QUESTIONS AT TITANS

THE single biggest question for the Titans for Round 2 may be around the impact of a stadium lockout and coronavirus, but the Bulletin looks at five on-field queries that need answering against the Eels tomorrow.

CASHING IN ON KIDS

Yes, Ryan James was missing and so the heat falls on the other senior heads like Kevin Proctor and Tyrone Roberts. But if we learnt anything from Round 1, it’s that Phillip Sami (pictured) is improving and AJ Brimson, if we didn’t already suspect it, is the club’s best attacking weapon despite sitting out the contest.

So how do the Titans make the most of these exciting talents? “They are the future of our club and the guys we want to keep hold of. We were missing keys guys in Round 1 but I’m confident with our players,” rookie Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

For all the hard work in pre-season, the opening phase against the Raiders was bad. The slow start continued a sorry trend from last season, one which often saw the Titans slip behind early and fail to truly recover. So how do you address that? “It was definitely disappointing. Prior to the game we had done everything right,” Holbrook said on Fox League’s NRL 360. “We got it wrong early in the first 15 minutes and that cost us. “To start the way we did was disappointing. We looked like we weren’t ready to play. If you don’t start well I think it’s your preparation.”

UTILITY VALUE

Mitch Rein and Nathan Peats shared the hooking duties in Round 1 but can this continue all season? With outside back Brian Kelly on the bench in Round 1, plus the fact Tyrone Peachey can play just about anywhere, and there are a few puzzle pieces that need sorting.

GETTING IT HALF RIGHT

Beyond any questions about Ash Taylor is the fact the club must find the right combo in their spine.

Is AJ Brimson (pictured, right) better in the halves when fit?

If so, what happens to Tyrone Roberts (pictured, left) or Taylor? Give it a few more rounds but pressure will build quickly as to who should play where.

IMPACT OF ASH

Like it or not, the Titans halfback is a marked man by rivals and his own fans. Ash Taylor didn’t enjoy the best start to the season against the Raiders so, mercilessly, he will be bombarded with questions about his own form until he’s considered to be paying his way. “He’s got to help himself,” coach Holbrook said this week. “His pre-season has been great and he’s changed his diet and he’s working hard. All the evidence is there that he’s going to have a great season. I need more from him and he knows that.”