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.
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.
“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.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Have faith my son. Good things come to those who wait.
scott
Guest
I couldn't agree more Jay. Nothing left to say now except that I've just realised I'm talking with JC on Good Friday. Can you have a word with your old man, see if he can help the Broncos get home tonight? A premiership this year would be nice too, but I've heard the Bunnies have signed a deal with the bloke downstairs and might be hard to beat...
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
It'll be interesting to see how maranta goes at FB. I've never really rated him as much more than a decent finisher who's safe under the high ball. Been playing well this year though.
Jay C
Roar Guru
You hit the nail on the head with that last one Scott. I have no doubt that Maranta will be serviceable. But I am worried about the attacking support plays mostly. Especially as they would have had 0 practices. Vidot needs to do what he does best and that is eat metres from the back as Maranta will be rag-dolled. I probably came across a bit negative. It will be exciting seeing what these kids can do. Hunt knows he needs to stand up more. With the signing of Milf, Hunt has probably relaxed and thought that there is someone else to do things. But he needs to get back to what he was doing last year. Defensively I am more concerned with Glenn/Milford/Reed/Oates up against Taylor/Elgey/Roberts/Don. We need to be well on top in the forwards though or it will be a long night. They have the outside backs to give us real trouble. But in saying that we should be on top in the middle.
scott
Guest
He looks small on the tv but he's actually pretty big in the flesh. I saw him in the city and he's around 6'2 and solid. He just looks small next to Hodgo, Oates and Vidot. Geez you're going to think I've a mancrush on him but i think he'll have a decent game tonight. If we lose it won't be on his shoulders. I'm really keen to see Copley back on the field, how Vidot takes his chance to show he should still be in the squad, and most importantly how Hunt and Milf perform without Hodgo drifting around the back.
Jay C
Roar Guru
No I haven't heard anything. Once winter rolls in he might come good. Next year might be his go.
scott
Guest
Have you seen Eden playing for Redcliffe? I haven't caught one of their games yet. I know he was having trouble with fitness in the preseason, the poor bloke couldn't handle the heat and humidity. He should have a good game this weekend though, a few degrees colder and it'll be like a British summer.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I hope you are right. I don't mind Maranta. He is safe as houses under the highball, he generally does his job in defence. He just isn't big or fast or strong.... I will enjoy seeing him with more options this week. Although part of me wishes it could be next week when we are odds on to get creamed anyway.
scott
Guest
Maranta actually played fullback coming through the grades and IIRC played u20s origin there. He has some elements of his game which are very good there, especially his support play, which cannot be seen when he's on the wing. Don't take this as me saying he's our best choice at fullback, i prefer Boyd and Kahu, but he's a better fullback than winger.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I still think they will win yes. Benny is a genius and the onus is on our 3rd string. If they pull on a Broncos jersey they need to wear it with pride.
The eye
Guest
so translating, if they win tonight Bennys a genius and if they lose its the onus of the 3rd string players ? no ifs or maybes will they win ?
Jay C
Roar Guru
A) I don't beg. B) I don't ever give up on the Broncos. They have proved the world wrong more times than I can count (due to my running out of fingers at 13) They are easily the worst backline in Broncos history on paper. I can't think of a worse one. Maybe last year wasn't too crash hot either. Broncos backlines should have Renoufs, Tuquiris, Sailors, Lockyers, Langers, Yow Yehs, Hodges, Folaus, Lewis', Hunts. I said the Titans would be mad not to. I didn't beg them not to. I hope they do. Gives the young boys a chance to prove me wrong. I will still be cheering them on.
The eye
Guest
I dont know calling them the worst backline in history and begging the titans not to kick to the corners seems synonymous with full on surrender to me..
Jay C
Roar Guru
How so? Calling them the worst backline on paper ever isn't eating them... Broncos generally have a star studded back line. There isn't one single Maroons rep. Hunt has played a couple games off the bench for Oz. Criticising depth isn't eating. Some of these guys are third string. Eating is when you have given up on a player and seek their termination. They'll know when they are being eaten.
The eye
Guest
'Broncos supporters don’t eat their own, we just expect success. I know that is a foreign concept for a lot of the lesser clubs…' I dont get it.....looks like youve eaten the entire backline to me..
Jay C
Roar Guru
So where is Greg Eden? He must be spewing. Long trip to play for the Dolphins...
Jay C
Roar Guru
Lachlan Maranta at Fullback is scary for Broncos fans. On paper this is the worst Broncos backline in history. The forwards are going to have to get things done big time. I wish Offengetaneasiernametospell was playing for his workload. Titans would be mad to not just put up bomb after bomb to the corners. Oates can't jump, Reed can't jump. Copley can't jump. And I don't even know id Vidot can get both feet off the ground at the moment... This is very concerning...