NRL 2025: Titans, Late mail: Francis set for maiden Magic Round with Fifita ruled out

Author: Titans.com.au
Timestamp: Sun 4 May 2025, 12:50 PM

Tony Francis will make his maiden Magic Round appearance with Jojo Fifita ruled out of the showdown against the Bulldogs due to minor arm infection.

The flyer was hoping to overcome the hurdle this week but has been unsuccessful, opening the door for the 22-year-old flyer who made his debut and scored his first try at Suncorp Stadium last season in the Titans' 36-34 win over the Broncos.

Coach Des Hasler has also made a change in the forward pack with Klese Haas starting after coming back into the side, pushing Chris Randall back to the bench.

The remainder of the side remains as per program as they hope to avenge their Round 2 loss against Canterbury to snap a four-game losing streak - capitalising on their opponents having never won at Magic Round in their past five starts.

The Cauldron has been a happy hunting ground for Gold Coast, having won four of the past five matches in Brisbane - their only loss coming from a controversial finish to last year's Magic Round clash against the Knights.

Kick-off is at 1.50pm; live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.

Round 9 - Sunday 4th May

Full Time

Titans

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Jaylan De Groot

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
Centre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
Centre for Titans is number 4 Phillip Sami

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for Titans is number 18 Tony Francis

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Bailey Hayward
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Tom Weaver

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton

Forwards

Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
Hooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
Prop for Titans is number 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Titans is number 14 Klese Haas

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
Lock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange

Interchange for Titans is number 11 Chris Randall

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
Interchange for Titans is number 15 Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
Interchange for Titans is number 16 Arama Hau

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
Interchange for Titans is number 17 Josiah Pahulu

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Blake Taaffe