The Titans kept themselves in the finals hunt with an upset win over the Cowboys and will need to be every bit as committed in defence again on Friday night if they're to keep the Warriors in check.
The 22-13 victory in front of their home fans ended a four-game losing streak and breathed new life into a season that was threatening to slip away from the men from the glitter strip.
With games against the Warriors, Sharks, Panthers, Storm and Bulldogs to come, sneaking into the finals will be no easy task, but the Titans know they have the firepower to score points provided they can keep their defence in order.
The Warriors are finals-bound and looking every bit a genuine contender with Shaun Johnson in sublime form in the No.7 and a posse of tryscoring threats capable of breaking down even the best defensive units.
A top-four finish and a double chance beckon for Andrew Webster's men as they look to put the icing on a superb season and take momentum into September with five very winnable games to come.
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Team news
Titans: Several late changes for the home side with Jayden Campbell named to start at centre and Aaron Schoupp moving to the bench. Meanwhile a switch at hooker sees Chris Randall starting and Sam Verrills shifting to the interchange. Fullback AJ Brimson (ribs) is good to go after scans cleared him of serious injury but centre Jojo Fifita will miss the game with an ankle injury. Skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has one more match to serve on his suspension.
Warriors: A late change on game day sees Jazz Tevaga join the side, replacing Bunty Afoa on the bench. Tevaga was named on the reserves before being included in the side an hour prior to kick off to play his first game since injuring his calf in Round 8. Marata Niukore is good to go after suffering a head knock in Round 21.
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Stat attack
- The Warriors have a win and a loss coming off the bye in 2023 - losing to the Broncos 26-22 in Round 13 after their first bye and belting the Dragons 48-18 in Round 17 after the second bye.
- Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake leads the NRL for post-contact metres with 1208 at an average of 63.5 per game.
- Titans winger Phil Sami is third iin the NRL for tackle breaks with 100 from his 18 games.
- The Titans have won four of their past five games against the Warriors.
- Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 14 tries in his past nine games.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored five tries in his past six games.
- The Warriors have scored 154 points in their past four away games.
- Titans utility Jayden Campbell has scored three tries in three games against the Warriors
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.