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Titans wary of walking wounded Broncos

2nd April, 2015
17

Gold Coast captain Nate Myles believes Brisbane are still tough opponents despite the Broncos missing several key players for Friday’s NRL derby.

Captain Justin Hodges and Adam Blair were already set to miss Friday’s trip to the Gold Coast when the Broncos lost young winger Jordan Kahu to a hamstring strain during training on Thursday morning.

It means the Broncos will take on their south-east Queensland rivals short on bodies but Myles says that will count for little in the clash.

“The theme this year with the NRL is when the big guns are missing out of sides other players step up and really show what they can do,” Myles said.

“I’ve got no doubt the Broncs will be in the same category. I’m sure Wayne (Bennett, coach) will get them up for a big game and we’re not thinking they’re going to be any easier with them two out.

“They’re great players and full respect to them but the guys that are coming in are well and truly good enough to hurt us.”

Kahu’s misfortune means winger Lachlan Maranta will shift to fullback, with Daniel Vidot brought into the squad to play on the wing.

Dale Copley has come into the Broncos lineup for Hodges while representative prop Sam Thaiday has been elevated from the bench to replace Blair.

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The Titans are heading into the match with just one forced change from the team which beat Cronulla 24-22 in a scrappy affair at Remondis Stadium last weekend.

Hooker Beau Falloon is suspended so Kierran Moseley returns after missing the Sharks game with knee soreness.

Question marks emerged over Matt Srama after he was spotted training with the rehab group on Thursday morning but Titans coach Neil Henry insisted the bench utility was just “topping up” his fitness and would take on the Broncos.

Lachlan Burr spent some time at training on Thursday at dummy-half, suggesting he’ll be the man to come in if Srama isn’t fit to play.

Broncos coach Bennett said the Titans’ 1-3 record wasn’t a true reflection of their form and his team can’t take their opponents lightly.

“They’ve been to hell and back with all the turmoil they’ve had down there but they’ve only been beaten once by a good scoreboard,” Bennett said.

“The rest, they’ve won one, got beaten by a field goal and two points against a couple of teams that are going alright.

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“We’d be fools to underestimate what they’ve got, so that won’t be happening.”

KEY STATS GOLD COAST v BRISBANE

* Gold Coast have won just five of 17 clashes with Brisbane

* The Titans have won just one of their past 11 matches at home

* Brisbane recruit Anthony Milford hasn’t scored a try in his past five matches but has three tries from two appearances against the Titans.

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