The Titans announced the retention of inspirational forwards Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita on long-term deals moments before kick-off against the Sharks last round, but the good news was not enough to lift the side to another win.
They face another tough ask this weekend when they host the top-of-the-table Panthers who are set to get some key players return to their line up and come into this Saturday's match following a win against Manly last round.
The Sea Eagles threw the ball around and chanced their arm against the Panthers in an attempt to disrupt the flow of the favourites to take out this year's minor premiership, but the defending premiers were able to counterattack their opposition and run out comfortable winners in the end.
Off the field this week, the Titans are hosting an American-themed game day experience, supported by the NFL and the LA Rams, with a hot dog eating contest and appearance from LA Rams mascot Rampage.
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Team News
Titans: Fullback AJ Brimson (ribs) has been passed fit and comes into the side an hour before kick-off as does Isaac Liu with Jaimin Jolliffe going to the bench. Jayden Campbell goes to five-eighth in place of Kieran Foran (sternum). Tom Weaver is set to make his NRL debut at halfback in place of Tanah Boyd, whose season is over due to a shoulder injury. Prop Moeaki Fotuaika's return from suspension sees Tino Fa'asuamaleaui shift to lock and Erin Clark (shoulder) drop out. Klese Haas has been promoted to start with Joe Stimson to the bench. Jacob Alick is the new face on the bench.
Panthers: Further changes an hour before kick-off with Jack Cogger starting the game at hooker in jersey No.18 and Mitch Kenny dropping out. Luke Garner has joined the bench and Jaeman Salmon goes back to 18th Man.
Big changes on Friday with Brian To'o out and Thomas Jenkins coming onto the wing. Zac Hosking is also starting in the second row in place of Scott Sorensen. On the bench, Matt Eisenhuth has been replaced by Spencer Leniu, who returns from a knee injury. Tyrone Peachey returns from suspension.
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Stat Attack
- The Titans have won only two from eight against current top-eight teams
- The Panthers have won eight of their past nine games against the Titans.
- The Titans have won only two of their past seven games at Cbus Super Stadium.
- The Panthers have not conceded a second-half point in their past three games.
- The Panthers complete their sets a higher percentage of any other team in the NRL (83 per cent). The Titans complete at 80 per cent.
- The Panthers lead the NRL for run metres (40,403) and post-contact metres (11,601) this season.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.