The first of Sundays NRL Round 16 matches is between Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans. The opening kick is set to commence at 2pm local time with the game to be played at Hunter Stadium. The home team the Newcastle Knights are the current favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans.
Hunter Stadium
Newcastle Knights $1.52 vs Gold Coast Titans $2.55 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Newcastle Knights $1.57 vs Gold Coast Titans $3.05 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Odds Comparison by NRL Odds:
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| Newcastle Knights | 1.52 | 1.53 | 1.57 | 1.53 | 1.52 | 1.53 |
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Gold Coast Titans
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2.55 | 2.50 | 2.45 | 2.50 | 2.55 | 2.57 |
Preview:
Newcastle lost their fourth consecutive match when losing to Melbourne 16-14 in their most recent match.
The poor form sees them sitting just outside the eight in ninth spot, level with Brisbane and New Zealand. With results going against them this weekend, the Knights could fall several positions and their final aspirations in serious doubt.
A win here is imperative.
Gold Coast, like their opponents last week in Melbourne, where without their origin starts but continued their good form and recorded their third win from their past four outings.
The Titans are 3-3 when playing away from home this year and the trip to Newcastle, despite their current form, is always hard.
Newcastle’s only away win this year come at Skill Stadium over the Titans back in round 7 (30 – 6). That was Newcastle’s third win over Gold Coast from their past four matches and, with their season virtually on the line, at home they should be able to hang on – if only just.
Teams:
Newcastle Knights:
Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Aku Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Craig Gower, Chris Houston, Zane Tetevano, Neville Costigan
Gold Coast Titans:
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, David Mead, 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, Nate Myles, Greg Bird.
Titans aim to deliver against Storm
Gold Coast can use their narrow defeat to South Sydney as motivation for Monday’s night’s NRL clash with Melbourne, according to coach John Cartwright.
The Titans lost a thrilling contest against Souths last week by six points in Cairns and Cartwright believes that shows the team is not far off succeeding against the competition’s elite.
“We’ve had a really good week and took a lot of positives out of the Souths game,” Cartwright told reporters on Sunday.
“The main one being, the game was there to be won. If we had done the things we’ve done in previous weeks we would have beaten them.
“We just went away from playing team footy at the end of the game.”
Both teams are shorn of key players due to State of Origin commitments with co-captains Greg Bird and Nate Myles missing for the Titans while Melbourne have to replace Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman.
Myles will be replaced by Luke Douglas in the Titans front-row while on Sunday Luke O’Dwyer’s return from a broken jaw was confirmed after he was named on the bench in place of youngster Sam Irwin.
The Storm’s absent stars have forced a multitude of changes for the premiers following last week’s win over Newcastle.
Regular stand-off Gareth Widdop will move into fullback while Brett Finch is in the No.7 jersey, Slade Griffin comes in at hooker and Tohu Harris starts in the back-row.
Cartwright said recalling O’Dwyer was all about ensuring his team have the right balance against the Storm.
“When you look at our bench with (Mark) Ioane, (Ben) Ridge, (Ryan) James and O’Dwyer, they haven’t had a lot of game time,” he said.
“If you picked up an injury early, having the extra forward, it’s probably a safeguard against an injury.
“Also with Mini and Dave Taylor, they haven’t played a lot of 80 minutes this year, so I just thought it was best to give us more minutes on the bench.”