Titans v Broncos: Fifita to debut; Brisbane Origin stars rested
The Broncos have all but assured themselves of a finals berth for the first time in three years and could even climb into the top four this weekend with a big win.
Kevin Walters' men took care of business against the Dragons without a host of big names including Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, emphasising yet again how far they have come in 2022.
The Titans, meanwhile, sit dangerously close to the bottom of the ladder, with a second wooden spoon in four years a real possibility unless they can arrest a six-game losing streak this weekend and find a few more victories in the run home.
Two of their three wins this season have come at Cbus Super Stadium so they'll be hoping for a some vocal home support to help them get back avenge a 35-24 loss to Brisbane in round 12.
Titans v Broncos: Round 18
The Rundown
Team news
Titans: Skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will come off the interchange three days after Origin while Phil Sami (knee) and Corey Thompson (knee) return to strengthen a backline which also includes teenager Sosefo Fifita on NRL debut the wing. Tanah Boyd is the new five-eighth and Paul Turner goes to the bench. Aaron Booth will start at hooker with Erin Clark at lock.
Jarrod Wallace is out and Jaimin Jolliffe joins the bench while Kevin Proctor (biceps) is listed among the reserves as he nears a return.
Gun fullback Jayden Campbell is still a couple of weeks away with a hamstring injury.
Broncos: Brisbane will be without Origin reps Corey Oates and Pat Carrigan, with both dropping out of the squad after initially being named in the reserves, while Kurt Capewell has also been rested. Cory Paix will miss the match after suffering a head knock against the Dragons and his place on the bench is taken by Jake Turpin. Thomas Flegler starts at prop, with Ryan James dropping back to the bench.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 18 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Titans is number 1 AJ BrimsonFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tesi Niu
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Winger for Titans is number 2 Jojo FifitaWinger for Broncos is number 2 Delouise Hoeter
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Centre for Titans is number 3 Phillip SamiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
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Centre for Titans is number 4 Patrick HerbertCentre for Broncos is number 4 Brenko Lee
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Winger for Titans is number 5 Corey ThompsonWinger for Broncos is number 5 Jordan Pereira
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Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Tanah BoydFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
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Halfback for Titans is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki FotuaikaProp for Broncos is number 8 Keenan Palasia
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Hooker for Titans is number 9 Aaron BoothHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
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Prop for Titans is number 10 Isaac LiuProp for Broncos is number 16 Thomas Flegler
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2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Zac Hosking
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2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
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Lock for Titans is number 14 Erin ClarkLock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiInterchange for Broncos is number 10 Ryan James
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Interchange for Titans is number 15 Jaimin JolliffeInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Jake Turpin
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Interchange for Titans is number 16 Herman Ese'eseInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys Kennedy
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Interchange for Titans is number 17 Paul TurnerInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Tyson Gamble
Reserves
-
Replacement for Titans is number 18 Sam McIntyreReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Deine Mariner
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Key match-up
Toby Sexton vs Adam Reynolds: The master and the apprentice square off in an intriguing playmaking showdown. With 12 try assists, six line break assists and seven forced dropouts to his name, Reynolds is enjoying a fine season at Red Hill, turning around the club's fortunes with his presence and poise. Sexton is just 20 games into his career but looks to have the makings of a very fine No.7, with a classy short kicking game and good vision. After winning three of his four games in 2021 he has won just three more this season, and that's a stat he'll be desperate to turn around as the Titans look to finish a tough year on a high.
Stat Attack
The Titans have scored 46 tries in 16 matches this season at a tick under three per game. Broncos strike weapons Corey Oates (14), Selwyn Cobbo (12) and Herbie Farnworth (9) have racked up 35 between them.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 18 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Broncos
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
