Watmough in ominous touch: Myles

Anthony Watmough ... in form for Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans. Source: Braden Fastier / News Limited

Gold Coast co-captain Nate Myles has played enough State of Origin games against Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough to know when he is at his rampaging best.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Storm	3	0	0	0	46	6
2	Sea Eagles	2	0	0	0	40	4
3	Rabbitohs	2	0	0	0	20	4
4	Titans	1	1	0	0	34	2
5	Eels	1	1	0	0	26	2
6	Panthers	1	1	0	0	12	2
7	Broncos	1	1	0	0	8	2
8	Sharks	1	1	0	0	0	2
9	Knights	1	1	0	0	0	2
10	Cowboys	1	1	0	0	-10	2
11	Bulldogs	1	2	0	0	-12	2
12	Roosters	1	1	0	0	-16	2
13	Tigers	1	1	0	0	-22	2
14	Warriors	0	2	0	0	-32	0
15	Dragons	0	2	0	0	-36	0
16	Raiders	0	2	0	0	-58	0

So when Queensland's Origin player of the 2012 series warns Watmough is in cracking form so early in the season, it's a clear message to his teammates ahead of Saturday's NRL clash at Skilled Park.

Both sides flexed their attacking and defensive muscles with big wins last weekend, the Titans keeping a very ordinary Canberra scoreless for 80 minutes while Manly kept their tryline intact against Newcastle.

"Chocky (Anthony) Watmough is in some of the best form he's ever played," said Myles, one of the Titans who will be responsible for stopping the tearaway back-rower who scored a spectacular 60-metre try against Newcastle last week.

Manly might not have the heavy hitters, with Jason King and No.1 back-rower Glenn Stewart still on the injured list, and George Rose in reserve grade.

But Myles knows from locking horns with Watmough in Origin battles just how he can split a game open.

So does Titans co-captain Greg Bird, another enforcer who will share the defensive responsibilities with Myles.

Bird conceded his side's record 36-0 win over Canberra last weekend was aided by some poor Raiders' form.

"I don't know if they (Canberra) were rubbish but we can't get too excited about scoring 30 points because we know this week will be a lot different," he said.

"Manly are always tough. They'll be a little different without big (Jason) King in the middle."

Bird said former Titans forward Brenton Lawrence, named in Manly's front-row, would fire up against his old club.

"Everyone up here knows how good he can play when he wants to play so I'm sure he'll be out for a big game," said Bird.

"He's a good player and he's probably been one of their best players, stats wise, in their two wins so far."

Meanwhile, rejuvenated young halfback Albert Kelly's battle with Manly No.7 Daly Cherry-Evans will play a big part in the outcome.

Kelly, who looked very sharp against a disappointing Raiders outfit, well get a better indication of his improvement up against Cherry-Evans, one of the classiest halves in the NRL.

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