A daunting prospect for the 16th placed Titans as they host the rampaging Penrith Panthers, who have lost just once all season and sit three games clear at the top of the ladder.<\/p>\n
The Titans were riding high after upsetting the Broncos in Round 14 but came crashing back to earth at Leichhardt Oval last Sunday in a 36-28 loss to Wests Tigers.<\/p>\n
The last time the Titans beat the Panthers was 2019 although their last two efforts against Ivan Cleary’s men have been stellar, going down by only four points at Cbus Super Stadium last year and six points the year before at Penrith.<\/p>\n
The Panthers have elected to rest their trio of Origin but such is their depth they will go in the hottest of favourites to notch a 13th win of the season.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Titans: Josh Hannay has confirmed centre Jojo Fifita will play against the Panthers but has chosen to rest captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after an emotional Origin appearance following the passing of his father Fereti last weekend. Klese Haas will start in the front row in Fa’asuamaleaui’s place with Sam Verrills added to the six-man bench.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Panthers:\u00a0Blues stars Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o will all be rested as coach Ivan Cleary looks to navigate a taxing period for his big names. Jack Cogger starts at halfback if Cleary while Lindsay Smith slots into lock as Yeo’s replacement. Luke Garner lines up in the centres amid a wider backline reshuffle after Casey McLean injured his quad in the lead-up to Origin Two.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Titans have not defeated the Panthers since 2019.
\nThe Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Titans.
\nTitans winger Phillip Sami has scored seven tries in his last nine games at Cbus Super Stadium.
\nPanthers fullback Dylan Edwards has scored six tries in his last six games against the Titans.
\nThe Titans are 0-5 against top-eight opposition this season.<\/p>\n