Player in Focus: Patrick Herbert

Titans centre Patrick Herbert is the Macca's player in focus for round 24 as the Titans face a must-win clash against Newcastle.

The 24-year-old has played 17 games in his debut season on the Gold Coast and will have an important job, especially in defence, against the Knights.

Herbert will join Corey Thompson on the Titans right side, with the task of controlling Enari Tuala and Kurt Mann.

The centre's strong carries will again be important, with Herbert averaging 104 running metres per game in 2021.

Injury kept the Maori All Stars representative out of the side for a month mid-season, but barring that break he has played every game for the Titans.

He has five tries and five try assists and in recent weeks has formed a good combination with rookie Greg Marzhew.

With Thompson's experience alongside him, Herbert will be a key player for the Titans against a Knights side that boasts plenty of attacking threat.

Both teams are fighting for a position in the NRL's top eight with just two rounds remaining in the regular season.

The Titans last played Newcastle in round 5, defeating the Knights 42 points to 16.