18. Brent Naden 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Krystian Mapapalangi

1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa'asumaleaui 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Arama Hau 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Damian Brady, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;