Titans
16
Match Complete
Bulldogs
22
| 69 |  | J. Cogger | ||
| 61 |  | N. Meaney | ||
| 60 | | J. Okunbor | ||
| 33 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 31 | | J. Okunbor | ||
| 26 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 25 | | M. Montoya | ||
| A. Taylor |  | 17 | ||
| A. Taylor | | 11 | ||
| D. Copley | | 10 | ||
| A. Taylor | | 7 | ||
| A. Taylor | | 4 | ||
| D. Copley | | 3 |
| 2 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 10 will see the 16th-placed Canterbury Bulldogs travel to the Gold Coast to play the 14th-placed Titans in a clash that has been dubbed by some experts as the “Battle for the Wooden Spoon”. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog, starting from 3pm AEST.
Despite the lowly position of both teams, this should be a very interesting contest. The poor defence of both sides means there should be plenty of points on offer.
The Titans in particular have points in them – their issues this year have been defense-related – with exciting players in the side like AJ Brimson, Ash Taylor, Bryce Cartwright and Tyrone Peachey.
The Bulldogs have shown plenty of fight at times this year. What they’ve lacked is the class and experience in key positions to get them home in tight games.
They have a very inexperienced spine, with Nick Meaney, Jack Cogger and Jeremy Marshall-King all having played less than 50 NRL games.
The key for the Bulldogs is Kieran Foran. This is his second week back from an ankle injury. He’ll be much better off for the run last week, and will be looking to stamp his authority on the game.
There is plenty riding on the forward battle in this game, with potential Origin players in both packs. Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow are near-certainties for QLD, as is Dylan Napa.
All three will want to impress coach Kevin Walters with a big performance.
It’s also a big game for Josh Jackson, who can catapult himself into Blues’ calculations with a stand-out performance.
Jackson is a proven performer at Origin level, and as the 2017 NSW Player of the Series he was unlucky to miss out last season. With bench spots up for grabs NSW coach Brad Fittler will be watching Jackson closely.
Prediction
With both sides so low on the table this really is a bit of a “toss of the coin” game. It really is difficult to back either team given what they’ve dished up at times this season.
I think the Bulldogs will get up in a tight one. The Titans are definitely the more talented team, but I think this will be a scrappy contest, which suits the Bulldogs more than the Titans.
I’ve been really impressed with Ofahiki Ogden for the Bulldogs off the bench. I was also impressed with the veteran Suauso Sue in his return to first grade last week.
I expect them both to provide plenty of impact off the bench, and swing the momentum of the game in the Bulldogs’ favour when they come on the field.
Bulldogs by 8.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3pm AEST.
Where: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
When: 3pm
Streaming: NRL Digital Pass, Kayo Sports
TV: Fox League
Titans
1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Brian Kelly 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow 14. Jesse Arthars 18. Jai Whitbread 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Max King 19. Will Matthews 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Brenko Lee
Bulldogs
1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jack Cogger 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Danny Fualalo 14. Rhyse Martin 15. Ofahiki Ogden 16. Chris Smith 17. Sauaso Sue 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Lachlan Lewis 21. Kerrod Holland 22. Renouf To’omaga
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Thomas, I feel for you. The roster is one of the best for years and the pack is almost Origin level. I can't work it out but I think the overall attitude from the establishment doesn't help. Last year some really dodgy calls cost you a win against Roosters (O'Sullivan try off the post) and last week try disallowed incorrectly. If a ref makes a dodgy call against one of the power teams there is hell to pay, against your lot and barely a ripple. You'll never get the 50/50's. It's hard to build belief when these things occur and frustration builds. Your momentum stalled when Hayne was empowered over Henry, bad mistake. And putting Mal on the team has delivered squat as far as noticeable benefits. BTW, what's Henry doing these days, besides suing the Titans?? Des and Manly patched things up.. maybe there is a chance??
The Barry
Roar Guru
Off the foot of the table again and this time we can’t drop back down like the last few weeks!!! Great to see Foran back...a massive hand in the Dogs three tries. Funny how we keep hearing about all the Titans injuries to “key personnel” yet Foran’s injury is rarely mentioned...Dogs just don’t have the roster. It should be noted that Foran worked his butt off with around the clock treatment that players normally only do when they’re trying to get right for big games. Hopefully it’s a sign he’s still got the desire, because several times this year he’s shown he’s still got the skill. Still plenty to work on. The up and in defence on either side of the field looks shonky a lot of the time. Good to see big Okunbor bounce back from a couple of poor games.
