The ultimate Queensland Origin battle is on when the Titans face off against the Broncos in the Macca's local derby.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Patrick Carrigan might be good mates off the field, but that friendship will quickly dissipate when they enter the Cauldron in opposing colours tonight in order to fight for the two points for their respective sides.
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 12 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Gold Coast lock is a certainty to receive a phone call from Billy Slater this weekend ahead of the Queensland team being announced on Monday, but the Broncos No. 13 has also been in red-hot form since returning from injury in Round 9 and will hope his phone is the next to tingle after Tino.
The pair shared a number of weeks together whilst in Camp Maroon in 2020, with Carrigan unavailable for selection for last year's series due to an ACL injury, but the duo will likely reunite again to play for their state in a matter of weeks.
But before that transpires, fans will be treated to an epic contest between two youngsters who give their all for their two clubs.
Without doubt being one of the Titans' best with the 'c' proudly next to his name, Fa'asuamaleaui has been a solid performer in every match this season.
Punching out around 61 minutes a game, the tall and hulking enforcer gets through plenty of work in defence - averaging 31 tackles a game - whilst also worrying the opposition with the knack of being able to break through tackles - already doing that on 22 occasions this season, resulting in two tries.
Carrigan had a formidable start to 2022 before being sidelined for four weeks due to injury, but since returning at the start of this month, the 24-year-old has been arguably one of the Broncos' most feared.
Tino breaks the line and draws the Titans closer
Getting through similar minutes to his fellow competitor, the Broncos lock has been a brick wall in defence, averaging 33 tackles at 98 percent efficiency.
He is yet to score a four-pointer this season, nor record a line break, but has notched up 12 tackle breaks.
Both players are proud Queenslanders and great statesmen for their club... will tonight's showdown determine who wears Maroon No. 13 for Game I?
The one thing that can be guaranteed is fans will be treated to an epic showdown between the pair, who will leave nothing in the tank to get the two points for their team in the derby.
