An all-Queensland derby for the first time in NRLW history kicks off round four on Saturday with the Titans hosting three-time defending champions Brisbane at Cbus Super Stadium.
Pride and passion go on the line with plenty of players in each team born and raised on the Gold Coast and surrounding regions despite just three lured from the Broncos to the Titans this season.
In an historic occasion for both clubs, the Titans will be looking to stay within reach of the finals while Brisbane can inch closer to the minor premiership while also booking their place in the finals with a round to go.
The Titans were their own worst enemy last start with a 58 per cent completion rate killing off any chance they had of a win against the Eels.
The Broncos showed their class late against St George Illawarra to remain undefeated.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
4th Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The Rundown
Team news
Titans: Changes on game day with Jetaya Faifua coming into the starting side at fullback, Evania Pelite shifting to the centres, Tiana Raftsrand-Smith moving to the second row and Zara Canfield to 18th player. Cobie-Jane Morgan will play five-eighth in No.18 and Grace Griffin is out.
Tazmin Gray has been left out of the squad following her suspension with Shaniah Power to start in jersey No.17. Brianna Clark has been named to return at prop with April Ngatupuna shifting to the bench.
Broncos: Another blow for the Broncos on Friday with Millie Boyle ruled out due to COVID and her place in the front row taken by Roxette Murdoch.
Amber Hall has moved to prop, Kaitlyn Phillips comes into the starting side in the second row and Chelsea Lenarduzzi drops back to the bench.
Winger Emily Bass has dropped out injured and China Polata comes in for her debut. Lesa Kaleti Mata'afa joins the bench.
The defending champions were already without Tamika Upton (head knock), replaced by Hayley Maddick at fullback. Jada Ferguson takes Maddick's utility spot on the bench.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 4 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 20 Jetaya FaifuaFullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick
-
Winger for Titans is number 2 Karina BrownWinger for Broncos is number 2 Hagiga Mosby
-
Centre for Titans is number 1 Evania PeliteCentre for Broncos is number 3 Amy Turner
-
Centre for Titans is number 3 Jasmine PetersCentre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka
-
Winger for Titans is number 5 Hailee-Jay Ormond-MaunsellWinger for Broncos is number 20 China Polata
-
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 18 Cobie-Jane MorganFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Tarryn Aiken
-
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Kimiora Breayley-NatiHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Brianna ClarkProp for Broncos is number 12 Amber Hall
-
Hooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-NatiHooker for Broncos is number 9 Lauren Brown
-
Prop for Titans is number 10 Stephanie HancockProp for Broncos is number 16 Roxy Murdoch
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 4 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Tallisha Harden
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 17 Shaniah Power2nd Row for Broncos is number 15 Kaitlyn Phillips
-
Lock for Titans is number 13 Destiny BrillLock for Broncos is number 13 Sara Sautia
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 14 Georgia HaleInterchange for Broncos is number 10 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Titans is number 15 Jessika EllistonInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Jada Ferguson
-
Interchange for Titans is number 16 Laikha ClarkeInterchange for Broncos is number 18 Lavinia Gould
-
Interchange for Titans is number 19 April NgatunpunaInterchange for Broncos is number 22 Lesa Kaleti Mata'afa
Reserves
-
Replacement for Titans is number 11 Zara CanfieldReplacement for Broncos is number 24 Jessikah Reeves
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Chelsea Lenarduzzi v Steph Hancock: Former Broncos and Maroons teammates go head-to-head in a battle up front that will help dictate victory. Hancock stood tall in defeat last week but will need help around her to combat the Broncos while Lenarduzzi will be up for this one after being well-contained against the Dragons. With no love lost between both clubs, look for the engine room to trade plenty of big carries and hits.
Stat attack
On paper it appears a one-sided contest with key statistical areas favouring the visitors. Brisbane are motoring along to lead in several areas while the Titans' inconsistency have them floating in and out of games. Offloads that create second phase are among the leading advantages for Brisbane with 29 compared to the Titans' 15 a big point of difference for the home side to control.
And another thing
Broncos hooker Lauren Brown produced the fastest pass in her side's big win over the Dragons last week with a 9.3 metre pass going at 44.8 kilometres per hour.
