Wests Tigers
10
Match Complete
Gold Coast Titans
22
| 69 |  | A. Brimson | ||
| D. Laurie | | 64 | ||
| A. Doueihi | | 45 | ||
| 43 |  | T. Boyd | ||
| 41 | | S. McIntyre | ||
| 24 | | T. Boyd | ||
| 23 | | P. Sami | ||
| 14 | | T. Boyd | ||
| 13 | | P. Sami | ||
| A. Doueihi |  | 3 |
| 2 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 1 of the 2023 NRL season concludes at Leichhardt Oval with the Wests Tigers taking on the Gold Coast Titans. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6:15pm (AEDT).
Recruitment. It’s something that the Tigers have done plenty of over the past few years, but not executed it well. After a woeful 2022 which saw James Tamou let frustration get the better of him at the SCG, the Tigers faithful will be hoping 2023 starts better.
With Tim Sheens in the coaches box, Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines coming from a winning culture in Penrith and Isaiah Papali’i coming off a successful stint in Parramatta, the Tigers have the ingredients to get people in Leichhardt dancing. Or in Campbelltown. Well, that is if the Tigers want to get over this identity crisis and call either one of Leichhardt or Campbelltown home.
Just like the Tigers, the Titans have shopped for new recruits to improve the spine as Kieran Foran and Sam Verrils are set to make their debuts in Titans colours. After a not so successful time in the halves, AJ Brimson will start the NRL season in his preferred position of fullback.
With David Fifita set to come off contract at the end of this year, he will want to fire up and start 2023 with a bang to impress potential suitors as his future remains in limbo.
Prediction
Neither side have historically based their game nor prided themselves on defending their way to victories. Both teams have improved from their 2022 roster, and will aim to start 2023 on the right note. To make up for poor defending, expect plenty of points in a 50-plus-point thriller.
While the Tigers have made a great coup in getting Koroisau, the Titans have some X-factor off the bench in Jayden Campbell who could break the game wide open in the latter stages.
Titans by 4.
Game information
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Kick-off: 6:15pm (AEDT)
TV: Fox League
Live stream: Kayo Sports
Odds: Tigers $1.48; Titans $2.40 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Tigers
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Brent Naden, 4. Tommy Talau, 5. Charlie Staines, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Shawn Blore, 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
14. Jake Simpkin, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Fonua Pole, 17. Asu Kepaoa
Titans
1. AJ Brimson, 2. Alofiano Khan-Pereira, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Phillip Sami, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Jaimin Jolliffe, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 17. Joe Stimson, 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange
14. Jayden Campbell, 15. Erin Clark, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 18. Sam McIntyre
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Foran is going to be great for the Titans. Quality player since he started! Hope his knock wasn’t anything serious, he deserves to finish his career on his own terms
Rob
Guest
First time since the rules got changed. 11th placed Panthers went to unbeatably at the inception of random 6 again and Sydney teams with the exception of Dogs and Tigers dominated the 8?
Andy J
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the call
Andy J
Roar Rookie
Makes me so happy, also the teams that went down Penrith parra Canberra and the roosters how good
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Four Qld teams, the Melbourne team, and the NZ team up the top. I think the Dragons must be glad they won the bye.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
That concludes round 1 of the 2023 NRL season. Thank you for joining. I’ll be calling a few days of the fourth Test between India and Australia in the upcoming few days. Till then, take care and goodnight.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
FULL TIME WST 10 GLD 22 If you thought the Dolphins defence was impressive, the Titans were just as much impressive. Tigers had all the field position, but the Titans did more than enough to earn a 12 point win.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
John Bateman last spotted in a cab headed to Mascot
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
80’ Simpkin is tackled on the last and the Titans emerge victorious on the final whistle!
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
Into the final minute of play. Titans kick on the last. Staines tackled 20 off his line WST 10 GLD 22
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Well how good is this . Four wins for the QLD teams. Titans were certainly the better side here . Far from perfect but they can get better.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
78’ Tigers go down the left, but the Titans defence forces Staines to go into touch unforced. That should be the game WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
77’ Tigers win a penalty off their own 10. New set halfway. Can they mount a fightback? WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
75’ Doueihi grubbers but it deflects backwards by a Titans player. Tigers give away a penalty thinking they can challenge, but they cannot WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
74’ First it’s called a knock on by the Tigers, before the referee adjudges a penalty late. Tigers new set 30 away WST 10 GLD 22
69
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
73’ Titans attack and are 10 away before a double knock on occurs. Tigers feed 10 off their line WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
71’ Tigers short kickoff backfires and that’s a Titans penalty. New set 40 away WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
71’ Boyd’s conversion falls wide. Difference is two converted tries WST 10 GLD 22
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
70’ TRY TITANS Brimson runs through open space and that’s a great run for about 50 metres as he scores and extends the Titans lead! Gives the little shush to the Tigers fans WST 10 GLD 22