Graham Lowe: Chance for titanic upset of mythical proportions

Preston Campbell of the Gold Coast Titans shows that you don't have to be a 100kg-plus robot to play in the NRL. Photo /Getty Images

The Warriors versus the Titans. Sounds a bit like a couple of blockbuster movies - Ben Hur versus Gladiator.

In Greek mythology the Titans were a powerful race of gods. Warriors, as we know, are a fierce and strong race of people.

But the Warriors and the Titans both failed to live up to their names last weekend.

The Titans surrendered to the Cowboys in a surprise 34-18 home loss while the Warriors drew meekly after leading the Panthers 32-6 with a quarter of the game left.

NRL matches don't always go as scripted by coaches. That's the nature of the game and the players.

But in the Warriors' case, last Saturday their coach Ivan Cleary was dealt a cruel blow - that was the biggest flop of the year. It's hard to say what goes on in the minds of players when a team simply folds. But that is what the Warriors did.

However, nothing should be taken away from Penrith because the manner in which they managed to claw their way back into the game showed some ticker.

Sitting third on the ladder, the Titans can reflect upon a relatively comfortable year so far. But they might not get things all their own way on Sunday. I think they may face a huge backlash from what has been an ordinary couple of weeks from the Warriors.

To fritter away their huge lead against the Panthers was inexcusable, but I'd expect a lot more pride in their work in front of their home fans.

The Titans could win the premiership this year. And they have put themselves in a good position to do it. If they are genuine contenders, then this weekend is a good test for them.

Because although the Warriors form is disappointing they are quite capable of proving the mythological Greek race are just that - a myth. Particularly after coach Ivan Cleary wielded the axe.

This is what the Titans coach John Cartwright would have been talking to his side about all week.

He will recognise this new-look line-up at the Warriors could pose a bigger threat. And he also knows that on their day, if the Warriors can tap into an open style of play, they can damage the best sides.

In fact, the way the Warriors exploded into attack during the first half last Saturday will have concerned Cartwright.

The Titans have earned a reputation for exciting footy this year, and they have the players in the right places to do it. At halfback their skipper Scott Prince is one of the best in the game and certainly the focal point on most of their attack. But it is their other small man who, if given room, can turn opponents inside out.

At 75kg, Preston Campbell is a great little player and has shown that you don't have to be a 100kg-plus robot to play in the NRL.

Playing mostly in the halves or at fullback, he has survived 219 NRL games in a career that started in 1998. And I'd suggest he's been one of the best players in most of those games. Campbell has the X-factor and although Prince is considered to be the Titans' best player, there is not a lot between them.

Which brings me to a question I have no answer for: Will Kevin Locke get a chance at halfback before the end of this season?

I'm asked this daily by people who have seen a lot more of Locke than I have.

However, with Stacey jones retiring, I see no reason why Kevin Locke cannot be given a chance to prove himself in that position.

He could be just the answer the Warriors are looking for at halfback or five-eighth. But, thus far, he hasn't even been tried there for five minutes. In fairness to the Warriors, they may see him in that position further down the track. Although the signing of Brett Seymour suggests they don't.

I think Locke is every bit as good as Preston Campbell or Scott Prince. Many agree with me.

The Titans attack relies on a player who started out exactly the same as Kevin Locke.

Campbell was a kid many said wouldn't make it because he was too small. Campbell is now a crowd pleaser in the NRL and it is already obvious Locke is gaining the same popularity. The crowd cheers in anticipation every time he touches the ball.

There's probably been times over the past few weeks in which Ivan Cleary may have prayed for a miracle. I'm saying he has been given one.

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