Back row derby battle sees power take on experience
There's always plenty of motivation when facing off against the old side, and that's one of the ignitors lighting the fire in the belly of David Fifita this weekend.
The powerhouse forward is set to for a battle against another quality back-rower in Kurt Capewell, who will be returning to the Broncos brimming with plenty of confidence should the Maroons claim victory in the decider on Wednesday night.
It's been a tough recent period for the superstar Titans forward, having two stints rehabbing a knee injury sustained in Round 8, and then again in Round 12; but there's no disputing the start he had to the season, despite all the external criticism.
In attack, the 22-year-old is averaging 118 run metres, a line break and an offload every game, on top of four tackle busts per appearance.
He's also been handy in defence, averaging 22 tackles at 91 percent efficiency.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 18 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Broncos
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
For Capewell - Brisbane's vice-captain - he's been an influential recruit on the edge for the Broncos, providing an enormous amount of leadership qualities to the young outfit.
Despite only averaging 70 run metres a game, as well as two tries, three line breaks and a line break assist across the season, it's the proud Charleville junior's defence that is a shining light.
The 28-year-old gets through around 29 tackles a game at 89 percent, and will be in the line trying to stop the hulk of a human that is Fifita... a task not for the faint-hearted.
But the story rugby league stats don't tell is the ability for Fifita to be an absolute game-breaker with his brute power and strength, combined with his ability to look up and see a weakness in the opposition's defence.
In the corresponding Macca's Local Derby last season, he scored an incredible double and there will be plenty of motivation to do exactly the same when he runs out this weekend.
Especially fully-fit and firing after making a return from injury last start against the Knights.
The battle between Fifita and Capewell is just one of the many that makes Saturday night's clash such a blockbuster in one of the biggest games of the year for the Titans... who will come out on top after 80 hard-fought minutes?
Be there for the next instalment as the rivalry re-ignites at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday, July 16. Secure your seat today!
