Brian Kelly vows his defence will improve following Gold Coast’s tough start to the year

The Titans’ centre paring of Tyrone Peachey and Brian Kelly has conceded a whopping 75 missed tackles this season. Here’s how they can turn it around.

Brian Kelly of the Titans takes the bal forward during the Round 5 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Penrith Panthers at CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast, Friday, April 12, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly is the first to admit his defence hasn’t been up to scratch.

But that’s exactly where today’s clash with Canterbury will be decided.

Both the Bulldogs (16th) and Titans (14th) need wins to keep in touch with the top eight and with the sides ranked third and fourth respectively for missed tackles, punters can expect a high-scoring affair.

Kelly has missed the most tackles (45) this season aside from Penrith turnstiles James Maloney (47) and James Fisher-Harris (47) and is desperate lock down Gold Coast’s right edge against the equally desperate Dogs.

Bulldogs centres Will Hopoate and Marcelo Montoya will have a field day if Kelly and Tyrone Peachey, who has missed 30 tackles in his past nine games, continue to struggle defensively.

But Kelly believes he can turn it around with a bit of tweaking and a pinch of composure.

“I probably go out there a bit full-on too much,” he said.

Kelly has returned to the Titans this season. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“I need to just back off and make my one-on-one tackles.”

The 20-year-old is conscious of turning Gold Coast’s season around and knows victory at home will be hard-fought.

“(This game) is going to be a little fiery and we’ll both be looking for that win.”

Originally published as Brian Kelly vows his defence will improve following Gold Coast’s tough start to the year