THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys
Skilled Park, 5:30pm
Titans: Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey (c), Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Bodene Thompson, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matt White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell
Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matthew Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange (from): James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Joel Riethmuller, Leeson Ah Mau
The realisation of life without Johnathan Thurston came home to roost for the Cowboys last week when the Tigers handed them a clinical beating that brought them crashing back to earth. With no disrespect to the Titans, this game may present the Cowboys a good chance to regain their confidence against a struggling team, with Matty Bowen leading from the front. Bowen didn’t receive much support from the men around him against the Tigers and it ultimately led to him trying a bit too hard. Look for Bowen to be playing a more relaxed game this time around.
As much as it’s a good chance for the Cowboys to find their game it’s as equally fortuitous for the Titans to be playing a side minus arguably the world’s best player.
I really thought the Titans could have given the Broncos a better run for their money last week but the side seemed to capitulate throughout the 2nd half. The Titan’s bench has been very effective the last few weeks, and I’ll be paying particular attention to new kid on the block Brenton Lawrence who 2 weeks ago racked up the 2nd most metres for the Titans (113m) from only 10 hit ups in 29 minutes of play. Hopefully his enthusiasm rubs off on the rest of the team.
Beau Henry gets his first run in Titans colours and I’m sure his main job will be to take the pressure off Scott Prince to allow him to focus on his kicking game, especially the opposition 20.
It looks like it could be a tight finish here.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Starting Bank: $2000, Current Bank $2478.42
(Team lists sourced from nrl.com.au)
