Gold Training under-20s coach Ben Woolf will be lo0oking for improved ball control and, hopefully, development in the combination between his new halves pairing and fullback Brian Kelly when his side takes on last-placed Manly tomorrow night (4.45pm) at Cbus Super Stadium.
Junior Kangaroo Kelly has not dominated like he was expected to this season and Woolf has gambled with moving him from centre to fullback to give him more good attacking opportunities.
This will he his second game there and how he combines with halves Josh Rogers and AJ Brimson could be a key to the young Titans making a push for the top eight in the next few weeks.
“The longer Brian is there and gets a read on the halves the better he should go,” said Woolf.
“We thought we would be able to get him into the attack more from fullback and we will change a few attacking structures this week to get him more involved.
“A key tomorrow is going to be completing well and building some good field position to bring Brian into the play, so our forwards will need to work hard.
“Manly are a lot better side than their position on the ladder shows and there’s no way we can afford not to be on our game.”
Skipper Jed Cartwright and Junior Kiwi prop Kurt Bernard return from injury into the team, with Bernard starting from the bench.
With Cartwright joining the hard-working Nathan Watts and Max King in the forwards, the Titans will field a more complete pack with Bernard, Simione Fatafehi and Kelepi Faukafa adding the power running that is particularly dangerous close to the try-line.
Utility forward Ethan Roberts is in doubt with injury and a replacement will be named tomorrow evening if he misses the game.
The team to play the Sea Eagles is:
1- Brian Kelly
2- Jordan Birch
3- Phillip Sami
4- Christian Mika
5- Fred Kiel
6- Josh Rogers
7- AJ Brimson
8- Simione Fatafehi
9- Jordan Scott
10- Nathan Watts
11- Kelepi Faukafa
12- Jed Cartwright
13- Max King
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14 – Corey Manicaros
15 – Kurt Bernard
16 – Ethan Roberts
17 – Justin Fai
