DIEHARD
Administrator
TITANS vs STORM
Round 24: TITANS vs STORM
- Thread starter DIEHARD
- Start date
lonegull
Moderator
Going to be an interesting storm team with their injuries
Re-engage19
Junior
Im guessing they will be missing 3 or 4, including Smith. Brennan needs to send them out for the first half like he sent them out for the second half against Manly.
Titanic
Immortal
Looking forward to getting to this game.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
)Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
Titans mail: Michael Gordon won’t be back so Alexander Brimson will remain at fullback.
Storm mail: Melbourne faces a hooker crisis with Cameron Smith racing the clock and his understudy Brandon Smith ruled out. Young guns Harry Grant and Billy Walters are also unavailable through injury. Kenny Bromwich is likely to be called upon to play at rake. Suliasi Vunivalu and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are also out injured and will need to be replaced on the wing and at prop respectively. Will Chambers is also suspended for three weeks. Tui Kamikamica is likely to come into the forward rotation. Jahrome Hughes will be injected and could play either in the backline or possibly even jump in at hooker.
Titans mail: Michael Gordon won’t be back so Alexander Brimson will remain at fullback.
Storm mail: Melbourne faces a hooker crisis with Cameron Smith racing the clock and his understudy Brandon Smith ruled out. Young guns Harry Grant and Billy Walters are also unavailable through injury. Kenny Bromwich is likely to be called upon to play at rake. Suliasi Vunivalu and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are also out injured and will need to be replaced on the wing and at prop respectively. Will Chambers is also suspended for three weeks. Tui Kamikamica is likely to come into the forward rotation. Jahrome Hughes will be injected and could play either in the backline or possibly even jump in at hooker.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
Titanic
Immortal
I would rather have Bryce Cartwright hobbled with his arms tied behind his back than Matthews.
ozynorts
Rep Player
So in his normal tackling position then?
Titanic
Immortal
Anything but that mistake-ridden, tackle-missing pipe-cleaner.
Bayside Titan
Coach
Storm still look like a great team. Tough one for us.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
Titans v Storm: Cam Smith set to play; Will Matthews returns
Author NRL.com Timestamp Tue 21 Aug 2018, 04:04 PM
Have to wonder if Cameron Smith's recent injuries has him thinking about retirement.
The great man is off contract at the end of the season and there was talk last month that he'll stick around not only next season but also in 2020.
But given the manner in which he unexpectedly pulled the pin on his Origin career a few months ago, Smith might have another big surprise up his sleeve.
He turned 35 in June and there are signs that he is finally feeling the pinch after remaining relatively injury-free throughout his storied career.
Smith isn't the only injury concern for coach Craig Bellamy heading into the penultimate round of the regular season.
The Titans have shown they can't be taken for granted despite being out of finals contention. And they aren't afraid to play from behind, as they did in big wins over Manly and the Warriors over the past month.
The Storm will be without a few key players and could be ripe for an upset.
Match: Titans vs Storm
ROUND 24 - SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST 5:30pm
Key match-up: It was in round one of the 2003 NRL season that 19-year-old former stablehand Billy Slater debuted with the Storm. More than 15 years later and Slater - retiring after this season - is facing a kid who is just starting his own journey to fame and fortune. Titans fullback AJ Brimson is still only 19 and one of the NRL's hottest young stars. He probably had posters of Slater on his bedroom wall just a few years ago. Brimson will be relishing his clash with the player widely regarded as the greatest fullback of all time.
For the Titans to win: This team has a frustrating habit of running hot and cold from the opening whistle to the full-time siren. Not unlike a few other teams this year, you're never sure what the Titans will dish up. It shouldn't take a half-time blast from the coach (as was the case last week) to play to your potential. The Titans owe it to Garth Brennan to deliver an honest 80-minute effort, with and without the ball. They also need Ash Taylor to be as inspired as he was against Manly.
For the Storm to win: They didn't run up a big score but there was something oh-so Storm-like about last week's near shut-out of Parramatta. Defence was obviously a major focus for the premiers after rare back-to-back losses and that shouldn't change on Saturday. With the finals only a couple of weeks away, Bellamy will be demanding a high intensity performance. If Smith is out his long-time teammate Slater will have to provide his own brand of leadership and direction.
Titans Stat Attack: Winger Anthony Don equalled the club's all-time try-scoring record when he crossed in the fourth minute of last week's big comeback win over Manly. Don has scored 67 tries in 107 games with the Titans, joining former winger David Mead, who finished with 67 tries in 147 games with the club.
