DIEHARD
Administrator
TITANS vs COWBOYS
Round 3: TITANS vs COWBOYS (2020)
- Thread starter DIEHARD
- Start date
DIEHARD
Administrator
We are nearly back in business.
6pm, Friday 29 May 2020.
6pm, Friday 29 May 2020.
Mr Bods
Inactive User
Right I only got to say this once last year.
I hope it’s not repeated this year.
At 0W and 2L this match is a must win to be a top 8 contender
MINI GF
I hope it’s not repeated this year.
At 0W and 2L this match is a must win to be a top 8 contender
MINI GF
Toads
Captain
Might be in with a shot here with Morgan out. Though I'd imagine the Cowboys will want to step it up after the Donkey's ruined their chance of a win at the inaugural game at their new stadium.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
I’m working nights now with the split shifts to allow for business continuity and distancing so I hope the company is fully aware that I’ll be streaming this on Kayo and Friday will be a write off as far as productivity goes.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
halfback Ash Taylor at five-eighth
Travis Meyn, The Courier-Mail
May 20, 2020 4:05pm
Subscriber only
Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor is set for a shock move to five-eighth as Titans coach Justin Holbrook searches for a way to ignite the club’s million-dollar man.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Holbrook is weighing up moving Taylor into the Gold Coast’s No.6 jersey after elevating Intrust Super Cup gun Jamal Fogarty to the NRL.
Fogarty will partner Taylor in the halves when the Titans resume their 2020 campaign against North Queensland in Townsville next Friday night, with regular five-eighth Tyrone Roberts shifting to fullback.
Taylor, 25, has made all 82 of his NRL appearances at halfback and was a gun No.7 as a junior, even making his debut for the Broncos in the key position in 2015.
But he has struggled over the past few seasons under the pressure of being halfback and the Titans’ highest paid player, prompting Holbrook to contemplate making what could be a career-defining move for Taylor.
Holbrook confirmed Taylor could be wearing the No.6 against the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday week.
“Yeah, definitely, that could free him up,” Holbrook said. “The No.6s tend to touch the ball once or twice in a set of six.
“We all know how skilful a player Ash is. If we can get him in that type of role without having to run the team as well, he can just worry about playing. It might make his job a bit easier.
“Whether Ash is seven or six, we’ll get him to play the same way. In terms of how we’re going to play, I don’t think it matters. I haven’t really locked that in. We’ve just been training.”
The eight-week shutdown for the COVID-19 season suspension and confirmation gun fullback AJ Brimson (fractured back) will miss at least another two months has given Holbrook an opportunity to prepare with a new-look team.
Tyrone Peachey and Dale Copley will be the Titans’ new centre pairing in place of Kallum Watkins and Brian Kelly, while Keegan Hipgrave will replace Bryce Cartwright in the back row.
The elevation of Fogarty, who made two NRL appearances for the Titans in 2017, will see Roberts replace Phillip Sami at fullback.
Fogarty, 26, has starred in the Intrust Super Cup for Burleigh over the past few years and Holbrook said he had been impressed by the tenacious playmaker.
“He is a good organising halfback with plenty of experience,” he said. “I wanted to slot him in and see how he goes.
“We’ve got a few options there and he’s one of them. He is a good player.
“Tyrone’s an extra half that has played fullback before. He understands the game really well.
“Without AJ, we’ve upskilled Phil Sami, who’s done a good job but it’s not completely natural to him.
“With Tyrone as an option there, he understands the game, defensive numbers and has the skilful attack of a half with his passing game. There are a lot of strong points for Tyrone there.”
The Titans have gone from originally having a horror draw to start the season to now facing the Cowboys and Wests Tigers (at Suncorp Stadium) over the next fortnight as they search for their first win of the year.
Travis Meyn, The Courier-Mail
May 20, 2020 4:05pm
Subscriber only
Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor is set for a shock move to five-eighth as Titans coach Justin Holbrook searches for a way to ignite the club’s million-dollar man.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Holbrook is weighing up moving Taylor into the Gold Coast’s No.6 jersey after elevating Intrust Super Cup gun Jamal Fogarty to the NRL.
