A local derby is one of the more popular games on any team’s calendar and the Titans will get the chance to double their fun when they play back-to-back matches against Queensland counterparts, starting with the Broncos this Saturday night.
For non-Queenslander Chris Randall, who moved up to join the Titans from Newcastle during the pre-season, the upcoming matches were a novelty and something he was keen to be a part of, having already had a taste of what to expect after facing the Cowboys in Round 4.
“In North Queensland, they are pretty noisy and they were definitely outnumbering the Titans fans, but there was a good atmosphere out there, that ground is a good ground to play on,” Randall said.
“I am looking forward to those games [against the Broncos and Dolphins], I was watching the crowd in the Broncos v Dolphins game, it was 52,000; hopefully we can pull a crowd like that, something like that would be so good.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 7 -
home Team
Titans
12th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
“I'm keen as to be playing in a Queensland derby, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we get some big crowds for those big games and a big atmosphere. Love it.”
As a former Bronco in the Titans team this weekend, David Fifita said he enjoyed facing off against his friends and former teammates.
“They're my brothers over there … (but) I enjoy the battle,” Fifita said.
“I've got good mates on that side, but that's one game I look forward to; it’s a big game … we’ve got them at home which is good.”
For the match, the Broncos have named Jesse Arthars, who made his NRL debut with the Titans in 2019 on the wing and forward Keenan Palasia, who will join the Gold Coast side on a two-year deal from 2024, on the bench.
Looking ahead to Round 8, the Titans will play against the Dolphins with their opposition set to feature more familiar faces. However, as was the case with all the Queensland match-ups, it was a friendly and respectful rivalry the players had, with Fifita praising the impact the Dolphins had made on the pan66.competition so far.
“After that, it’s the Dolphins, so another Queensland derby and back at Suncorp, so it will be a good game,” Fifita said.
“There are some former Titans; Jarrod Wallace, Jamayne Isaako, a few of the boys, Herman [Ese’ese], who are a few of my good mates (in the Dolphins side).
“Looking at the Dolphins, at what they've done, I'm really proud of them. It's exciting to have another Queensland team and Wayne [Bennett] has got them up there and it's good to see them going well.
“Everyone expected them to not go so well, but we want all the Queensland teams to be up there.”
Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui – who will play his 50th game as a Titan on Saturday – was also looking forward to the Queensland match-ups ahead.
“I think a Queensland derby is already motivating, but when you have got players that are playing well that you do know; it's extra motivating because you want to get one up on them,” Fa'asuamaleaui said.
“I'm excited for them, they are going to be massive games.
“We saw a glimpse (of the Queensland rivalries) in the Dolphins and Broncos game, and a bit in our game against the Cowboys.
“There are patches where there's tough footy and I'm excited for it, because I love tough footy, and I'm hoping that we’re the on the end where we're winning, and it's exciting.”
The Titans host the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night for their Round 7 match and will then travel to Suncorp Stadium to face the Dolphins in Round 8.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 8 -
home Team
Dolphins
5th Position
away Team
Titans
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
