Game day and the AQUIS Gold Coast Titans will take the field tonight against a Parramatta Eels side desperate not to let the loss of star half Corey Norman stem their solid start to the 2017 season.
Despite being two from two so far this year, Brad Arthur's Eels have struggled to contain the Gold Coast during the fifteen matches they have contested over the last ten years.
Even with the loss of Norman, Parramatta travel north with a side stacked with proven performers, while in stark contrast Neil Henry has been forced to field one of the most inexperienced lineups in the club's history.
Exciting rookie Tyler Cornish has been handed the Titans fullback jersey with former Eels star Jarryd Hayne sidelined with injury.
Cornish looked dangerous with every touch during the recent Auckland NRL 9's after linking with Gold Coast feeder club Burleigh Bears and signing a train and trial contract with the Titans.
Coach Nei lHenry said the 22-year-old had impressed in Auckland and during the club's pre-season trial campaign, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to earn an NRL call up.
"Tyler has spent the whole pre-season with us and has been around the group the entire time," Henry said. "He is aware of what is expected and even after some promising trial form, he knows this will be step up."
Kick off is at 7:05pm local time (8:05pm AEDT)
Match Details: Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday 17
March 2017. Kick off at 7:05pm local time (8:05pm AEDT).
Televised: Channel Nine – Live from 7.30pm (AEDT); Fox League – Live from 7.30pm (AEDT).
The History: Played 15; Titans 10; Eels 5.
Match Officials: Referee: Ashley Klein; Assistant Referee: Chris James; Touch Judges: Belinda Sleeman and Nick Morel; Review Official: Ben Galea; Senior RO: Bernard Sutton.
