NRL.com match preview: NRL Round 23 v Titans
After the Dragons' final hopes were snuffed out on Sunday they must find a way to recover from the loss before confronting a Titans team buzzing after a big win over Manly.
Seemingly in good shape in eighth position just six weeks ago, the Dragons have now slumped to 11th and will miss the finals for a fourth straight year - the longest absence since joint venture began in 1999.
Meanwhile, despite being well out of the finals race, the Titans have shown positive signs in the past month, desperate to avoid their second wooden spoon in four years.
When these sides met in Round 10 it was the Titans prevailing 20-16 in Magic Round. Justin Holbrook's men then lost 10 in a row before stunning the Sea Eagles at Cbus Super Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Titans
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Jayden Sullivan returns from a shoulder injury on the bench, joining Francis Molo as the two players added to the squad in the 24-hour update. Tyrell Fuimaono is the replacement player.
Titans: Jarrod Wallace is promoted to the starting side, with Jaimin Jolliffe reverting to the interchange. The withdrawal of Brian Kelly on Saturday means Patrick Herbert moves to centre and Greg Marzhew goes to the wing, with Paul Turner the new face on the bench. Erin Clark's season-ending knee injury sees Sam McIntyre moved to hooker. Skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is back after missing round 22 for the birth of his child.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Cody RamseyFullback for Titans is number 1 Jayden Campbell
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Titans is number 2 Jojo Fifita
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses MbyeCentre for Titans is number 3 Phillip Sami
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Titans is number 5 Patrick Herbert
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tautau MogaWinger for Titans is number 14 Greg Marzhew
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau AmoneFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah Boyd
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Jack De BelinProp for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Titans is number 17 Sam McIntyre
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake LawrieProp for Titans is number 19 Jarrod Wallace
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Josh McGuire2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'a2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack BirdLock for Titans is number 13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Aaron WoodsInterchange for Titans is number 8 Jaimin Jolliffe
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Michael MoloInterchange for Titans is number 15 Herman Ese'ese
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Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Jayden SullivanInterchange for Titans is number 16 Moeaki Fotuaika
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Interchange for Dragons is number 20 Francis MoloInterchange for Titans is number 21 Paul Turner
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 14 Tyrell Fuimaono
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Reserve for Titans is number 18 Corey Thompson
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
AJ Brimson v Talatau Amone: The battle of the No. 6s will be among the highlights of the game with both promising halves turning 2022 into true breakout seasons. Brimson has made the switch to the halves this year and is making a good fist of it. The young five-eighth chalked up a try, a try assist and two line breaks in Sunday's win over Manly. Meanwhile at the Dragons, 20-year-old playmaker Talatau Amone has found his form this season. On a disappointing day for the team, Amone stood tall with a hat-trick in Canberra, tormenting the Raiders defence with his sharp footwork.
Stat Attack
Ben Hunt's influence on the side speaks through his stats. The Maroons playmaker led Dally M voting when it went behind closed doors in Round 12 and his form has carried on. Hunt is in the top five for try assists (15), total kick metres (8465m), all kicks (264) and 40/20's (5). The veteran half also continues to lead the NRL with line engagement, totalling 181 for the year.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Titans
15th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
