Left edge focus ahead of round nine clash

It's the two left centres that go head-to-head on the stats sheet in the build up to the round nine clash between the Titans and Wests Tigers.

For the Gold Coast, it's reigning Paul Broughton Medallist Brian Kelly, while for the Tigers we look at Joseph Leilua.

Kelly has played five games through 2021, missing three through injury early in the season.

The 24-year-old is averaging 111 run metres and is continuing to build a left edge combination with the powerful David Fifita.

With Corey Thompson out through injury, it'll likely be Phillip Sami who'll become the newest member of the left-side trio.

Kelly is averaging almost 15 tackles per game, almost double his Tigers counterpart (Leilua is averaging 7.5 per game).

Leilua is the bigger body, standing 5cm taller and weighing 12kg heavier.

He also leads in tackle breaks (11 to Kelly's 6) and tries (1 to Kelly's 0).

In his four games for the Tigers in 2021, Leilua is averaging 59 run metres per game.

Two of the most destructive centres in the game with ball in hand, their edge defence will also be important in this game as both sides look to climb the ladder.

The Tigers are coming off a last-start win against the Dragons, while the Titans will be looking to return to the winners circle to cement their spot within the NRL's top eight.