Fogarty will partner Taylor in the halves when the Titans resume their 2020 campaign against North Queensland in Townsville next Friday night, with regular five-eighth Tyrone Roberts shifting to fullback.
Taylor, 25, has made all 82 of his NRL appearances at halfback and was a gun No.7 as a junior, even making his debut for the Broncos in the key position in 2015.
But he has struggled over the past few seasons under the pressure of being halfback and the Titans’ highest paid player, prompting Holbrook to contemplate making what could be a career-defining move for Taylor.
Holbrook confirmed Taylor could be wearing the No.6 against the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday week.
“Yeah, definitely, that could free him up,” Holbrook said. “The No.6s tend to touch the ball once or twice in a set of six.
“We all know how skilful a player Ash is. If we can get him in that type of role without having to run the team as well, he can just worry about playing. It might make his job a bit easier.
“Whether Ash is seven or six, we’ll get him to play the same way. In terms of how we’re going to play, I don’t think it matters. I haven’t really locked that in. We’ve just been training.”
The eight-week shutdown for the COVID-19 season suspension and confirmation gun fullback AJ Brimson (fractured back) will miss at least another two months has given Holbrook an opportunity to prepare with a new-look team.
Tyrone Peachey and Dale Copley will be the Titans’ new centre pairing in place of Kallum Watkins and Brian Kelly, while Keegan Hipgrave will replace Bryce Cartwright in the back row.
The elevation of Fogarty, who made two NRL appearances for the Titans in 2017, will see Roberts replace Phillip Sami at fullback.
Fogarty, 26, has starred in the Intrust Super Cup for Burleigh over the past few years and Holbrook said he had been impressed by the tenacious playmaker.
“He is a good organising halfback with plenty of experience,” he said. “I wanted to slot him in and see how he goes.
“We’ve got a few options there and he’s one of them. He is a good player.
“Tyrone’s an extra half that has played fullback before. He understands the game really well.
“Without AJ, we’ve upskilled Phil Sami, who’s done a good job but it’s not completely natural to him.
“With Tyrone as an option there, he understands the game, defensive numbers and has the skilful attack of a half with his passing game. There are a lot of strong points for Tyrone there.”
The Titans have gone from originally having a horror draw to start the season to now facing the Cowboys and Wests Tigers (at Suncorp Stadium) over the next fortnight as they search for their first win of the year.
ozynorts
Star Player
Well that is good news. I have wanted that to happen for a while now, he seems to play more like a second receiver, especially close to the line.
Not convinced by Roberts at Fb though but it has been a problem position for us for a long time. Time to develop some real depth there.
Not convinced by Roberts at Fb though but it has been a problem position for us for a long time. Time to develop some real depth there.
Mexican titan
One Clubman
I agree. It is almost Taylor's last chance as well. The first two rounds put paid to the off season BS talk. Time to perform or out, regardless of what he is being paid.
Yea I really hope for the whole clubs sake that Fogarty can really kick on and become that solid organising half that we havent had for a long time and really put pressure on ash and Tyrone
Mr Bods
Inactive User
Holbrook is being the boss.
Titanic
Immortal
I feel Holbrook will deal with it issue by issue ... half’s first etc etc ... happy enough with that rather than wholesale changes. It’s a work in progress and we have issues right across the squad.
JunctionBlock
Moderator
I would prefer him on the field TBH. Roberts no where near it but I guess Ash needs his security blanket. Last time we threw three halfs out there they all stepped on each others toes trying to out do each other.
Yip it was an absolute disaster. Roberts woeful defence was amplified at fullback as well. Man other teams must be rubbing their hands together knowing that as soon as they break the line it all but guarantees a try.
