The Sunday clash between the Gold Coast and Wests Tigers at 3:00pm AEDT shapes as a real litmus test for both sides, but for very different reasons.
Neither team was fancied to cause much trouble in this year’s premiership race, but both teams will see themselves as chances to slip into the top eight after witnessing the form of some of the teams that were hyped up in the pre-season.
The Titans showed plenty of muscle in prop Luke Douglas’ landmark game last week to pip the Sharks 18-12. It was a gutsy showing against a strong Sharks pack, although the Cronulla side were without inspirational captain Paul Gallen for a portion of the contest.
In Douglas 196th straight game of first grade, an incredible achievement, even more remarkable considering he never shirks the tough stuff, the Titans were able to outgrit a very powerful and direct side. Their pack was impressive, and Aidan Sezer just seems to be getting better and better at five-eigth.
It will give the Gold Coast belief that they can make a difference in this year’s competition. With the Cowboys and Bulldogs both suffering back-to-back losses, the race for the eight could look very different than anticipated.
But they will need to get over a Tigers side that showed a real willingness to get stuck in against the Dragons. Despite fading to be beaten 44-24, the Tigers were in the contest until a late fade-out saw them drop behind.
You can understand why. They are a young, building side. Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards will both take some time to find their feet at NRL level again and Braith Anasta will need to take games and his own team by the scruff of the neck. If Anasta steps up to the organising plate, the Tigers will be all the better for it.
Another plus for them is the inclusion of prop Keith Galloway, though it’s unclear whether he’ll play a part as of yet.
Tune into The Roar‘s live score coverage from 3:00pm AEDT, and feel free to drop a comment below to let us know your thoughts on the game.
Blaze
Guest
Well I hope Souths come at them on Friday a lot harder... Let's not forget that Souths are favorites for the comp and the tigers are expected to win the spoon... As for spoon winners, they did a job on the titans in 40+ degrees... You wanted the boys to put in from last week, and they did... Just can't please everyone I guess..
Atlas
Guest
Its just utterly dissapointing to watch. Fact of the matter is Cartwright shouldve been sacked years ago; Titans used to be such an exciting team to watch, reputation for never being dead. Down at half time? No problem the come back underdog kid. For such a quality roster the Titans should be a top 8 team, most other coaches would have them up there. Think its less of a player/roster issue and definately the fact that the Coach is just plain terrible, and the players he's bought over the past few years suggests that (bandaid, stopgap approaches ie backrower at 5-8, backrowers at centre, this year a backrower at hooker). If the titans want the fans back, start using and chasing Queensland juniors; specialist players in there actual positions. Sack Cartwright. Make them exciting to watch again, and the fans will get back behind them. Atleast when they lost before they had prince and rogers to get behind. Very little QLD element, very boring amateur predictable plays.... If they could woo a player like DCE? Right decisions to get them back on track and itll look like a very different team.
Robert
Guest
didn't you read about the level of debt at the Titans , Tradies weren't paid because Searle didn't have the money. That's why the University bought the whole centre of not so excellence. Titan's now tenants , but for how long ???
Robert
Guest
Let's hope that if there ever is a removal van it will be driven by Michael Searle and it is loaded with his lies and deceit . Tradies don't forget, thats why when you look at the GC Suns Membership and Crowds , not hard to see where they all went
ctar
Guest
I've said this before, their playing roster doesn't inspire much pride in your average Queenslander. They were getting great crowds when Prince, Campbell and Rogers were running around, all very likable players. There biggest star now is Greg Bird, a despised new south welshman with some very publicized off and on field incidents. Sezer and Kelly are promising halves but both from NSW. Zillman is from QLD and was suppose to be a star but after 2 knee reco's he is barely first grade standard. Get a player like Cherry Evans there and make him the face of the club and i think the crowds would come back.
