Jared Croker scoring a try. Photo: raiders.com.au
Heading into the 2021 season, a ground-breaking documentary called Building Titans aired on FoxNRL covering the fall and, hopeful, rise of the club from the Glitter Strip.
However, tonight’s clash with Canberra will put both the Titans and the documentary team under the microscope – is the Gold Coast the real deal in 2021?
Either way, Easter Saturday footy will be headlined by an intriguing match up between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders.
The Titans have bounced back well following an underwhelming performance against the Warriors in round one, comfortably accounting for the Broncos and the Cowboys.
Buoyed by recent results, the Titans will be confident they can take it up to the impressive Raiders outfit.
The Raiders have started the season strongly with their only loss to the Warriors last weekend in a thriller that was overshadowed by a dubious referee decision.
The Raiders will be keen to account for the Titans and re-join the winners circle.
Young Titans fullback scored his first points for the season, crossing the line twice whilst setting up a further two.
Winger Corey Thompson also crossed the line twice and had 18 carries for 159 metres.
Centre Phillip Sami (12 carries for 140 metres, one try, one try assist) and prop Moeaki Fotuaika (15 carries for 163 metres, one try) also joined in the scoring party.
While big name recruits David Fifita (16 carries for 187 metres, one try, 25 tackles) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (19 carries for 183 metres, 28 tackles) continued to prove their importance to this up and coming Titans team.
The Raiders had three players carry for over 200 metres last weekend.
Winger Jordan Rapana (20 carries for 221 metres, one try assist), as well as forwards Josh Papalii (20 carries for 209 metres, 31 tackles) and Ryan Sutton (23 carries for 200 metres, one try, 51 tackles).
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad missed the 200-metre mark by 3 metres, finishing with 24 carries for 197 metres.
The Titans avoided the injury carnage that plagued the NRL last week but will make one change, solidifying the changes they made before kick off last week.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui moves to prop, Tyrone Peachy to lock and Moeaki Fotuaika will come off the bench.
The Raiders, however, have made two forced changes with another two players needing to pass concussion protocols.
Centre Curtis Scott and lock Joseph Tapine have both been ruled out with rib and ankle injuries respectively.
Forward pair Dunamis Lui and Hudson Young return to the starting squad with Sebastian Kris moving back into the centres.
Kris and bench forward Ryan James will have to pass HIA protocols before taking their spot in the squad.
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