Storm Stat Attack: A heavy casualty toll left Melbourne without a single player on the interchange bench for most of the second half last week . And even when they were reduced to 12 men with Cameron Munster's sin-binning, the Storm still didn't crack. They did end up conceding one try with three minutes remaining with 13 men on the field, although replays showed the decision to award it was questionable. We certainly would've heard more about it from Bellamy and the Storm if the game was a lot closer.
And another thing: The writing seems to be on the wall for Michael Gordon. The man teammates refer to as 'Flash' isn't expected to return from a wrist injury this season and might've struggled to regain his spot even if he was healthy, considering Brimson's form at fullback over the past two games. Turning 35 in October, Gordon has another year to run on his contract. But with Tyrone Peachey joining the Titans in 2019, Gordon could be hard-pressed to cement a regular spot in the backline.
Titans: Will Matthews replaces Bryce Cartwright on the bench in the only change.
Storm: Justin Olam replaces centre Will Chambers (suspension) and Cheyse Blair is in for winger Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring). Tui Kamikamica and Ryley Jacks replace Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle) and Brandon Smith (knee) on the bench. Tim Glasby and Christian Welch swap starting and bench roles. Cameron Smith has been named despite suffering back spasms last week.
Head-to-head: Played 18; Storm 12 wins, Titans 6 wins
Previous result: Storm won 28-14 in round 10
Points per game: Titans 19.9; Storm 23.2
Points conceded per game: Titans 24.6; Storm 15.1
Televised: Live on Fox League
Petero Civoniceva's prediction: Cam Smith has been named but it will be interesting to see whether Craig Bellamy would prefer to give him a week off to freshen up ahead of the finals. The absence of Will Chambers hurts the Storm and I think they are vulnerable this week. The Titans have plenty of points in them and if Taylor and Brimson fire they can spring an upset.
Tip: Titans by 4.
Author NRL.com Timestamp Tue 21 Aug 2018, 04:04 PM
Have to wonder if Cameron Smith's recent injuries has him thinking about retirement.
The great man is off contract at the end of the season and there was talk last month that he'll stick around not only next season but also in 2020.
But given the manner in which he unexpectedly pulled the pin on his Origin career a few months ago, Smith might have another big surprise up his sleeve.
He turned 35 in June and there are signs that he is finally feeling the pinch after remaining relatively injury-free throughout his storied career.
Smith isn't the only injury concern for coach Craig Bellamy heading into the penultimate round of the regular season.
The Titans have shown they can't be taken for granted despite being out of finals contention. And they aren't afraid to play from behind, as they did in big wins over Manly and the Warriors over the past month.
The Storm will be without a few key players and could be ripe for an upset.
Match: Titans vs Storm
ROUND 24 - SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST 5:30pm
Key match-up: It was in round one of the 2003 NRL season that 19-year-old former stablehand Billy Slater debuted with the Storm. More than 15 years later and Slater - retiring after this season - is facing a kid who is just starting his own journey to fame and fortune. Titans fullback AJ Brimson is still only 19 and one of the NRL's hottest young stars. He probably had posters of Slater on his bedroom wall just a few years ago. Brimson will be relishing his clash with the player widely regarded as the greatest fullback of all time.
For the Titans to win: This team has a frustrating habit of running hot and cold from the opening whistle to the full-time siren. Not unlike a few other teams this year, you're never sure what the Titans will dish up. It shouldn't take a half-time blast from the coach (as was the case last week) to play to your potential. The Titans owe it to Garth Brennan to deliver an honest 80-minute effort, with and without the ball. They also need Ash Taylor to be as inspired as he was against Manly.
For the Storm to win: They didn't run up a big score but there was something oh-so Storm-like about last week's near shut-out of Parramatta. Defence was obviously a major focus for the premiers after rare back-to-back losses and that shouldn't change on Saturday. With the finals only a couple of weeks away, Bellamy will be demanding a high intensity performance. If Smith is out his long-time teammate Slater will have to provide his own brand of leadership and direction.
Titans Stat Attack: Winger Anthony Don equalled the club's all-time try-scoring record when he crossed in the fourth minute of last week's big comeback win over Manly. Don has scored 67 tries in 107 games with the Titans, joining former winger David Mead, who finished with 67 tries in 147 games with the club.