Dutski
Roar Guru
They seem to have no direction and sorry to say but that Ash Taylor’s job. Not playing to his pay packet.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yeah, can't believe how far Taylor has regressed. I had him pegged to be JTs replacement but he just hasn't developed at all.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
Full Time The Canterbury Bulldogs have managed to come from behind to defeat the Gold Coast Titans 22-16 off the back of a Kieran Foran masterclass. The Bulldogs were terrible early, coughing up plenty of possession and giving away penalties like it was going out of fashion. Two converted tries to Dale Copley as well as two penalty goals to Ash Taylor saw the Titans draw away to a 16-0 lead at almost a point per minute. However, the Bulldogs managed to score two first half tries, the first to Marcelo Montoya in the 25th minute, and the second to Jayden Okunbor in the 35th to trail 16-12 at the break, setting the scene for what would be a tense, gripping second stanza. Canterbury started the second half poorly, giving a penalty away in the first set of the game for lying all over Jarrod Wallace. However, as was the case for the remainder of the match, the Titans failed to capitalise on gifts that the Bulldogs gave them. It was Okunbor who opened the second half scoring with a controversial try in the corner off the back of a Foran Harbour Bridge pass. Mitch Rein was taken out by a lead runner, but it was ruled that had no impact on the play, which was certainly debatable given the Gold Coast defensive line shuffled in off the back of Rein being taken out, giving the Bulldogs the overlap. It was sent upstairs as a no try, making the ruling all the more controversial. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs took the lead off the back of the Okunbor try 18-16, and scored again through some individual brilliance from Jack Cogger in the 69th minute. Nick Meaney missed the kick (with absolutely no regard for my "Bulldogs by 8 prediction"), setting up a rather tense final 10 minutes. The Bulldogs gifted the Titans a number of chances in the final 10 through knock ons and penalties, however the Titans failed to capitalise, with the scores remaining 22-16 at full time. Bulldogs fans will take plenty of confidence out of the performances of Jack Cogger and Kieran Foran. Foran set up the first three tries in what was arguably his best ever performance for the Bulldogs, while Cogger did all the clearance kicks and scored himself to ice the game. If the Bulldogs can fix their discipline and errors, they will go a long way towards avoiding the wooden spoon. Who knows? They may even sneak into the 8 if they can fix these things. For the Titans, they'll be so disappointed with this result. It's clear they have the talent to be a good side. What they lack is the grit and determination to get into arm wrestles and grind out a win. Unlike silly errors and ill discipline, finding grit and determination is very difficult to fix. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Thomas
Guest
I’m a die hard Titans fan since 07 but man, this year has been the hardest year to watch. In previous years, they may of lost but damn at least we showed some heart. This current group show no passion and they’re mentally weak. The first 4 weeks I could excuse because of Roberts and Taylor injuries, but man what I’ve seem since then is utter garbage. Forwards are going okay but the backs are playing terrible. Taylor and Copley to Q Cup. Jacks and Roberts in the halves. Brimson to Fullback. Gordon and Don on the wings and have Lee and Kelly in the centres. Peachey on the bench. Dump Brennan before the Titans fold because we’re close to it.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The Titans are a shadow of the team they were when Neil Henry was coaching them pre Jarryd Hayne. You knew they would always give a 100% and pulled off some amazing unexpected victories. They've been terrible since. How is Ash Taylor on $1 mill?
R N
Roar Rookie
Someone should sell cabbages outside skilled park... Fans that bothered to show up could purchase before the game and unload after!
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good win by the Dogs. Titans again with a team that looks far better on paper don't have the field discipline to close out a game. Dogs though should be commended for the big comeback and win. They never gave up and just stuck to the game plan and came through. Titans defense really looks a shambles at times. Roberts miss on the Coger was the turning point.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
80' Full time here and geeze what a game! Both sides letting the other back into it with ill discipline and silly errors but the big story is that the Bulldogs have managed a great come-from-behind win at Cbus Super Stadium! Match report to come. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Dutski
Roar Guru
The sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Neither a team of champions or a champion team. Except Flash Gordon. I won't hear a bad word about Flash.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
80' The Bulldogs shift it right on the last, Taylor with too many options panics and holds onto the ball! Kevin Proctor is filthy! Bulldogs have 30 seconds to ice this one. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
79' Danny Fualalo knocks on trying to offload (because offloads are necessary when you lead by 6 with a minute and a half to go). Brian Kelly breaks into the backfield but it's called back for a double knock on. Bulldogs not out of the woods yet. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
78' Cogger's kick is charged down by Wallace who knocks on. He keeps going and gets brought down by Okunbor but offloads to Arthars who scores. Good call, we can see on the replay he knocked on after the charge down. Titans are not happy. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
77' Remis Smith up and in, shuts the play down forcing Kelly to knock on. Hopoate takes it and goes 20m. Surely the Bulldogs are out of trouble now. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
77' Remis Smith knocks on in the play the ball! Good God! Titans get another chance. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Insider
Roar Rookie
Geoff, they need a coach! They remind me of a 2018 Manly side, lots of “potential” but lacking edge, resilience, commitment starch and pride
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
76' Taylor kicks for Okunbor, gets hammered by Napa. Okunbor takes it brilliantly. Why would they target him? Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The Panthers? No I think they'll come good eventually. But the Titans are a bunch of phonies. Absolute bludgers. Most of them should be on the minimum wage. Certainties for the spoon.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
75' Cogger gets a big long kick away, gets hammered by Peachey but the refs say it's fine. Titans bringing it just short of halfway with Arthars on the 3rd. Titans - 16 Bulldogs - 22