Titans v Rabbitohs: Fifita, Tino ready to go; Graham back on deck
The Titans and Rabbitohs are both coming off consecutive losses and will be hoping their Origin stars can play a role in helping them rebound.
Gold Coast had the bye in Round 13 to recharge the batteries after a narrow loss to the Bulldogs and a 20-point thumping at the hands of Newcastle, while Souths had a six-game winning streak halted by the Eels in Round 12 before going down to Canberra last weekend.
The absence of Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray and Jai Arrow on Origin duty left the Rabbitohs vulnerable to an ambush in Round 13 and that's precisely what occurred as the Raiders came from behind to snatch victory.
The Rabbitohs still managed to run in five tries, including a double to Alex Johnston to take his career tally to 175, but it's the five they conceded that will be the biggest concern as they get set to confront a dangerous and unpredictable Titans outfit.
The Titans have had two wins and one loss in their three matches at Cbus Super Stadium in 2023 after winning just four of 11 on their home patch last season.
Match: Titans v Rabbitohs
Round 14 -
home Team
Titans
13th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
3rd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Team News
Titans: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita will come from the bench as they back up after their Origin heroics for the Maroons with Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui and Klese Haas promoted to the starting side. Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran will be rested, meaning Jayden Campbell starts in the halves. Hooker Sam Verrills returns from the collarbone injury that has sidelined him since Round 2 and will come from the bench. Brian Kelly is the 18th Man.
Rabbitohs: Blues star Cameron Murray will come from the bench and Maroon Jai Arrow will start the game as both back up from Origin One. Centre Campbell Graham (sternum) will play after missing last week with injury, while Latrell Mitchell (calf) won't make the trip north after being left out of the squad. Richie Kennar has been named to play his first game of the season on the wing with Taane Milne moving to 18th Man.
Match: Titans v Rabbitohs
Round 14 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano KiniFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Blake Taaffe
-
Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-PereiraWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
-
Centre for Titans is number 3 Phillip SamiCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah Tass
-
Centre for Titans is number 4 Aaron SchouppCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham
-
Winger for Titans is number 5 Jojo FifitaWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Richard Kennar
-
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Jayden CampbellFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah BoydHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki FotuaikaProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
-
Hooker for Titans is number 9 Chris RandallHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Prop for Titans is number 17 Iszac Fa'asuamaleauiProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Hame Sele
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Joe Stimson2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 16 Klese Haas2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jacob Host
-
Lock for Titans is number 13 Isaac LiuLock for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jai Arrow
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
-
Interchange for Titans is number 11 David FifitaInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Michael Chee Kam
-
Interchange for Titans is number 14 Sam VerrillsInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Shaquai Mitchell
-
Interchange for Titans is number 15 Erin ClarkInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Reserves
-
Replacement for Titans is number 19 Brian KellyReplacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Taane Milne
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Titans have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009.
- The Rabbitohs have won their past seven games against the Titans.
- Titans second-rower David Fifita has scored four tries in his past four games.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston requires one try to equal Brett Morris as fourth highest tryscorer in premiership history.
- The Titans have won four of their past five games at Cbus Super Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
