Titans
42
Match Complete
Knights
16
| 68 |  | K. Ponga | ||
| J. Fogarty |  | 63 | ||
| P. Herbert | | 62 | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 61 | ||
| C. Thompson | | 60 | ||
| D. Fifita | | 51 | ||
| 37 | | K. Ponga | ||
| 36 | | S. To'a | ||
| D. Fifita | | 31 | ||
| C. Thompson | | 26 | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 22 | ||
| D. Fifita | | 21 | ||
| 13 | | K. Ponga | ||
| 12 | | C. Randall | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 9 | ||
| P. Herbert | | 7 | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 2 | ||
| K. Proctor | | 1 |
| 8 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 5 continues this afternoon when the Gold Coast Titans host the Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).
In a competition where it seems the top spots and bottom spots are already sorted out, the competition in the middle for the final spots in the eight are intense. This is one such match where the two competition points could prove the difference at the end of the season.
After back-to-back wins against the other Queensland teams, the Titans came back to earth last week, losing 20-4 to an impressive Canberra side.
Jamal Fogarty left the field early with a quad injury and his absence hurt the Titans when the match was on the line. The Titans did have chances in the second half but their attacking sets left much to be desired.
Fogarty is expected to recover in time to play while Brian Kelly has returned from a broken hand at centre. Phillip Sami will push to the wing to cover for injured Anthony Don. Ash Taylor has been named in the reserves and may be a late call up.
The Knights’ strong start to the season has been undermined by back-to-back losses as Newcastle’s injury toll continues to mount.
In the matchup against the Dragons, Mitchell Pearce, Tex Hoy and Kurt Mann all failed to finish, while David Klemmer finished the match virtually on one leg. Coach Adam O’Brien will be hoping for just a couple of weeks with no further injuries.
In good news for the Knights, Kalyn Ponga has been named at fullback but unfortunately is no certainty to start. Blake Green will start at halfback in place of the injured Pearce and Connor Watson replaces Mann at five-eighth. Chris Randall, Pasami Saulo and Brodie Jones are the new names on the bench.
Prediction
The Knights’ recent record on the Gold Coast is ordinary and it’s hard to see that changing this afternoon.
The depleted Knights will be brave but I expect the Titans to have too much class.
Gold Coast Titans by 12.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).
Game information
Kick-off: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
TV: Fox League
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go
Odds: Titans $1.33, Knights $3.30 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Titans
1. AJ Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tyrone Peachey
Bench/Reserves: 14. Moeaki Fotuaika, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Erin Clark, 18. Beau Fermor, 19. Herman Ese’ese, 20. Sam McIntyre, 21. Ashley Taylor
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Starford To’a, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Connor Watson, 7. Blake Green, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Sauaso Sue
Bench/Reserves: 14. Chris Randall, 15. Pasami Saulo, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones, 18. Jack Johns, 19. Brayden Musgrove, 20. Simi Sasagi, 21. Garrett Smith
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
At present yes but Morgan Harper is already an improvement at centre and Schuster should take over the other centre position with Walker injured and Curtis Sironen returning. Saab, despite his speed, is a liability and needs to be replaced. Once Bradman Best returns that will lift the Knights floundering attack if they can get him enough early ball.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Has Fafita stepped up with the change of jumper ?
Nambawan
Roar Rookie
Obviously you have not yet seen the Manly outside backs!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Scary...
rudy
Guest
knights season looks in deep trouble after this run of losses
Rob
Guest
Just thinking about how different and better Jarrod Wallace looks this year. Kikau is wanting to play for Qld. Then I started thinking about Queensland origin pack with Tino, Welsh, Papalii, Fafita, Grant, Kafusi, Arrow, Su’a, Collins, Riki and blokes I can’t think of. Who keeps talking about the Blue Dawn?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
true, but not any options if they are charging straight at you..
Emcie
Roar Guru
"based on today" was my original comment
souvalis
Roar Rookie
I'm saying nothing anything but that. The topic was SOO selections for June 9, not who was better April 9 .
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
I only saw one good run from him when I joined the call late in the game. Unless I missed some especially praise worthy highlights from Hunt? He was like that at the Rabbitohs, an occasional small diamonds but a lot more rocks than diamonds. For example I rate Steven Marsters in his few short games at Souths higher than Hymel Hunt. But to each their own mate. :thumbup:
Rellum
Roar Guru
You don't have to do it front on
Dutski
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call David
Tony
Roar Guru
Hunt's the only one I'd rate out of those 4
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
Am I alone in thinking the Knights outside backs today (To'a, Tuala, Shibasaki and Hunt) are one of the most ordinary outside backs combos in the NRL?
Emcie
Roar Guru
Come on mate, Brimson easily had a better game then Ponga today. Ponga has excuses but it doesn't change the result
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
Apart from Pearce the Knights are also missing Bradman Best in attack.
Spartacus
Roar Rookie
Did Brimson burn Ponga earlier? I tuned in late.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks all for joining the blog today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Wannabe
Roar Rookie
Yeah I don't, but Watson was a lot better as a running 13
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Knights have dropped 3 straight now. Their injuries have obviously had an impact but their defence was soft at stages this afternoon. They get the chance to remedy that against the Sharks at home next weekend