FRIDAY, AUGUST 9th, CBUS SUPER STADIUM, GOLD COAST
Titans Surge as Genuine Finals Contenders
The Titans have won five of their past six matches to emerge as genuine finals contenders on the back of some scintillating attacking football and a powerful pack led by David Fifita.
Titans Display Second-Half Brilliance Against Broncos
After trailing 18-10 at half-time against the Broncos on Saturday, the Titans produced seven second-half tries to serve notice that they can match it with anyone on their day.
Confidence High for Titans Ahead of Home Clash with Sharks
Having defeated the Sharks in Coffs Harbour just a month ago, Des Hasler’s men enter the match brimming with confidence as they perform in front of another huge home crowd on the Gold Coast.
Titans’ Key Players in Form: Khan-Pereira, Kini, and Foran Shine
With Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring tries for fun, Keano Kini dazzling at the back, and Kieran Foran turning back the clock, the Titans have averaged 30 points per game over the past six weeks. The Sharks need to be on high alert.
Sharks Maintain Strong Position Despite Injury Concerns
The Sharks are sitting in fourth place with a 12-7 record, following a solid 20-6 win over the Rabbitohs.
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita , 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall, 14. Isaac Liu 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Josiah Pahulu, 17. Keenan Palasia , 18. AJ Brimson 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Joe Stimson 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke , 22. Tony Francis
They will be sweating on the fitness of playmaker Braydon Trindall, who suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Souths, especially since Nicho Hynes is still a few weeks away from returning due to an ankle injury.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet , 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Blayke Brailey 8. Royce Hunt 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Oregon Kaufusi, 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jack Williams, 14. Jayden Berrell 15. Siosifa Talakai , 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Niwhai Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Billy Burns , 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Liam Ison
Referee. Adam Gee ,Touch Judges, Jarrod Cole, Dan Schwass , Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
Key Statistics and Milestones
The Titans have not defeated the Sharks at Cbus Super Stadium since 2017.
The Sharks have won nine of their past 10 games against the Titans.
The Titans have won four of their past five games at home.
Sharks fullback Will Kennedy will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored 10 tries in his past six games.
Prediction.
The Titans continued their resurgence with a dominant victory over the Broncos last week. The Sharks found some form against the Rabbitohs, but were still short of their best. The Titans are playing with plenty of confidence and will welcome the chance to take a further step towards an unlikely finals appearance by beating the Top 4 positioned Sharks.
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