SATURDAY,APRIL 20th,2024 CBUS SUPER STADIUM,GOLD COAST,QLD
Des Hasler’s Redemption Quest: Sea Eagles vs. Titans
Des Hasler, despite a rocky beginning on the Glitter Strip, aims to outdo his former team as the Sea Eagles journey to the Gold Coast to face the Titans.
Titans Eye Maiden Victory at Home
The Titans, still in pursuit of their maiden victory this season, return to the Gold Coast following a heart-wrenching golden point loss to the Raiders. Frustration lingers as they believe victory slipped away due to officiating errors. However, their defensive performance showed marked improvement, providing hope as they seek to secure a win in front of their home fans. AJ Brimson’s comeback to the spine injected vigor into the team’s offense, as evidenced by his impressive stats: 163 meters gained, one line-break, and five tackle busts.
Line-up Adjustments for Titans and Sea Eagles
The Titans have undergone some lineup adjustments, with Phillip Sami stepping into the one jersey due to Jayden Campbell’s injury. Meanwhile, David Fifita is set to start after his bench appearance in Canberra. On the other side, the Sea Eagles welcome back Reuben Garrick, Jason Saab, and Matthew Lodge, all named in the starting lineup for this encounter.
The Sea Eagles will be stinging from their draw in a game they will feel they should have won, having led 22-10 early in the second half and will not want to be ambushed by a Titans side much lower down the ladder. The return of their strike weapons on the edges should see them cause plenty of trouble for the Titans if their sliding defence isn’t up to scratch.
Historical Record: Titans vs. Sea Eagles
In their last ten encounters, both teams boast an equal record, each securing victory in five matches. However, the Sea Eagles hold a slight historical advantage in this rivalry, having emerged victorious in 14 out of their 26 overall meetings.
Titans’ Desperation for Victory
The Gold Coast Titans are gearing up to secure their inaugural win of the season as they prepare to host the Manly Sea Eagles at CBUS Super Stadium on Saturday evening.
Minimal Changes for Titans Despite Recent Setback
Facing their worst start to a season with five consecutive losses, placing them at the bottom of the ladder in 16th position, the Titans are eager to break this streak and avoid being the last team to clinch a victory in 2024.
Coach Des Hasler, confronting the Sea Eagles for the first time since his dismissal following the Everyone in League jersey debacle, has opted for minimal changes from the squad that suffered a narrow 21-20 defeat in golden point against the Raiders on Sunday night.
Brimson’s Influence and Contract Status
Phillip Sami will start at fullback for the first time in four years with Jayden Campbell side lined with a knee injury; David Fifita has been named to start after coming off the bench last week.
Returning to the halves last week after an ill-conceived shift to the centres to begin the year, the Titans will be looking for AJ Brimson to stand tall and deliver the side’s first win. The 25-year-old, esteemed as one of the premier attacking talents in the league, has showcased his prowess against Manly, tallying six tries in eight matches against them.
With a contract tying him to the Gold Coast until the culmination of 2026, expect Brimson to play a pivotal role if the Titans are to secure a much-needed triumph.
Manly’s Determination to Maintain Dominance
Experiencing a vastly improved start to the 2024 season with multiple victories placing them comfortably inside the top eight, the Manly Sea Eagles are determined to uphold their dominant record on the Gold Coast.
Despite squandering a lead that could have secured a victory, resulting in a 22-all draw with the Warriors in golden point last Saturday, coach Anthony Seibold will see the return of Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick in the backline, alongside the inclusion of Matthew Lodge and Nathan Brown in a revamped forward pack.
Not burdened with the responsibility of directing play from the first receiver position, Luke Brooks has chosen to take on a supportive role rather than asserting himself at Manly.
Brooks’ Chance for Redemption
After contributing a try, three assists, and showcasing solid defensive skills in the opening six rounds, the 29-year-old playmaker faced criticism for a costly intercept and a perceived lack of assertiveness when the game was on the line in last week’s draw in Auckland.
Brooks now has a chance to redeem himself against a struggling opponent on Saturday evening.
Titans and Sea Eagles Lineups
Manly.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Aaron Woods 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Dean Matterson 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Aitasi James
Titans.
1. Phillip Sami 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Isaac Liu 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Joe Stimson 19. Keano Kini 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Tony Francis 22. Jacob Alick-wiencke
Referees: Liam Kennedy; Side line Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Gerard Sutton;
PREDICTION.
Has to be Manly for me. Back Tommy T to score anytime try as well.
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