VENUE & TIME: Suncorp Stadium, Friday August 22 - 19.35 AEST
COVERAGE: Channel nine
LAST TIME: Gold Coast Titans 26-24 Brisbane Broncos, at Skilled Park, round 6, 2008.
WALKING WOUNDED: All good news on the injury front for Wayne Bennett's men with Karmichael Hunt, Tonie Carroll and Greg Eastwood all back on deck, while Justin Hodges also returns from a two-match suspension. Star playmaker Scott Prince will continue his shock comeback from a broken arm suffered in Origin III after making a successful return well ahead of schedule against the Cowboys last Saturday. The Titans, however, will be without the services of bustling backrower Mark Minichiello (ankle) for the local derby.
FORM: The Broncos remain in fifth spot but head into the match searching for form following consecutive defeats to the Dragons and Warriors. Brisbane's inability to hold off the Dragons after grabbing an early 12-point lead is a concern and leaves them in a vulnerable position with no less than eight teams now within three competition points of the 2006 premiers. The Titans kept their slender finals hopes alive with a gritty six-point win over the Cowboys snapping their four-match-losing run in the process. While their attack is far more potent with Prince back in the side, defence is the key for the men from the Gold Coast who have conceded 30-points plus in four of their last five matches.
WHO'S HOT: The fact that Scott Prince's was considered little to no chance of playing again this season makes his scintillating display against the Cowboys all the more impressive. Despite a lack of match practice in recent weeks, Prince inspired his side to victory laying on three tries in what was a terrific all-around display.
WE THINK: While the Titans bought themselves a lifeline against the Cowboys their season will more than likely come crashing down around them at Suncorp on Saturday. With four key players returning, expect the Broncos to snap their two-match-losing streak and consolidate their own post-season prospects - Broncos by 16.
TEAMS:
Broncos: 1. Karmichael Hunt, 2. Darius Boyd, 3. Joel Moon, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Denan Kemp, 6. Darren Lockyer (c), 7. Peter Wallace, 8. Ben Hannant, 9. Michael Ennis, 10. Joel Clinton, 11. Corey Parker, 12. Sam Thaiday, 13. Tonie Carroll
Interchange: 14. Ashton Sims, 15. Greg Eastwood, 16. Nick Kenny, 17. David Stagg.
Titans: 1. Preston Campbell, 2. Jordan Atkins, 3. Josh Graham, 4. Brett Delaney, 5. Esikeli Tonga, 6. Mat Rogers, 7. Scott Prince, 8. Brad Meyers, 9. Nathan Friend, 10. Michael Hodgson, 11. Anthony Laffranchi, 12. Will Mathews, 13. Ashley Harrison
Interchange: 14. James Stosic, 15. Gavin Cooper, 16. Daniel Conn, 17. Luke O'Dwyer, 18. Michael Henderson, 20. Clint Amos.