NRL 2023: Titans,

Author: Titans.com.au
Timestamp: Fri 14 Apr 2023, 09:50 AM

Kieran Foran and Adam Reynolds have 523 games of NRL between them and come Saturday night they will be calling on the experience of every one of them.

There are 'young gun' superstars across the park in both sides, but it is the wily playmakers that could hold the key to victory in the Macca's Local Derby at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.

In a game that always brings intensity, energy and the odd temper flaring, the cool, calm and collected heads of the two most experienced players on the field will be the key for both team's game plans come kick-off.

For Reynolds, the 32 year old has spent most of his life as a Rabbitoh fiercely battling the Roosters each year in one of NRL's oldest rivalries before feeling the intensity of Queensland biggest rivalry last year after joining the Broncos in 2021.

Ironically for Foran, his newest derby will happen on the weekend of his former club's most famous battle - The Battle for Brookvale, where the Sea Eagles take on the Melbourne Storm.

Asked if he is ready for his first Titans derby, Foran said his teammates have been preparing him over the last few weeks.

“The boys have chatted about it (the Queensland rivalry) briefly, you always hear about the rivalry and I’ve certainly watched the games over the years," he said.

“It’s awesome to be a part of one now and I’m looking forward to getting out there on Saturday.

“I’m no different to anyone out there, I just have to be at my absolute best.

"Hopefully all 17 of us who take the field are at our best on Saturday night. I believe if we’re all at that level we’ll come away with the win."

The man opposite Foran has been pulling the strings for the Broncos attack and Foran and his Titans will be on red-alert for the crafty number seven and his young offsider, Ezra Mam.

"Their combination (Reynolds and Mam) has been outstanding all year," Foran said.

"It's been a big reason why the Broncos have won the majority of their games so far.

"Reyno is a controller in that partnership, he's a director, he's sitting back and steering the ship and controlling the game through his kicking.

"Then, as far as explosive player that's able to come up with, I guess more ad lib plays at certain times throughout the match, that is Ezra - so they complement each other well, and that's what you look for.

"They have some different strengths and weaknesses and they've certainly got that and that's why they've been going well."

Foran knows it isn't just him that needs to perform, though, the entire Titans side will need to be ready for a Brisbane side reeling from their first loss of the season.

“I think it’s got to be a collective effort, as most of games of rugby league are won through the middle I think it’ll be no different in this one," he said.

“They’ve got a pretty bruising pack but we do as well, and I think it’s going to be an awesome match up front."

Foran and Reynolds will line up against once another in the Macca's Local Derby at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night. Tickets are selling FAST, click here to secure yours and be there for the action!