Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Gold Coast are temporarily calling Sydney home as they gear up for their season-opening clash against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
The move has been forced by water damage to their training ground at Parkwood from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred; as of Monday, the crossbar on their posts was underwater.
The club dojo facility used for warm-up, wrestle and indoor training was also reported damaged by the conditions.
A club report on NRL.com.au says CEO Steve Mitchell explained that the damage forced them to change their pre-match preparations — including moving to Sydney.
“Like many, we have had significant damage to our facilities as well and that means we need to change how we operate while we also mop up the damage,” he told the club website.
“At the end of what will have been a big week for our community, we hope that a great result against the Bulldogs on Sunday will bring our members and fans some much needed joy.”
The Titans had the bye last weekend.
PLAYER AVAILABILITY
On the player front, the NRL.com.au reports that Bulldog Jaeman Salmon is on the bench for a second week; forward Josh Curran is set to start on the bench after he served a pre-season suspension.
Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been cleared for his first match since round 3 2024 and will start at lock after recovering from an ACL tear.
Recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard is also set to play at prop after recovering from a shoulder injury while Kieran Foran remains sidelined with AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell to link up in the halves.
In other Friday games, the Roosters take on the Panthers in Parramatta and the NZ Warriors host Manly in Auckland.
The Dragons hosts the Rabbitohs on Saturday, the Cowboys welcome the Sharks to Townsville and the Raiders meet the Broncos.
On Sunday, the Parramatta Eels hosts the Wests Tigers.
The Knights-Dolphins game tonight (Thursday) is being played in Newcastle while the Storm have the bye.
