CONNOR O’BRIEN’S FIVE BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TITANS IN 2018

CAN ASH TAYLOR DELIVER ON HIS RICH PRICE TAG?

As Garth Brennan has said, Taylor is in no way the finished product but with every game he becomes more assertive and his kicking game is as good as any (refer to his pinpoint grubber for Kane Elgey, or the matchwinner for Konrad Hurrell). Defence still needs work (refer to Jack Wighton’s try).

CAN RYAN JAMES’ SHIFT REINVIGORATE HIS FORM?

The Titans skipper appears twice the player he was last year already. From a prop who copped criticism for too often looking to pass the footy, James has emerged as a real threat on the left edge with his running and offloading – not to mention acting as a defensive bodyguard for Kane Elgey.

WHO WILL LOSE OUT WHEN JARROD WALLACE RETURNS?

Leilani Latu was the frontrunner to partner Wallace in the yearlong starting front-row, whereas Jai Arrow’s promotion came as more of a shock. But Arrow arguably took the points last night. The ex Bronco stepped up while Latu was sometimes caught rushing out of the line or struggling to get on-side.

WILL KEVIN PROCTOR REDISCOVER HIS STORM FORM?

The signs look very ominous. Proctor was a formidable presence on the Storm’s right edge next to Cooper Cronk for so many years and his combination with Ash Taylor is building nicely. His line-running last night bagged a try and forced defenders to focus more attention on him and in turn open up Michael Gordon as an option out the back.

DOES MITCH REIN HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY?

For now, at the very least. Rein is a quality option but there is risk that comes with taking game time away from the second best hooker in the game. However, Nathan Peats is still building up match fitness after off-season shoulder surgery.