Gold Coast host understrength Cowboys side in the “other” Queensland derby

The Gold Coast’s million-dollar man Ash Taylor must take control of the momentum of Sunday’s match against the Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium if the Titans are to win.

Ash Taylor in action against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Titans foundation football manager Scott Sattler has called on million-dollar man Ash Taylor to show a “little arrogance in attack” against the Cowboys this afternoon.

Gold Coast host an understrength Cowboys side this afternoon at Cbus Super Stadium and will be out to break an eight-game losing streak against their northern cousins.

It comes as North Queensland will be without skipper Michael Morgan and Josh McGuire to Origin duties, while Matt Scott (shoulder) and Justin O’Neill (spleen) have been added to their growing injury list.

Ash Taylor in action against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Cowboys coach Paul Green has recalled young gun Jake Clifford from the Intrust Super Cup to play in the famed No. 7 jersey and will partner forward-turned-five-eighth John Asiata in the halves.

Sattler said the Titans’ chief playmaker must take control of the momentum of this afternoon’s match at Cbus Super Stadium if they are to win.

“Tyrone Roberts controlled the momentum of that game last week (against Manly) in favour of the Titans,” Sattler said.

“They need to be doing that together but Ash needs to be the guy that arrogantly puts his hand up and says ‘I’m going to be the guy the others are relying on’.

“That’s the mindset he’s going to have to get in to.”

Tyrone Roberts controlled the tempo for the Titans during the round 11 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Titans. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Sattler yesterday dismissed claims Ash Taylor has his best chance to impress this afternoon, because of the Cowboys’ inexperienced halves, saying he should be “stepping up” each and every week.

“Every week has been a chance for Ash to step it up,” Sattler said.

“His kicking game last week was a lot better and showed some good vision to set up Dale Copley’s try.

“What we’re wanting to see from Ash is to create the rhythm of the game from the opening whistle.

“This week is no different to any other week to be honest. We expect him to step up every week.

“It’s the pressure that comes with the role and you either accept it or you don’t.

“If he controls this week, people will say he’s done it against an inexperienced halves combination. You really want to be doing it against the best.

“That’s where you build your legacy around.”

Jake Clifford has been recalled by the Cowboys for the match against the Gold Coast. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The Cowboys head into the match full of confidence on the back of consecutive wins against Parramatta and Canberra.

Green will be hoping his side can find a third straight win for the first time since their 2017 run to the finals.

“The boys are in good spirits obviously coming off two wins,” Green said.

“It’ll be really good to capitalise on that opportunity and get three in a row.”

Titans coach Garth Brennan said the Origin snubbing of Jarrod Wallace and Tyrone Peachey should also add an extra spark to his side this afternoon.

“I’m sure they would have loved to be playing Origin, and I would’ve loved for them to be playing Origin too but it’s a bonus for us to be back with the Titans,” he said.

“I’m sure they’ll come out with a bit of a point to prove.

“It’s a long series and I’m sure Kevvy (Walters) and Freddy (Fittler) will be watching the performances of those guys and how they respond to the disappointment of missing out.”