Titans v Broncos: Coates, Asiata cleared; Kelly to miss derby
It's fair to say the Broncos exceeded expectations in their first game under Kevin Walters while the Titans failed to live up to the hype they carried into round one.
Brisbane burst out of the blocks to lead Parramatta 16-0 at half-time but were run down late as injuries and fatigue took their toll.
The form of Anthony Milford at five-eighth was a huge bonus for Walters while Patrick Carrigan and Thomas Flegler were also strong.
In contrast, the Titans were held to just one try in a 19-6 loss to the Warriors and will need to find some cohesion quickly if they want to avoid a repeat of last year's 0-2 start to the season.
Titans v Broncos
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
10th Position
away Team
Broncos
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The rundown
Team news
Titans: The Titans are 1-17 as named. Phillip Sami has got a reprieve after being left out of the side last week, called up to replace centre Brian Kelly (fractured hand).
Star second-rower David Fifita overcame an ankle infection and two days in hospital to play 71 minutes in round one and still make 13 runs so he'll be more dangerous this week with an uninterrupted preparation. The Titans have won four of their past six games against the Broncos.
Herman Ese'ese and Sam McIntyre were omitted 24 hours before the match. Beau Fermor and Tanah Boyd were cut an hour before game time.
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with Tom Dearden and Richard Kennar cut an hour before kick-off.
Tests cleared Xavier Coates (neck) and John Asiata (neck/shoulder) of any serious damage and both will play. Coach Kevin Walters said on Thursday they had been cleared and would take their place in the line-up.
Prop Matt Lodge is expected to miss 2-3 weeks after scans confirmed a low-grade hamstring injury. His starting place is taken by Thomas Flegler. The new man on the bench is Rhys Kennedy.
The Broncos have won five of their past six games at Cbus Super Stadium.
Cory Paix and Corey Oates were left out on the eve of the match.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 1 AJ BrimsonFullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne Isaako
-
Winger for Titans is number 2 Anthony DonWinger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier Coates
-
Centre for Titans is number 3 Phillip SamiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie Farnworth
-
Centre for Titans is number 4 Patrick HerbertCentre for Broncos is number 4 Tesi Niu
-
Winger for Titans is number 5 Corey ThompsonWinger for Broncos is number 5 David Mead
-
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Ashley TaylorFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony Milford
-
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Jamal FogartyHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Brodie Croft
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Jarrod WallaceProp for Broncos is number 8 Tevita Pangai Junior
-
Hooker for Titans is number 9 Mitch ReinHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake Turpin
-
Prop for Titans is number 10 Moeaki FotuaikaProp for Broncos is number 10 Thomas Flegler
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Alex Glenn
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 12 David Fifita2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 14 Tyrone PeacheyInterchange for Broncos is number 14 John Asiata
-
Interchange for Titans is number 15 Sam LisoneInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys Kennedy
-
Interchange for Titans is number 16 Jaimin JolliffeInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
-
Interchange for Titans is number 17 Erin ClarkInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Ben Te'o
Match Officials
- Referee: Matt Cecchin
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Anthony Milford v Ash Taylor: Both men have copped plenty of criticism over the years for failing to steer their teams around the paddock and lacking consistency but on their day they can be electrifying.
If the Titans are to challenge the big guns in 2021 then this is the sort of game they should be winning and Taylor needs to take control. Milford launched his season with some great touches against Parramatta and he's a dangerous oppponent when he's on song.
Stat attack
In his first game in the NRL since 2017, David Mead ran for a team high 191 metres against the Eels and had two line breaks and three tackle breaks. Mead's ,metre-eating efforts outstripped powerhouse Parra duo Maika Sivo (130 metres) and Blake Ferguson (181 metres).
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