Dave
Guest
Give them a break Wayne. One constructed try in 80 minutes of footy on extremely hot day. You certainly are a hard marker. I agree, the Titans were woeful, the stats show 16 of 34 completions. No team is going to win games with that completion rate. I was at the game. The Titnas didn't seem to want to be there. Hopefully they went to the bar, had a few drinks and introduced themselves...they played like strangers. Albert Kelly was the only player having a go. Myles seemed to be playing with injury, Bird missed tackles he never does normally, Harrison, was he playing. Did the Titans have centres? The Tigers were good, but the Titans were equally bad. The Tedesco-Brooks show was pretty to watch. The second try of the match and the Brooks kick, Tedesco catch and kick and the ultimate Brooks try was sensational. A lot of upsidewith the Tigers, a lot of soul searching for the TItans. Hopefully Cartwright has the removal van booked.
Renegade
Guest
If there wasn't 12,000 at the Titans, then there certainly wasn't 17,000 on saturday night.... it's all a conspiracy!!
Wayne Keough
Guest
Titans were awful blaze. Weststigers still giving away easy penalties. Defence found wanting at times. A better showing but some very worrying signs. Souths will come very hard at them next week.
bjt
Guest
The problem with the Titans is that they have failed (or are failing) in the basics of rugby league in Queensland. It's simple, Queenslanders love Queensland. If a queensland team wants support, tailor it for Queenslanders. 1) Remove sky/light blue from their colours - add maroon (anything but the colour of the enemy). 2) Stop filling the team full of NSW players - especially one's that are so hated north of the border! Eg. Bird. (number 2 after Gallen?) Really, the team is chock full of NSW players, with a few token Queenslanders - It should be the other way round! I know NSW/Sydney is used to poaching players and getting behind them, but Queensland has traditionally looked after it's own. Broncos/Cowboys are full of key Queensland legends, that the fans love win or lose. I'm not saying ban the NSW players, a few rare talented ones are welcome for bench duty. Just not the bulk of the team - currently they look more like a Sydney team on holiday on the coast! The Titans need Queensland fans, and there is no Queensland fan cheering on Greg Bird and his bad teenage mustache. 3) Embrace the Q-Cup - It's the second strongest League comp in the world, full of talented Queenslanders. Stop looking for answers down south, when they're in your backyard. 4) Oh yeah, Cartwright is no good. - Sack the coach, not to mention he's from NSW. (Kevin Walters is looking for a gig). 5) Did I mention make it a genuine Queensland team?
Australian Rules
Guest
It was a biblical flood in Sydney last night. Everyone left their seats and stood under cover. Not sure why some people suggest that equals a conspiracy.
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
The titans coach will be the 1st to get the sack. If des hasler or toovey had this team it would be a top 4 team. Wealth of talent bar zillman, yet bottom 8 beckons again! Well done tigers tedesco and brooks great try really woke me up. The youngsters are gonna come good
Dean William Sullivan
Guest
Because the Gold Coast supporters are Glory hunters. They had 1 or 2 good years and that's when the supporters showed up. Also because Gold Coast is close to Brisbane, I would assume most people that live there go for Brisbane instead of Gold Coast
Phil
Guest
My Stepson went to this game with his mate, you guessed it they only went because it was free. I wonder what the real paying attendance figure was?
Alicesprings
Guest
Gws crowd was questionable from the little vision I have seen..unless every second person was in the standing room areas. The suns crowd looked about right..2/3rds full at metricon.
Renegade
Guest
Yeah bit odd... First GWS last night and now this!
Jake
Guest
You been living under a rock Stu? You should stick to Disco, mate.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Ask the Suns mate. All those Red coloured seats looked empty to me in the top of the stand but hey, you only have eyes for NRL.
turbodewd
Guest
Agreed, 12k means just under half full. Looks about 1 in 10 chairs has a person in it.
Rugby stu
Guest
Didn't realise this was a delayed telecast...shouldn't have looked...darn
alicesprings
Guest
No way that joints half full! 12k give me a break! Whats to be gained from lying about crowds??