Under-sized Titans to chance their arm against big brother Broncos: Lisone

Sam Lisone says it is time for the Titans to chance their arm and play enterprising football against Brisbane in the south-east Queensland derby.  

After consecutive losses to the Dragons and Rabbitohs the former Warriors front-rower insists now is not the time for the Titans to be going into their shell against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Last year in the corresponding clash the Titans upset the Broncos in a 26-18 win on the back of a stunning attacking display from Tyrone Roberts.

Lisone, who recently signed an extension until the end of 2022, said the last-placed Titans would aim to take on the more-fancied Broncos pack with skill and desire.

"Both teams are struggling so it is going to be good to get out there and have a crack against them," Lisone said.

"[Justin Holbrook’s message] is to play some footy and move the ball around. We have got a smaller pack compared to other teams so it’s just about letting the ball do the work … chance our arm, play some footy and enjoy it.

"When you lose a couple of games you start going into your shell so it is about taking that away, moving the ball around and backing each other up whether it is a good play or a bad play."

The Titans trailed 14-2 last week before losing 20-8 to the Dragons. The week before against the Rabbitohs they were down 26-6 at half-time before drawing the second half to lose 32-12.

In their only win of the season, a 28-23 triumph over the Wests Tigers, the Titans trailed by 10 points in both halves before a last-gasp try to Phillip Sami got them home.

They came out all guns blazing in last year’s win over Brisbane and bench utility Tanah Boyd, a former Bronco, said the focus was going to be "raring to go from the get-go".

"We want to start well and be excited to play," Boyd said.

"In the last couple of games we seem to start slow and then try and hold ourselves in the second half. If we start well, and then hold, we will come up with a win. That is going to be the focus."

Titans coach Justin Holbrook has brought former Broncos forward Jarrod Wallace back into the 17 to take on his former club and has named new signing Corey Thompson at fullback hoping he recovers from a concussion suffered against the Dragons from a high shot by Jordan Pereira.

"That was a big blow early for Thommo so hopefully we can get a full game from him," Boyd said.