It's been the season from hell for Dragons coach Paul McGregor.
He lost Jack de Belin at the start of the season, Gareth Widdop went down in round three, while James Graham, Tyson Frizell, Corey Norman, Korbin Sims and others were all sidelined at various stages with injuries.
Once they fell into a slump the Dragons never dug themselves out. If they'd just scraped home for a few more wins they'd still be fighting for a finals berth but that ship has well and truly sailed.
The Titans have lurched from bad to worse over the past few weeks and need to take more pride in their performance as a team.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dragons
14th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Blake Lawrie and Zac Lomax have been left out of the squad to face the Titans. Lawrie suffered a nasty knock late in the side's loss to the Eels, while Lomax was suffering from a hamstring strain. The Dragons have scored 96 points in their past two games against the Titans. They will line up 1-17 as named on Tuesday, with Tristan Sailor and Josh Kerr the last players cut before kick-off.
Titans: Ash Taylor is out, replaced at five-eighth by Tyrone Peachey. Nathan Peats (knee injury) is also out, with Mitch Rein to start at hooker. Peats and Anthony Don were the two players to drop out of the squad 24 hours before game time. Leilani Latu has been promoted from the reserves to the bench, while Treymain Spry was omitted an hour before kick-off. The Titans have conceded 208 points in six consecutive losses.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Corey NormanFullback for Titans is number 1 Alexander Brimson
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Jason SaabWinger for Titans is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Euan AitkenCentre for Titans is number 3 Kallum Watkins
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Tim LafaiCentre for Titans is number 4 Brian Kelly
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Gareth WiddopFive-Eighth for Titans is number 14 Tyrone Peachey
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Titans is number 7 Ryley Jacks
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 James GrahamProp for Titans is number 8 Jarrod Wallace
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Cameron McInnesHooker for Titans is number 18 Mitch Rein
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Titans is number 10 Jai Whitbread
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Patrick Kaufusi2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Sam Stone
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyson FrizellLock for Titans is number 13 Jai Arrow
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jeremy LatimoreInterchange for Titans is number 15 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Korbin SimsInterchange for Titans is number 16 Brenko Lee
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jackson FordInterchange for Titans is number 17 Bryce Cartwright
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Luciano LeiluaInterchange for Titans is number 21 Leilani Latu
Match Officials
- Referee: Henry Perenara
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Throughout the Dragons' dire season, inspirational hooker Cameron McInnes has been one player who has never given up. He's pitted against rugged rake Nathan Peats, who is also a tackling machine.
For the Dragons to win
They've tightened up defensively in recent weeks but have hit the wall offensively. Playmakers Norman, Hunt and Widdop have to do a better job of actually making plays, Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell need to live up to their reputations, while Tim Lafai has to step up and prove he deserves to keep his spot.
For the Titans to win
If last week's hammering from the Roosters doesn't stir some pride and passion in the Titans then it's hard to imagine what will. They have five games remaining in what has been a wretched season and should at least try to finish as strongly as possible for the sake of their fans.
Brett Kimmorley says
Both teams need to show something looking towards 2020. The entire coaching staff of both clubs are probably coaching for their future just as the players are. Gareth Widdop has been a good servant to the Dragons and they will be looking to send him off well. In saying that, I can’t find any reason as to why either side will play well. Dragons by 2
Stat Attack
Dragons captain Gareth Widdop certainly enjoys facing the Titans. In his past two games against Gold Coast, the English five-eighth has produced six try assists, six line break assists, three line breaks, a try and 16 goals.
And another thing ...
Paul Vaughan is one tough hombre. The Dragons prop made one of the more memorable defensive plays of 2019 with his one-handed tackle on Parra's Clint Gutherson last Sunday. Vaughan had just dislocated his finger when Gutherson broke into the clear and a try beckoned if Vaughan hadn't grabbed a handful of his jersey. The finger is back in place and Vaughan is expected to play on Saturday.
