Backs do battle: Flying Phil returns to take down Staggs

It’s been a long eight weeks out of the game, but Phil Sami is back and ready to face off against Broncos speedster Kotoni Staggs in this Saturday's Macca's Local Derby.

The Titans flyer has played a pivotal role in the seven games he's appeared in this year, succumbing to injury in two of those, which has led to two stints on the sidelines recovering from the PCL injury sustained.

But back to 100 percent fitness for the highly-anticipated clash, the 24-year-old is ready to wreak havoc on the Brisbane centre who will have a point to prove after being snubbed from the final two Origin games of the season.

The Gold Coast back has scored five tries this season, as well as being a handful in defence, averaging 136 running metres and four tackle breaks a game.

For Staggs, the Brisbane dynamo has also scored five tries in 15 appearances, with two try-assists and 10 tackle breaks.

The New South Wales centre has also already graced his presence at Cbus Super Stadium, scoring a four-pointer in the pre-season trial match between the two rivals, that ended in a 26-26 draw.

Whilst the Gold Coast back didn't star in that contest, nor the earlier Round 12 NRL clash at Suncorp, it's no secret Sami loves local derbies... scoring a hat-trick in his first clash against the Broncos in 2018, he'll be hoping to replicate the same success when he takes to the field.

The battle between Sami and Stags 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!