It's great that Fogarty is getting a run but why not just remove Taylors hand break all together.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Michael Morgan locked of stadium; coaches push second-tier competition
https://www.couriermail.com.au/
Cowboys capatin Michael Morgan will be forced to watch his team’s round three derby from the couch, NRL coaches push for a second-tier competition and Titans’ new ‘Alfie’ - it’s all in BLINDSIDE.
He is North Queensland’s skipper but injured captain Michael Morgan faces being locked out of the Cowboys’ new stadium for their season relaunch against the Titans next Friday night.
Morgan will miss the round three clash after recently undergoing shoulder surgery but was at least hoping to support his teammates by joining Paul Green in the coaching box at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
But the NRL’s strict COVID-19 guidelines around game-day staffing and attendance could result in captain “Morgo” being relegated to his lounge room for the NRL’s Project Apollo kick-off on May 28.
Under the crowd-lockout rules, each NRL club can have 20 players and 12 club-related staff in attendance on game day, with Morgan set to be squeezed out.
“There’s only a certain amount of people can go there so I think I’ll be watching our game on TV,” Morgan told Blindside.
“I only just got told so it stung me a bit. I was hoping to be there supporting the boys but it looks like I’m locked out.
“The Cowboys can name a certain amount of players and only have a certain amount of staff inside the venue.
“I assumed I would be allowed to go because I have been training with the team every day, but because I’m not playing, I can’t be there which is disappointing.”
https://www.couriermail.com.au/
Cowboys capatin Michael Morgan will be forced to watch his team’s round three derby from the couch, NRL coaches push for a second-tier competition and Titans’ new ‘Alfie’ - it’s all in BLINDSIDE.
He is North Queensland’s skipper but injured captain Michael Morgan faces being locked out of the Cowboys’ new stadium for their season relaunch against the Titans next Friday night.
Morgan will miss the round three clash after recently undergoing shoulder surgery but was at least hoping to support his teammates by joining Paul Green in the coaching box at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
But the NRL’s strict COVID-19 guidelines around game-day staffing and attendance could result in captain “Morgo” being relegated to his lounge room for the NRL’s Project Apollo kick-off on May 28.
Under the crowd-lockout rules, each NRL club can have 20 players and 12 club-related staff in attendance on game day, with Morgan set to be squeezed out.
“There’s only a certain amount of people can go there so I think I’ll be watching our game on TV,” Morgan told Blindside.
“I only just got told so it stung me a bit. I was hoping to be there supporting the boys but it looks like I’m locked out.
“The Cowboys can name a certain amount of players and only have a certain amount of staff inside the venue.
“I assumed I would be allowed to go because I have been training with the team every day, but because I’m not playing, I can’t be there which is disappointing.”
Menoitios
QLD Cup
TR's dodgy achilles tendon will be put under more pressure at fullback.
Overall...our defence has been awful this year...and the covid break will have done us no favours in this department. I was hoping Dymock could have quickly instilled some grit and determination into the squad for this season.
Instead...in 2 games we lead the comp in conceded line breaks with 15, missed the most tackles - 80, and conceded the most offloads - 29. We have the worst completion rate - 64% and we are also in front on penalties conceded with 21. All this will most likely rise with the new "6 again rule".
As far as errors go...we sit on 25, which is less than the storm, eels, roosters, raiders, sharks, sea eagles and bulldogs...but their defence is better.
Until our defensive attitude and discipline improves...wins will be few and far between.
Overall...our defence has been awful this year...and the covid break will have done us no favours in this department. I was hoping Dymock could have quickly instilled some grit and determination into the squad for this season.
Instead...in 2 games we lead the comp in conceded line breaks with 15, missed the most tackles - 80, and conceded the most offloads - 29. We have the worst completion rate - 64% and we are also in front on penalties conceded with 21. All this will most likely rise with the new "6 again rule".
As far as errors go...we sit on 25, which is less than the storm, eels, roosters, raiders, sharks, sea eagles and bulldogs...but their defence is better.
Until our defensive attitude and discipline improves...wins will be few and far between.