The ladder leading Brisbane Broncos will take on the lowly Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary of all the action from 7:20pm (AEST).
In what appears to be a mismatch at first between the ladder leading Brisbane Broncos and the second-last placed Gold Coast Titans may not play out as lopsided as many expect.
The Broncos are in decade best form winning seven in a row and losing only three times all year (against Souths, Dragons and the Cowboys) while the Titans are laying miserably on the bottom of the ladder losing four in a row – their last win coming against the Bulldogs in Round 14.
Jack Reed being suspended for a high tackle means Jordan Kahu comes into the centres with Corey Oates shifting to the wing and Dale Copley coming onto the bench. Holden Cup dynamite Kodi Nikorima also comes onto the bench for Matt Parcell.
The Titans welcome back Aiden Sezer at five-eighth from a hamstring injury with Daniel Mortimer shifting to the bench and Chad Redman dropping out of the 17. Kevin Gordon replaces Anthony Don on the wing with David Taylor and David Hala being replaced by Lachlan Burr and Matt White.
The last time these two teams faced off in Round 5 Sam Thaiday was starting on the bench and the Gold Coast were coming off a last minute win against the Sharks. In that game, the Titans had a mountain of possession in the first twenty minutes but simply could not convert that into points.
Simple errors from the Titans cost them dearly (14-9) as Brisbane went on to score three tries in fifteen minutes to lead at halftime, before carrying on with more of the same in the second half. It was clear on the night that the speed of Milford and the power of Thaiday, coupled with the defensive composure of the Broncos, was too much for the Titans.
Three out of the four tries Brisbane laid on the Titans back in Round 5 were through the middle of the park. We can be sure Anthony Milford will again be out to exploit the big forward pack of the Titans who will be fatigued.
Aiden Sezar coming back into the halves will bring composure and accuracy to a volatile and mistake ridden Titans side. His impact on last tackle options cannot be underestimated. He will be the dominant half with Kane Elgey being able to assert himself when necessary, giving the Titans the polish to their sets they have been lacking.
Along with his halves partner, Ben Hunt will be instrumental in the result tonight.
The Titans love using their left side in attack with Ryan James popping onto short balls setting up a mismatch in defence for the halfback. They also like using him under the high ball due to his height. As a result, Hunt will need to be at his defensive best if he is to stop those forwards from targeting him and creating three on two overlaps, exposing the speed of the Titans’ outside backs, where there could potentially be some magic woven tonight. Hunt’s composure finishing of sets and emerging running game will also be vital in beating the Titans.
Prediction
Defence, Defence, Defence! The Titans have leaked on average 31 points in their last four matches and if they concede that again will have no chance of winning this game.
The Titans will need to be patient and play really boring footy by not giving the Broncos any possession or field advantage, similar to what they did in the first twenty minutes in their last encounter – but this time for the entire game.
When the Broncos have the lead at halftime this season (10) they have won all 10 times. Also, the Broncos have won the first twenty-minute period 11 times this season (11-2-4) losing it only twice. It is clear that if the Titans can stop the early onslaught from the Broncos and convert their possession into points, it will go a long way to winning the un-winnable.
However, the Broncos are one of the most complete teams in the competition with the right amount of speed, power and finesse. Rain is also expected in Brisbane on Friday night, playing into the Broncos hands who are fourth (9.2) in errors compared to the Titans who are fifteenth (12). As a result, expect a low scoring affair with the Brisbane side having too much composure in attack making it eight on the trot.
Brisbane by 8.
Can the Gold Coast Titans do the unthinkable and beat the Broncos on their own turf? Or will this game be much of the same with the Brisbane side solidifying their top spot on the ladder by making easy work of the Titans?
Join The Roar at 7:20pm (AEST) for live scores updates and debate in our live blog.
CJ
Guest
The Broncos finished 8th last year, but lost quite a few games by under 10 points. If they had won half of those close games they would have finished equal 1st. The super coach has vastly improved their defence and their self belief, and with that their confidence in themselves and their team mates. The Broncos are enjoying playing their football and it shows.
