The last game of the NRL Round 15 matches is between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm. The opening kick is set to commence at 7:00PM local time with the game to be played at Skilled Park. The home team the Gold Coast Titans are the current favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm.
WHERE AND WHEN: Skilled Park, Monday, 24/06, 7:00PM
Opening odds comparison:
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| Gold Coast Titans | 1.38 | 1.38 | 1.33 | 1.38 | 1.38 | 1.38 |
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Melbourne Storm
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3.15 | 3.15 | 3.40 | 3.15 | 3.15 | 3.15 |
Preview:
The final game of round 15 is between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm, kicking off at 7.00pm on Monday at Skilled Park. This game could be a good one from a spectators point of view, despite the fact that six Origin stars are missing. The Titans will be slight favourites for the win, as they continue to surprise other teams and spectators alike in 2013. The Titans even managed to push the Rabbitohs all the way last week, only losing by six points in the end to the team on top of the table. The Storm are also performing quite well at the moment, however, with a 10-3 record and the hunger to take things further as the season progresses. While it could be a tough slog without the Origin stars, this looks like a close one to finish off round 15.
Teams:
Gold Coast Titans:
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, Anthony Don, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Luke Douglas, David Taylor, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Mark Ioane, Ryan James, Ben Ridge, Sam Irwin, Luke O’Dwyer (one to be omitted).
Melbourne Storm:
Gareth Widdop, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Maurice Blair, Justin O’Neill, Ben Hampton, Brett Finch, Jesse Bromwich, Slade Griffin, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Mitch Garbutt, Mahe Fonua, Jordan McLean.
Titans coach feels for Origin outcast
He could be forgiven for taking Ashley Harrison’s availability as a bonus but Gold Coast coach John Cartwright would rather the back-rower was preparing for another State of Origin appearance.
Harrison was on Tuesday named in the Titans team to play NRL premiers Melbourne next week minutes after he was left out of the Maroons line-up for State of Origin II in Brisbane.
The 32-year-old was one of two Queensland players axed after the game one defeat to NSW in Sydney along with prop David Shillington.
While that means Cartwright has Harrison to tackle the in-form Storm at Skilled Park on Monday, that’s little comfort to the Titans’ boss.
“I feel for Ash at the moment. He’s been a big part of Queensland over the years,” Cartwright said.
“After one loss, I know Ashley, I know he would’ve been busting to make amends in the second game but, yeah, not to be.”
The Titans will be without co-captains Nate Myles and Greg Bird due to their Origin commitments, with Mark Minichiello and Mark Ioane coming into the team in their place.
Minichiello was a late exclusion from last weekend’s 30-24 loss to South Sydney in Cairns with a hamstring injury and Cartwright said the veteran forward’s fitness will be monitored throughout the week.
Luke Douglas will take Myles’ spot in the front-row, while Ioane comes onto a five-man bench with utility Luke O’Dwyer the 18th man as he continues his recovery from a broken jaw.
Titans: Will Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, Anthony Don, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Luke Douglas, David Taylor, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Mark Ioane, Ryan James, Ben Ridge, Sam Irwin, Luke O’Dwyer.