Key Matchup: Page and Whitbread to set the tone for trial

Both teams possess classy outside backs, but it could likely be the men in the middle who could have the biggest say in Friday night's pre-season trial between the Burleigh Bears and Gold Coast Titans.

Leading the Burleigh side will once again be the veteran, Luke Page.

The 'mohawk-ed' prop brings the energy to the Burleigh side and when he goes forward the Bears are hard to stop.

With a chance to face an NRL side, the Intrust Super Cup firebrand will be 'coming off the back fence' Friday and most likely have one man in his sights - Jai Whitbread.

Whitbread will be one of the forward leaders for a young Titans pack and looking to make is own claims for a place in the Titans Round 1 team to face the Warriors.

Whitbread has amassed 23 NRL games for the Titans so far in his young career and with a few new faces joining the Titans forward stocks in 2021, the first trial presents a good opportunity to lay his claims for a jersey come March 13.

Known for his strong defence, Whitbread will look to set the tone of the Titans defensive line and no doubt look to target the Burleigh leader to make his own mark on the game.

Burleigh Assistant Coach, Luke Burt said the battle in the middle will be one of the most interesting on the night.

"Luke Page sets the tone and energy levels for the Bears. Burt said.

"When he crosses the white line he becomes a different man and the rest of his teammates feed off that energy.

"Whitbread wont go missing either and I am looking forward to when these two come together for the first time Friday - it is going to be a great game."

If one of these men can get the wood over the other, it just may open up the space for the smaller, faster players to take advantage.

It isn't just the props where the ley matchups end though, across the park both sides line up with interesting battles.

Hookers, Erin Clark and Pat Politini plus Tanah Boyd and Guy Hamilton in the halves will all be keen to make the most of their opportunities.

With Clark and Boyd aligned to Burleigh they could even end up team mates at stages throughout the year, which is no doubt going to add some spice to the battle.

While one of the players many fans have bought their ticket to watch is Jayden Campbell.

The son of Titans Club legend, Preston, Jayden is ready to make his own mark on Rugby League and, after an impressive pre-season, the elusive fullback will be jumping out of his skin to pull on the Titans jersey and show his wares.

Campbell wont be the only fullback looking to put on a show though, with Bears custodian Curtis Rowe having plenty of speed to burn of his own.

With matchups all over the park on Friday it is sure to make an interesting night for fans in attendance.

One thing is for sure, you will want to be in your seat when the whistle blows and and Whitbread and Page come together for the first time. 

**Please note Pizzey Park has now reached ground capacity for the match.**