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Humbled at home last week against the Dolphins, the Titans forwards have vowed to step up in the absence of captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in their bid to take down the Dragons in Wollongong.
Sin binned in the opening minutes of last week's 36-10 loss for a high tackle on opposing captain Felise Kaufusi, the representative star pleaded guilty to a Grade 2 offence and will miss the Round 6 clash.
“Losing Tino, he's one of, if not the best prop, in the NRL or he's up there, so you lose a player like him, it does affect you, he plays a big part in the confidence of the team, he's such an imposing player,” said fellow forward Jaimin Jolliffe.
“Obviously on the weekend, the sheer amount of work he can get through and how effective he is, is massive for the team, but we've got plenty of capable players that can step in and are going to have to.
“I mean we've got Moey [Fotuaika] there and we've got Reg [Reagan Campbell-Gillard], we've got Chris Randall, we've got Vez [Sam Verrills] back this week, so I believe if we all pick up that work rate, we can sort of cover for that loss.
“I do believe that we have the team there… to be able to get out there, work hard and get a win.
“As a player, it's hard to replicate a player like Tino, not just physically, the way he attacks the games and even little things like his second phase and what he can do, the momentum he brings to the team.
“(But) like I said, we've got some terrific footballers there and we're all going to have to step up and work hard and try and fill that gap.”
Fa’asuamaleaui’s ban comes on top of long-term injuries to livewire fullback Keano Kini, winger Alofiana Khan Pereira and veteran Kieran Foran, with coach Des Hasler forced to name a vastly inexperienced bench last week.
Sean Mullany made his NRL debut, Arama Hau was playing his second game and Brock Gray his fourth, with 86-gamer Jolliffe alongside them on the pine.
Speaking after last week’s loss, Fa’asuamaleaui said there was no doubt the side’s depth was being tested in the opening rounds, but he hoped the experience being gained by fresh players stepping up into first grade would help set them up for future success.
“It is a tough game, but it is good that we're blooding those boys now that have earned it,” Fa’asuamaleaui told NRL.com.
“Adsy [Hau] has been waiting for a while now and he's stepped up, disappointed we didn't get to win and he probably wasn't happy the way we played, but I thought his intent when he came on was good.
“Sean Mullany, to be on a train-and-trial and all the years of just persisting and staying with it, he got a reward tonight.
“It would have been good to get the win for them, but definitely, they will still be needed for the rest of the year.
“It is a tough one, but we'll get the joy from it as the boys get more experienced and they understand the game a bit better."
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 6 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Titans
11th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
