FRIDAY ,JUNE 13TH, 2025 CBUS SUPER STADIUM, Gold Coast, 8pm
The Sea Eagles head to the Glitter Strip with a point to prove.
Still stinging from a golden point heartbreaker against the Knights — a match they led 16-0 at halftime before crumbling 26-22 — Manly now fly north to face a Titans outfit desperate to stop the bleeding of their own.
The Gold Coast were never in the fight against the Broncos last round, suffering a bruising 44-14 defeat that left their home fans with little to cheer. And things don’t get any easier this week, with Queensland Origin stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika both unavailable, leaving a gaping hole in the Titans’ engine room.
In their absence, Klese Haas steps into the No.13 jersey, while younger brother Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui earns a spot on the bench. Making his long-awaited NRL debut is 26-year-old back-rower Josh Patston — a name few outside the Titans’ inner sanctum would have known just a week ago. Also recalled is Tuki Simpkins, last seen in top-grade footy with the Wests Tigers back in 2021.
There is a glimmer of hope for the Titans faithful, though: hooker Sam Verrills has been named among the reserves as he eyes a return from a hand injury.
Both clubs have had their seasons derailed by injuries and inconsistency, and with the halfway point of the season now behind them, time is running out to course-correct. For Manly, it’s about proving last week’s collapse was a one-off. For the Titans, it’s about showing fight — even without their biggest names.
This might not be the most glamorous matchup on paper, but expect fireworks as two wounded teams come out swinging on the Gold Coast.
Titans,
A J.Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami. 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Jaimin Jolliffe . 9. Sean Mullany 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor . 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Josh Patston. 17. Tukimihia Simpkins 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Sam Verrills 21. Ben Liyou 22. Ryan Foran
Out: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (lock), Moeaki Fotuaika (bench), Arama Hau (bench to reserve)
In: Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (bench), Joshua Patston (bench), Tukimihia Simpkins (bench)
Changes: Klese Haas (bench to lock)
The Sea Eagles head into Saturday’s clash with a full deck — but with a fire burning beneath the surface.
In a shock decision that rocked the rugby league world, veteran halfback and club captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been overlooked for Queensland Origin selection. For a proud competitor who’s worn the Maroons jersey with distinction for over a decade, it’s a bitter pill — but also potent fuel. Don’t be surprised if he takes it out on the Titans.
Manly may have slipped up against Newcastle in heartbreaking fashion last week, but their record against Queensland opposition in 2025 remains spotless. They’ve already toppled the Cowboys twice and outgunned the Broncos — and they’ll be determined to keep that streak alive on the Gold Coast.
The return of superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic from a thigh injury gives the Sea Eagles a timely lift, while winger Jason Saab is also set to make his comeback after battling illness. In the forwards, Siosiua Taukeiaho slots back into the starting side following a calf issue, pushing the tireless Jazz Tevaga to the bench and Toafofoa Sipley to 18th man duties.
There is, however, concern for young gun Lehi Hopoate, who’s been ruled out after entering concussion protocols following a heavy knock against the Knights — a Category 1 that means he won’t feature this week.
With Origin omissions, injury returns, and a Queensland scalp on the line, Manly arrive on the Glitter Strip with plenty to prove — and plenty of firepower to do it.
Manly,
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick. 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor. 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic. 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Corey Waddell . 17. Nathan Brown 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur. 21. Michael Chee Kam 22. Matthew Lodge
Out: Lehi Hopoate (fullback), Clayton Faulalo (wing to reserve), Toafofoa Sipley (bench to reserve)
In: Tom Trbojevic (fullback), Jason Saab (wing), Siosiua Taukeiaho (front row)
Changes: Jazz Tevaga (front row to bench)
Key Stats
The Titans have conceded 36 points per game since Round 5.
The Sea Eagles have won five of their last seven games against the Titans.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored 49 tries in 51 NRL games.
Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick will make his 150th NRL appearance.
The Titans will play their 200th game at Cbus Super Stadium.
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, David Munro, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Tip
Last week’s southern Queensland clash was nothing short of a nightmare for the Titans, who were steamrolled by the Broncos in a 44-14 demolition that exposed their defensive frailties from the opening whistle. The Gold Coast faithful were left shellshocked — and things don’t get much easier from here.
Manly, meanwhile, were the authors of their own heartbreak. After soaring to a commanding 16-0 halftime lead over Newcastle, the Sea Eagles lost their grip, unraveling in a second-half collapse that ended in golden point agony. It was a brutal lesson in composure and control — one they’ll be desperate to correct.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the presence of Des Hasler in the Titans’ coaches box. The former Sea Eagles mastermind is under mounting pressure, with results not falling his way and his side languishing near the foot of the ladder. This matchup against his old club carries a tinge of theatre — but unless the Titans produce something special, the script may again end in disappointment.
With Tom Trbojevic back at fullback and Daly Cherry-Evans overlooked for Origin but raring to respond, Manly simply have too much class. The Titans might stick with them early, but expect the Sea Eagles to pull away and finish the job late.
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