Big Mal’s Big Five: Where the Titans v Broncos grudge match will be won and lost

BIG Mal Meninga delivers his verdict on tonight’s grudge match between the Broncos and Titans and reveals where the local derby will be won and lost.

Broncos Alex Glenn scores and escapes Titans Josh Hoffman. . The Brisbane Broncos vs the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pic Peter Wallis

1. TACKLING A CHALLENGE

Gold Coast’s record against Brisbane is not great overall, but it is better at Cbus Super Stadium.

The key for the Titans tonight will be their defence. They know they are playing against a team that is sharp and executing very well.

Their defence has to be working as a unit, and making good decisions.

The Titans need to be disciplined in everything they do. If they turn the ball over cheaply with handling errors, they will kill their chances.

The more ball they give to the Broncos, the more defence they will have to do and the more fatigued they will become. That is when Brisbane could blow them apart.

Broncos forward Alex Glenn escapes flying Titan Josh Hoffman to score a try during their clash at Suncorp Stadium last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

2. MOVING BALL VITAL

The Titans had some success last weekend against the Raiders by moving the ball around early, and then in the second half working them over up the middle.

They scored some soft tries up the middle against Canberra, I am not sure if things will be so easy against Brisbane.

But the Titans have been given a free lesson from the Panthers, who showed how Brisbane can be beaten in Round 3.

Penrith used off-loads to create a lot of second-phase play that helped to break up Brisbane’s defensive structure.

Titans outside back Nene MacDonald offloads the ball against the Raiders last weekend. Picture: Getty Images

3. MINDS OVER MATTER

One of the challenges for Brisbane this year will be the mental battle.

We saw in their loss to Penrith that much was made of their lack of mental application for that game and they clocked off and paid the price.

Coming off that grand final rematch against the Cowboys, that would have been so draining with all of the build-up.

That fact it went into extra time could come back to hurt the Broncos if they jump out to a lead and then clock off like they did against the Panthers.

I think they learnt their lesson. I don’t think they will carry that sort of complacency in against the Titans.

Former Titan James Roberts will face his old teammates for the first time tonight. Picture: Tim Marsden

4. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The to-ing and fro-ing between the two clubs over James Roberts has added and interesting dimension to tonight’s game.

The issue is still obviously sensitive at the Titans, and justifiably so given the way he left the club.

The Coast were the ones that gave him an opportunity to save his NRL career, and now he is up the road at the Broncos playing the best footy he has for a while.

I don’t expect that he will be targeted for any illegal play tonight, but it will be a motivating factor for the Titans.

They will want to win so they can say, “You walked out on something special we are building here”.

Titans coach Neil Henry has proven he is the right man for the Gold Coast top job. Picture: Richard Gosling

5. HENRY MAKES THE CUT

Neil Henry is the right man for the Titans future.

While it is only early in the year – and we certainly shouldn’t be putting too much currency on what effectively boils down to wins over the Knights, Tigers and Raiders – the Titans have shown with their attitude and application that they are heading in the right direction.

The influence Neil has had on the club getting back on its feet should not be underestimated. The Titans have a long way to go of course, but certainly a sense of stability is something they desperately need.