CJ
Guest
Yes. But not in relation to Blair's tackle. From the replays I saw Blair's tackle on Elgy was marginally late at worst, it wasn't high. There was either a head class between the two players or Elgy hit his head on the ground or both. The Titans were lucky to get a penalty from the tackle. There is no way Blair should have been sin-bined or even put on report.
Emcie
Roar Guru
To be honest, I was surprised Parker was penalised for dropping the ball after copping a knee in the ribs. Was accidental and all but should it have been a knock on considering it was the result of illegal contact?
Maroon Blood
Guest
Certainly happy that not having Reed there and then losing Kahu had no discernable effect on the Broncos backline. I would even venture that Corey Oates added an extra dimension with his barnstorming runs (how good was he tonight) and Dale Copley looked pretty sharp after being out for so long. Same goes for the loss of McGuire, it just seems to have made Wallace and Dodds just step up their games a notch, doesn't seem to be a lack of depth at the moment that's for sure. After too many seasons now of seeing the Broncos underperforming across the park, it is terrific to finally see them playing at the level that their playing roster should be playing at. Beggars the question, Why is this so???? *cough* super coach *cough*
The eye
Guest
very true..lachlan burr has had a good year..no other player has consistently turned up for them..
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I'm not convinced that losing Myles will hurt the Titans much, his club performances have been well below what a player of his ability should deliver for a while now.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
So you believe that Hoffman, as well as Blair, should have both been binned?
Eden
Guest
Can we just agree that if a player sends another player off for blatant concussion with an illegal tackle then it is just automatic sin bin?
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
I think what they lack is leadership and direction which makes it scary that next year they will lose Sezar and Myles who you would think would be in charge of that.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
They haven't been tested since the Bulldogs in my opinion and most likely will not be tested again until they verse them again at Suncorp in two weeks time. Their line speed really impressed me tonight as they knew they were versing a team that had nothing to trouble them and a forward pack that didn't match up but yet still were not complacent. They are a very complete side and will be hard to stop come finals time especially up there in Queensland.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
Brisbane have showed us again tonight why they lead the completion. On the other hand, the Gold Coast have shown us why they are running 15th with no hope in sight of a try let alone a win. The halves pairing of Hunt and Milford again excelled tonight with some absolutely superb passing from Milford. Again, none of this would have possible without the go forward by the forwards. Surprisingly, the Titans won the possession count 53%-47% however missed a whopping 47 missed tackles to the Broncos 17. Anthony Milford would have to be my man of the match with his control of the game and sublime skills just beating out Hun. So did we learn anything new tonight? Full Time Brisbane 34 Gold Coast 0
TheSmak
Guest
Well, what can you say about the Titans after a performance like that? I starting to think that Cartwright wasn't the problem. The Titans are looking the favourites to secure the spoon again this year. Time for a club clean out and reset with a new look playing group, because clearly the one they have is not working at all.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
No where near our best but still scored a big win. Got manly next week, that should be interesting.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
FULL TIME A perfect fitting for the game with Sezar dropping the ball on the last play of the game. The Broncos have again put in a ruthless effort and the Titans have now gone 160 Minutes without scoring a try. FULL TIME Brisbane 34 Gold Coast 0
Emcie
Roar Guru
Good call Andrew
Emcie
Roar Guru
These ref's have no idea...
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
Roberts puts in a horrendous kick on the last that is received by Boyd. The ball is then knocked on by Copley . Last chance for the Titans to score. Brisbane 30 Gold Coast 0 79 Min
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
Falloon puts in a grubber and the broncos tap it out for another drop out. Brisbane 30 Gold Coast 0 78 Min
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
Penalty conceded by the Broncos with the Titans tapping it on Brisbane's 10. Brisbane 30 Gold Coast 0 76 Min
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
Cheers Mate, Shaky start but I've enjoyed every minute of it. Can't wait to hopefully do it again