The Titans are back at home this week and will be looking to put another second-half fadeout behind them when they host a Tigers outfit who will no doubt be smarting from their late loss last week.
A Luke Brooks field goal with five minutes to play had the Tigers on track for an upset win over Canberra at Campbelltown, but they gave away a late penalty and the subsequent goal from Jamal Fogarty saw them go down in a nail-biter.
For the Titans, their woes with their second halves continued in their loss against the Bunnies. After putting in a strong opening half to go to the break with a 22-16 lead, they were unable to keep up their intensity, letting in five tries to go down 46-28.
On the back of three straight losses the Titans need to hit their straps against an opponent they have already beaten once this year, at Leichhardt Oval in the opening round.
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Team News
Titans: With the experienced Kieran Foran (toe) still a few weeks off returning, young gun Keano Kini is set to retain his place in the 17. Last week, he played fullback, pushing Jayden Campbell into the halves alongside Tanah Boyd. However, AJ Brimson (hamstring) could be an outside chance of returning, alongside forward Jaimin Joliffe. With hooker Chris Randall banned for one week for Dangerous Contact the Titans have a few dummy half options up their sleeve including starting Sam Verrills and bringing in Super League recruit Kruise Leeming.
Tigers: Coach Tim Sheens is expected to stick solid with the squad that pushed Canberra all the way on Friday night. Captain Apisai Koroisau backed up from Origin last week, playing 58 minutes off the bench, but will start this week. Outside back Brent Naden is also available for inclusion and was a reserve in last week’s squad.
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Stat Attack
- Gold Coast winger Phil Sami is expected to play his 100th NRL game when the Titans meet Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium.
- Titans sharpshooter Tanah Boyd has landed 45 goals in 12 appearances this season, the equal most successful shots with Mitch Moses and Jamayne Isaako.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.