Warriors want to ‘right our wrongs’ against Titans
Joel Gould |
The Warriors have every reason to be wary of the last-placed Gold Coast after losing their last three clashes against the NRL battlers.
The Titans sprung a 24-16 upset just four weeks ago in Auckland as a timely reminder that they can play to their potential on occasions.
In the corresponding match on the Gold Coast last year the Titans pummelled the Warriors 66-6 after beating them earlier in the year 27-24 at Mt Smart Stadium.
Plenty is riding on Saturday night’s match for both clubs. The Warriors, on 32 points, will remain in the all-important top four with a win.
The Titans are in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon, which coach Des Hasler has never “won” in his illustrious career.
This year’s result in round 21 started a three-match losing streak for the Warriors which they brought to an end with an unconvincing 14-10 win over St George-Illawarra last week.
In-form Warriors forward Erin Clark will return to the Gold Coast to play his former club with the loss from a month ago still smarting.
“That one hurt,” Clark said.
“We know what we need to do better but we reviewed that game and I’m sure we’ll be ready this week.
“That wound is still weeping. It was hard to take but we are ready to right our wrongs and excited to do it on the Gold Coast.”
Clark was the inflictor of woe on the Warriors last year when in the Titans side that recorded their biggest ever win.
“I’m a Warrior now and I just want to get one back for the club,” he said.
It’s no secret they’ve had success against us recently and last year, and it’s something we need to clean up this week.
The Warriors named forward Kurt Capewell and utility Te Maire Martin, to return from concussion along with Rocco Berry (shoulder).
They are without forward Jackson Ford until the finals due to suspension.
Hasler said his outfit also had two key backline additions.
“We’ve got Jojo Fifita and Brian Kelly coming back in, so that adds to the stability of the side,” Hasler said.
“We want to finish the year strong, but it will be a hard game all the same. They’re vying for a top-four position. But we know we’re competitive … and we need to be.”
The Warriors had their captain’s run on Friday in front of thousands of fans at Logan, just south of Brisbane, where they will open an academy.
AAP
