An all-Queensland derby for the first time in NRLW history kicks off round four on Saturday with the Titans hosting three-time defending champions Brisbane at Cbus Super Stadium.
Pride and passion go on the line with plenty of players in each team born and raised on the Gold Coast and surrounding regions despite just three lured from the Broncos to the Titans this season.
In an historic occasion for both clubs, the Titans will be looking to stay within reach of the finals while Brisbane can inch closer to the minor premiership while also booking their place in the finals with a round to go.
The Titans were their own worst enemy last start with a 58 per cent completion rate killing off any chance they had of a win against the Eels.
The Broncos showed their class late against St George Illawarra to remain undefeated.
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The Rundown
Team news
Titans: Changes on game day with Jetaya Faifua coming into the starting side at fullback, Evania Pelite shifting to the centres, Tiana Raftsrand-Smith moving to the second row and Zara Canfield to 18th player. Cobie-Jane Morgan will play five-eighth in No.18 and Grace Griffin is out.
Tazmin Gray has been left out of the squad following her suspension with Shaniah Power to start in jersey No.17. Brianna Clark has been named to return at prop with April Ngatupuna shifting to the bench.
Broncos: Another blow for the Broncos on Friday with Millie Boyle ruled out due to COVID and her place in the front row taken by Roxette Murdoch.
Amber Hall has moved to prop, Kaitlyn Phillips comes into the starting side in the second row and Chelsea Lenarduzzi drops back to the bench.
Winger Emily Bass has dropped out injured and China Polata comes in for her debut. Lesa Kaleti Mata'afa joins the bench.
The defending champions were already without Tamika Upton (head knock), replaced by Hayley Maddick at fullback. Jada Ferguson takes Maddick's utility spot on the bench.
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Key match-up
Chelsea Lenarduzzi v Steph Hancock: Former Broncos and Maroons teammates go head-to-head in a battle up front that will help dictate victory. Hancock stood tall in defeat last week but will need help around her to combat the Broncos while Lenarduzzi will be up for this one after being well-contained against the Dragons. With no love lost between both clubs, look for the engine room to trade plenty of big carries and hits.
Stat attack
On paper it appears a one-sided contest with key statistical areas favouring the visitors. Brisbane are motoring along to lead in several areas while the Titans' inconsistency have them floating in and out of games. Offloads that create second phase are among the leading advantages for Brisbane with 29 compared to the Titans' 15 a big point of difference for the home side to control.
And another thing
Broncos hooker Lauren Brown produced the fastest pass in her side's big win over the Dragons last week with a 9.3 metre pass going at 44.8 kilometres per hour.