Titans back on home ground

MANLY, Canberra and the Gold Coast will return to their spiritual grounds after the NRL confirmed the home venues for this weekend’s Round 8 fixtures.

The Titans on Monday issued a statement to members celebrating their return to Cbus Super Stadium for Saturday’s 3pm match against the Sharks.

The following Friday night the Titans then host the New Zealand Warriors at 6pm.

Queensland state government guidelines require each venue to conduct a trial of 2000 spectators before a maximum of 25 per cent of the venue capacity is permitted.

Therefore, for this Saturday’s match, the crowd capacity will be capped at 2000.

Provided the trial runs smoothly, a maximum of 6922 spectators (25 per cent of capacity) can attend the Warriors match and all future home games in 2020 or until restrictions are eased further.

Access to the 2000 tickets for the Sharks match will be reserved for Titans season ticket holders only and the club’s commercial partners.

Tickets will be issued by way of a ballot, to be conducted on Wednesday at 9am.

A ballot will not be required for the Warriors match, but members must still nominate

when prompted. The return home is good timing for a Titans side buoyed by their laststart upset of neighbours the Broncos. That win lifted Gold Coast off the foot of the table and up to 13th.

The Sea Eagles, meanwhile, haven’t played at Brookvale, now dubbed Lottoland, since Round 1 against Melbourne before the coronavirus break.

Manly were scheduled to play the Knights at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium, but they have been given clearance to go back to Brookvale.

The homecoming is perfect timing for Manly after they were comprehensively outclassed by Cronulla last round.

Canberra will also return to GIO Stadium when they host St George Illawarra on Friday night.

The Raiders have found it difficult playing home games at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney’s west given the travel required.

Last year’s runners-up are seventh after seven rounds.