NRL win over Souths would be huge: Srama

Impressive young hooker Matt Srama says people will soon be talking about Gold Coast’s forgotten forward pack which faces an acid test on Sunday against a high-flying South Sydney.

Along with the in-form Bulldogs, who have stormed to the NRL premiership lead with nine straight wins, Souths have been making a statement of their own under new coach Michael Maguire.

Maguire seems to have found the key to getting a consistent 80 minutes from the red and greens.

Srama, who has made people sit up and take notice since assuming the fulltime dummy-half duties this season, believes his development has blossomed working behind the NRL’s most under-rated pack.

“We’ve pretty much flown under the radar, even though we’ve just about got a representative pack when you look at them,” said Srama, thriving at No.9 with the help of back-up hooker Beau Falloon.

“They all play big minutes and they’re playing out of their skin every single week.

“Coming into the finals, everyone is going to hear a lot more of us.”

Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas are as tough as any front-rowers and the Titans’ first choice back row of Nate Myles, Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison – all State of Origin players – is as good as any going around.

Bird (hamstring) will miss Sunday’s game but Harrison returns from a badly-broken toe to help close down the middle.

Gold Coast’s head-geared hooker said a victory over Souths, who the Titans suspect might be boosted by the late inclusion of experienced forward Roy Asotasi, would be huge for the players’ confidence.

“The Rabbitohs are the form team of the comp at the moment,” he said.

“If we can make a late run these last few games, we can secure a spot in the top eight.

“If we get over Souths, we’ve got all the belief in the world … we can even go to the grand final.”

While they are in frightening form with big John Sutton and Dave Taylor busting sides open, South Sydney – $4.50 premiership second favourites – are the only NRL club who have not won a game at Skilled Park.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!