Gold Coast Titans front rower Ryan James says his side will need to be ‘alive’ when they take on the Cronulla Sharks tonight.
One of the Titans best in 2016, James highlighted the Sharks middle will be his side’s focus tonight, with his side needing to be strong in attack.
“We’ve just got to stop their middle,” said James.
“Obviously they’ve got some great leaders in the middle but they can finish out wide, they run on the last and they’ve got a few tries out of that so we’re making sure the defence stays alive and the boys in the middle work hard.”
James said the last time both sides met in 2016 (Round 6 at SCG Stadium), his side had played well however were unable to defeat a Sharks side who were victorious 25-20 on the afternoon.
“We played well that except for the completions so if we compete like we have been then we’ll be a good shot.”
James also highlighted the brilliance of Ben Barba and the threat he along with the Sharks’ other outside backs will pose in tonight’s clash.
“Yeah, I think it’s probably been his best year since he won the Daly M so he’s playing some excellent footy.
“He’s got those outside backs in Valentine Holmes and their other outside backs who are playing great as well so working up the middle and always chasing the ball because they’ll chuck up anything.”
Having broken the line more times than any other Titans player in 2016 (7) the Cronulla Sharks will too have to keep a close eye on the front rower and ensure he doesn’t lay the platform for his team going forward.
Haven’t made the trip up to the Gold Coast for tonight’s match? Head down to the Locker Room at Sharks Leagues Club and catch all the action ‘Live & Loud’!
