Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans
Vale: Terry Hill
18 hours ago | National Rugby League
Broncos v Titans preview
Brisbane aim for three-straight wins as the Titans look to bounce back from embarrassing defeat
The Brisbane Broncos can consider themselves fortunate after a controversial Jamayne Isaako penalty goal saw them sneak home against the Tigers last Friday night. Brisbane's victory was even more extraordinary considering that they did not cross for one single try. It was the first time that a Broncos outfit had earned a try-less victory in the club's history. The win did come at a cost, however, with winger Corey Oates and prop Tevita Pangai-Junior ruled out of Sunday night's clash by injuries suffered in the game. Wayne Bennett's men, however, will be confident of claiming the two points against their little brother given that they have won seven straight against the Titans.
Garth Brennan's outfit enter Round Four of the competition already losing sight of the Top Eight. The Titans have lost two-straight games and last week's 54-8 drubbing at the hands of the Dragons was by far the most disappointing. The Gold Coast were abysmal in defence, missing 42 tackles and conceding far too soft tries. This is emphasised by the fact that the Dragons won the period with Paul Vaughan in the sin-bin eight points to nil. We are only three rounds into the season and yet the Titans are already conceding 34 points per game. Despite the shocking performance last week, Brennan has opted to stay loyal to his current seventeen with the only change seeing Bryce Cartwright shifted to the bench.
Last meeting: Round 22 2017 - Titans 0 Broncos 54
Look away Titans fans. The Broncos won the last clash between these two sides 54-0 at Cbus Super Stadium in Round 22 last year. Ben Hunt was particularly impressive that night, so at least Gold Coast supporters can take relief from the fact that he will not be there.
Who to watch: Speedy Brisbane centre James Roberts has enjoyed a solid start to the year in attack - and this was predominantly against teams with strong defence. The former Titan will be salivating at the prospect of facing a Gold Coast side that are the worst defensive outfit in the competition. Roberts has two tries, three line-breaks, 11 tackle busts and 183 running metres to his name in 2018. He is guaranteed to only add to these numbers on Sunday.
Gold Coast hooker Nathan Peats may have a fight on his hands for his NSW jumper in 2018 and his early form suggests that he may not be the right man for the job. The Titans starting rake has struggled to produce much impact out of dummy-half and will also need to tighten the Gold Coast's defence in the middle if they are to stun the Broncos at Suncorp.
The favourite: No prizes for guessing this one. It is all the Broncos.
My tip: The Titans are simply unbackable given their defensive woes. Despite injury concerns, Brisbane will make it three on the trot. Broncos by 14.
1. Darius Boyd 2. Jonus Pearson 3. James Roberts 4. Jack Bird 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Korbin Sims 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Sam Thaiday 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Tom Opacic 17. Jaydn Su'a
1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Will Matthews 13. Jai Arrow 14. Mitch Rein 15. Max King 16. Bryce Cartwright 18. Morgan Boyle
Referees: Chris Sutton, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Henry Perenara;