The Titans didn’t get a copy of the script last week when travelling to Newcastle who were celebrating the Rise For Alex round, and handed the home-side a 22 – 8 defeat.
It was the second win in three weeks for the Titans but only their third since round 8. It keeps the Titans in the hunt on 20 competition points; only win one off the Broncos who are sixth on the ladder.
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A win here is imperative, as it is for their opposition but remarkably, the Titans’ home record (2 – 7) reads much worse than their away record (6 – 2) this year.
Their last home win was back in round 6, which was also the same game they last recorded back-to-back victories.
Regular forward Dave Taylor played in the centres last week and was a stand-out performer, recording 190 metres and causing plenty of headaches for the opposition. After that effort, it is no surprise to see him remain in the position for this week’s clash and with the Parramatta defence having leaked 142 points in their past four matches, he could create plenty of havoc again.
Playing outside of him on the Wing will be Anthony Don who has scored five tries in nine appearances for the Titans this year, including one last week.
Origin star Greg Bird returns to the line-up with Luke Bailey out with a hamstring injury.
EELS
Parramatta slumped to their fourth consecutive loss last week, losing 32 – 12 to South Sydney.
Worryingly for the Eels, it was the third time in the past month their opposition has posted in excess of 30 points against them.
Parramatta had their chances in the first half and even into the second half were still within reach of the Bunnies but they just couldn’t convert their chances or in the least, earn repeat sets when in the opposition red-zone.
They’ll have to be a little more patient in attack this week and wait for their opportunities rather than trying to force them.
They’ve gone with the same squad as last week and if they learn from their recent performance can impose more sorrow for the home crowd.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Titans have a dominant record over the Eels, having won seven of the ten matches between the two clubs, the last three in succession.
The Eels have only one once in six visits to the Gold Coast but if there were going to improve that record, this will be the year. The Titans have lost their last six home games straight, the last three when starting favourites.
It’s hard to take either side with a great deal of confidence after looking at the stats for this game.
Instead of committing to either side the Total Match Score line, which has been set at 44, is the way to go. They have posted plenty of points in past meetings, reaching 40 or more on five of the past six games and Parramatta’s defence – as stated above, is rock solid at the moment.
Add to the equation that the Titans have conceded more than 24 points in four of there past five home games, and the Total Match Line looks well within reach.
Teams:
Titans: Kevin Gordon, Anthony Don, James Roberts, Dave Taylor, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Brad Takairangi, Daniel Mortimer, Luke Douglas, Beau Falloon, Nate Myles, Mark Minichiello, Paul Carter, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matt White, Mark Ioane, Tom Kingston, Maurice Blair, Cody Nelson
Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Semi Radradra, Ryan Morgan, Willie Tonga, Vai Toutai, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Junior Paulo, Isaac De Gois, Fuifui Moimoi, Ken Edwards, Tepai Moeroa, David Gower. Interchange: Joseph Paulo, Peni Terepo, Pauli Pauli, Ben Smith
