The Bulldogs and Titans are both chasing their first win for the season as the two sides prepare to meet at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday.
Despite a 0-2 record to start their season, Cameron Ciraldo's side continues to show plenty of positive signs and an afternoon at Belmore, in front of their loyal fans, could be just what they need to get their first win since Round 22 last year.
Meanwhile, a week off couldn't have come at a better time for the Titans after they were pulled apart by the Dragons in Round 1.
Losing veteran playmaker Kieran Foran just before kick-off no doubt had a lot to do with their lack of composure and mismatched defence but coach Des Hasler won't want any excuses, despite who takes the field on Saturday night.
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It's proved a tough road trip for the Titans, having won just two of their past nine games played in Sydney but now is the time for the Gold Coast men to rue their away record if they hope to make tracks in 2024.
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Team News
Bulldogs: Just the one change from Round 2 for Cameron Ciraldo, with Liam Knight coming in at prop for Poasa Faamausili, who suffered a concussion against the Sharks. Josh Addo-Carr remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Playmaker Toby Sexton will serve as the replacement player.
Titans: The Gold Coast will take the field as named mid-week, with the old firm of Kieran Foran and Des Hasler reuniting after the veteran playmaker got through his final fitness test following a calf injury. Jaimin Jolliffe starts at lock with Isaac Liu shifting to the bench in the only other change to the side that went down to the Dragons in Round 1. Harley Smith-Shields is the 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 11 games at Belmore Sports Ground.
- The Titans hold a 12-11 advantage in head to head clashes with the Bulldogs since 2007, including a 34-30 victory at Cbus Super Stadium last year.
- Titans centre Phillip Sami has scored a try in all five games he has played against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs prop Max King will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.