Storm Stat Attack: A heavy casualty toll left Melbourne without a single player on the interchange bench for most of the second half last week . And even when they were reduced to 12 men with Cameron Munster's sin-binning, the Storm still didn't crack. They did end up conceding one try with three minutes remaining with 13 men on the field, although replays showed the decision to award it was questionable. We certainly would've heard more about it from Bellamy and the Storm if the game was a lot closer.
And another thing: The writing seems to be on the wall for Michael Gordon. The man teammates refer to as 'Flash' isn't expected to return from a wrist injury this season and might've struggled to regain his spot even if he was healthy, considering Brimson's form at fullback over the past two games. Turning 35 in October, Gordon has another year to run on his contract. But with Tyrone Peachey joining the Titans in 2019, Gordon could be hard-pressed to cement a regular spot in the backline.
Titans: Will Matthews replaces Bryce Cartwright on the bench in the only change.
Storm: Justin Olam replaces centre Will Chambers (suspension) and Cheyse Blair is in for winger Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring). Tui Kamikamica and Ryley Jacks replace Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle) and Brandon Smith (knee) on the bench. Tim Glasby and Christian Welch swap starting and bench roles. Cameron Smith has been named despite suffering back spasms last week.
Head-to-head: Played 18; Storm 12 wins, Titans 6 wins
Previous result: Storm won 28-14 in round 10
Points per game: Titans 19.9; Storm 23.2
Points conceded per game: Titans 24.6; Storm 15.1
Televised: Live on Fox League
Petero Civoniceva's prediction: Cam Smith has been named but it will be interesting to see whether Craig Bellamy would prefer to give him a week off to freshen up ahead of the finals. The absence of Will Chambers hurts the Storm and I think they are vulnerable this week. The Titans have plenty of points in them and if Taylor and Brimson fire they can spring an upset.
Tip: Titans by 4.
Titanic
Immortal
Big rain predicted for the weekend ... I suppose that means clear skies and a fast track 
JunctionBlock
Moderator
Big rain predicted for the weekend ... I suppose that means clear skies and a fast track
And in typical Gold Coast style it's due late in the arvo.
DIEHARD
Administrator
LATE MAIL: Titans v Storm
http://www.titans.com.au
Coach Garth Brennan has confirmed his side for the match against the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium.
The side is as follows:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Anthony Don
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Brenko Lee
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kane Elgey
7. Ash Taylor
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Nathan Peats
10. Ryan James ©
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Keegan Hipgrave
13. Jai Arrow
14. Mitch Rein
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Jack Stockwell
17. Will Matthews
http://www.titans.com.au
Coach Garth Brennan has confirmed his side for the match against the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium.
The side is as follows:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Anthony Don
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Brenko Lee
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kane Elgey
7. Ash Taylor
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Nathan Peats
10. Ryan James ©
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Keegan Hipgrave
13. Jai Arrow
14. Mitch Rein
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Jack Stockwell
17. Will Matthews
DIEHARD
Administrator
Late Mail - Round 24
https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/
Storm have confirmed their 17 for Saturday's clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast.
Cheyse Blair and Justin Olam will make up the Storm left edge while Sam Kasiano and Tui Kamikamica make their return to NRL level.
The purple army can watch the game LIVE on Fox Sports from 5.30pm.
Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 25 August, 5.30pm
Cbus Super Stadium
1. Billy Slater
2. Cheyse Blair
3. Justin Olam
4. Curtis Scott
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Brodie Croft
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith ©
15. Christian Welch
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Joe Stimson
13. Dale Finucane
10. Tim Glasby
14. Tui Kamikamica
16. Kenny Bromwich
19. Sam Kasiano
https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/
Storm have confirmed their 17 for Saturday's clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast.
Cheyse Blair and Justin Olam will make up the Storm left edge while Sam Kasiano and Tui Kamikamica make their return to NRL level.
The purple army can watch the game LIVE on Fox Sports from 5.30pm.
Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 25 August, 5.30pm
Cbus Super Stadium
1. Billy Slater
2. Cheyse Blair
3. Justin Olam
4. Curtis Scott
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Brodie Croft
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith ©
15. Christian Welch
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Joe Stimson
13. Dale Finucane
10. Tim Glasby
14. Tui Kamikamica
16. Kenny Bromwich
19. Sam Kasiano
DIEHARD
Administrator
Just time to enjoy a new TV with a Titans game which I carried by hand through the busy streets of Hong Kong. Been extremely busy starting at a new job.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Nice try by Brimson off Elgey. Should settle us down after a bit of a rubbish start.