Key Matchup: Fotuaika v Fonua-Blake

Our key matchup for round one starts in the middle.

The Warriors have always been known for boasting a formidable pack and their 2021 side is no different.

It'll be a great test for a Titans pack featuring Origin players Jarrod Wallace, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita as well as New Zealand international Kevin Proctor.

Fotuaika is our Titan in focus, in particular in his match-up against Warriors enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake.

Not only one of the most talented young forwards in the game, Fotuaika is one of the most consistent.

After winning the Paul Broughton Medal as the Club best and fairest in 2019, Fotuaika finished second behind Brian Kelly last season.

The 21-year-old played 18 games across 2020, averaging 145 running metres per game.

His workrate is outstanding and he impressed in his first hit-out after making his State of Origin debut in the Titans pre-season trial game against the Warriors in Lismore.

For the opposition, Fonua-Blake will be looking to impress in his first NRL game in Warriors colours.

After being used predominantly as an interchange prop in his first two seasons he has been a first-choice starting front rower for Manly since 2018.

In 15 appearances in 2020 averaged 167 metres and 26 tackles a game while across his career he averages 125 metres and 21 tackles a match.

Fonua-Blake has represented New Zealand and Tonga at test level and the representative forward will prove a handful for the Titans defence.

It's a matchup worth watching as two of the games best middle forwards go head-to-head to kick off season 2021.