Titans out to tackle issues

forward Jai Arrow says Gold Coast will do their homework in defence for tomorrow’s CBUS Super Stadium encounter with statistics suggesting tackling efficiency has to improve.

Only two teams have conceded fewer tries from line breaks in the first nine rounds as Gold Coast’s 25, with the Titans seeking a morale-lifting third win for the year when they take on Canterbury.

The Titans have let in more tries in their left channel (17) than any other NRL team with both sides at Robina statistically best in defence in their middle third.

“We have to fix our defence and do some work on the video about their style,’’ Arrow said.

“The Bulldogs have always been known for their attack with the big boys in the middle playing some footy.

“We should have capitalised (on a lead in the loss to injury-weakened Cronulla last week) and didn’t score a point in the second half.

“We can’t panic. We can’t stress about anything.”

Canterbury should not pose too many terrors in possession on the basis of their ranking of 16th for tackle busts, 17.6 per game, but are No.1 for offloads (12.3 per match).

“There have been games they should have won too,’’ Titans prop Jarrod Wallace said.

“If we do what we did against the Sharks, it will be the same result. We have to pull our finger out.’’

Gold Coast have again chosen Jesse Arthars on the bench after he impressed when he came on for his first grade debut in the loss to Cronulla.

Arthars withdrew from a Souths contract after losing his mother Jane last year to cancer and returned to the Gold Coast to be with his father Jason.

“Jesse worked hard when he got to the club and got a crack in the Magic Round,’’ Arrow said.

“He’s a down to earth young fella who doesn’t get ahead of himself. He’s humble and we like having him at the club.’’