Key three: Injury makes Magic Round tough tussle against ladder leaders

A Stephen Crichton masterclass has helped the Bulldogs to a 38-18 win against an injury-ravaged Titans at Magic Round on Sunday.

Dealt a huge blow with Tom Weaver out of the game from the third minute due to concussion, Gold Coast fought their way back into the contest, but were ultimately pipped at the post by the first-placed Canterbury-Bankstown side in a six tries to four showing.

Here are the key points from the clash:

Injury-ravaged Titans go down swinging at Suncorp

It was a tough afternoon from the get-go for Gold Coast who were facing an uphill battle against the Bulldogs with a number of game day injuries making the task even more difficult against the ladder leaders.

Starting with Jojo Fifita who failed to overcome a minor arm infection for the clash, things got even tougher with Weaver sustaining a Category 1 concussion in only the third minute, forcing a reshuffle with Chris Randall in the halves alongside AJ Brimson.

Having the likes of regulars Keano Kini, Kieran Foran, Jayden Campbell and Jaimin Jolliffe also watching on the sidelines due to injury/suspension, the Titans weren’t short of effort despite the growing casualty, showing plenty of fight in the five tries to four showing.

The Titans are hoping to see Campbell and Foran back within the next fortnight to bolster the spine, who will be without Weaver next week due to the mandatory HIA stand-down. 

Campbell close to return after ankle injury

Gold Coast will hope to welcome Jayden Campbell back in the next fortnight after an ankle injury has kept the star playmaker on the sidelines since the eve of Round 7.

With Weaver unavailable, his availability will be welcomed by Des Hasler who will relish having his first-choice halves pairing back together.

Foran will also eye a return in the next fortnight after his biceps rupture - the veteran playmaker eager to return after sustaining the injury in the major pre-season trial.

Fingers crossed for Fotuaika, Tino expected for century

The Titans are expected to have two milestone men for next Friday night’s clash against the Knights, providing there’s no issues from the match review committee

Moeaki Fotuaika will await the findings of being placed on report in the fifth minute, but should he get the all clear, he’ll line up for his 150th NRL appearance against the Knights.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will also celebrate a special occasion with the captain to notch up his century of NRL games, after beginning his career in 2019 with the Melbourne Storm.