MARCH 30th, 2024. CBUS SUPER STADIUM, GOLD COAST.
The Titans have had a disastrous beginning to the season as they gear up to welcome the Dolphins on Saturday night at Cbus Super Stadium.
Titans’ Struggles: Injury Woes and Offensive Drought
In their first two matches, Gold Coast managed just one try, suffering defeats to two of the competition’s weakest teams: a 28-4 loss to the Dragons in their opener followed by a shocking 32-0 defeat against the Bulldogs last week.
Des Hasler’s Challenge: Revitalizing the Titans Amidst Adversity
Des Hasler faces a daunting task in revitalizing this team, compounded by the setback of learning that skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Key Returns for Titans: Campbell and Fifita
In some good news for the Titans, Jayden Campbell is back at fullback, while David Fifita is probably still a week away, but could be a late inclusion.
Titans
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson 18. David Fifita 19. Jojo Fifita 20. Harley Smith-Shields 21. Thomas Weaver 22. Josiah Pahulu
Dolphins’ Resurgence: Dominating Performance Against Dragons
In contrast, the Dolphins bounced back impressively from their significant defeat to the Cowboys in the opening round, dominating the Dragons with a commanding 38-0 victory before enjoying a bye week last week.
Tabuai-Fidow’s Hat-Trick and Titans’ Vulnerable Defense
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a hat-trick in the victory against the Dragons, and he’ll be eager to face the Titans’ defense, which has conceded 60 points in their two games.
Titans vs. Dolphins: Past Encounters and Expectations
The Dolphins have fond memories of their encounters with the Titans last season, emerging victorious in both matches by a narrow two-point margin.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague
Key Statistics and Player Performances
Dolphins won both games vs Titans in 2023
Titans have lost nine of their last 10 night games at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans coming off 32-0 loss to the Bulldogs and have lost both games in 2024 by a combined 60-4 score
Dolphins coming off 38-0 win over Dragons
Titans have failed to score 20 points in their last seven defeats
Jamayne Isaako has scored a try in seven of his last eight games
Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored a try in his last three home games
Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in three of his last four games vs Titans
Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Side line Officials: Tyson Brough, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Todd Smith;
Prediction
To brighten the outlook, two crucial players are making their return this week: Jayden Campbell and David Fifita. Their presence should inject vitality into an offense that has failed to score in their last three halves of football and has managed only four points in two games. Although Fifita is currently listed as the 18th player, the Titans are in dire need of a boost, especially considering their meager tally of two line breaks for 2024. As a dynamic forward, Fifita ranked fifth last season for tackle breaks, highlighting his significance to the team’s performance.
Another team change for this weekend involves Keenan Palasia being elevated to the starting lineup, with Joe Stimson joining the bench.
For the Dolphins a match that saw them break the new club’s record for points scored and conceded. It remains uncertain whether the bye is well-timed or not. Interestingly, the two teams that had a bye in 2024 lost their first game following the rest period.
The additional week off has given Kodi Nikorima the opportunity to recuperate following a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in their previous match. However, with Sean O’Sullivan included in an extended bench and the unpredictable nature of master coach Wayne Bennett, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will start in the halves.
Making a comeback for the Easter Saturday showdown is the resilient and beloved Ray Stone, who finds himself named on the bench after relinquishing his starting position to Max Plath. Plath stepped in commendably for Stone in the second round. Unfortunately, Jarrod Wallace is the player omitted from the bench. Kenny Bromwich, who was dropped to 18th man on gameday for the Dragons win is again named in that role.
I am going with the Dolphins.
Comments