Round 11 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE SATURDAY 18th MAY 2024
Titans vs. Knights: NRL Magic Round Preview
Day two of Magic Round festivities kicks off with the Titans hosting the Knights at Suncorp Stadium. Both teams displayed grit and determination in their recent matches, holding off fast-finishing opponents to secure victories. While the Titans have been much improved over the last month of football, this matchup shapes as their biggest test of their newfound resolve. The Knights have demonstrated considerable resilience, winning three consecutive matches since many pundits wrote them off following the loss of superstar Kalyn Ponga back in round seven.
Injury Woes for Titans
The Titans have been hit with a raft of injuries, with Phil Sami, Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson all set to miss some time after their hard-fought victory against the Cowboys. It’s all hands on deck for the home side with the makeshift halves pairing of Sam Verrills and Chris Randall which should see the Titans bring a very simple game plan into this one, playing very direct and through the middle. If the home side’s forwards can dominate the Knights, it might just be enough to secure victory.
Titans Line-up
Titans.
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Chris Randall 7. Sam Verrills 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Joe Stimson 18. Thomas Weaver 19. Tony Francis 20. Jacob Alick-wiencke 21. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 22. Jaylan De Groot
Titans’ Recent Form
It’s been a simple recipe of late for Adam O’Brien’s side, with high completion rates and a patient approach allowing the likes of Bradman Best and rookie fullback David Armstrong to impose themselves on contests against tiring defensive lines.
Knights’ Recent Form
The Titans experienced a similar scenario during the initial stages last Sunday, propelling them to a commanding 20-0 lead over the Cowboys. However, a slew of handling errors and other issues nearly jeopardized their pursuit of a second win of the season.
Knights’ Resilience Tested
The Knights face plenty of injury troubles of their own, losing Tyson Gamble to an ankle injury in a victory over the Tigers which brings premiership winner Jack Cogger into the starting side.
Key Matchup: Best vs. Titans’ Edge Defence
Rampaging centre Bradman Best was a man on a mission against the Tigers, running for 235 metres, busting 11 tackles, setting up a try and scoring one of his own. If the Titans edge defence isn’t on song, Best could once again wreak havoc and leave any number of Titans defenders in his wake.
Knights Line-up
Knights
1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Kai Pearce-Paul 16. Brodie Jones 17. Jack Hetherington 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jed Cartwright 20. Krystian Mapapalangi 21. Thomas Cant 22. Fletcher Sharpe
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Phil Henderson, Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Head-to-Head Records
The Titans have won four of their past six games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Knights have won three of their past four games against the Titans.
Titans second-rower David Fifita has scored seven tries in his past five games against the Knights.
Knights winger Enari Tuala will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction
The Titans showcased their ongoing improvement with a hard-fought victory over the Cowboys, while the Knights maintained their momentum with a win over the Tigers in Tamworth. This matchup is a difficult one to predict, as both teams are eager to keep climbing the ladder. However, I believe the Knights have been performing slightly better recently and should secure the two points.
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