Monday’s only NRL Round 14 match is between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm with the opening kick to commence at 19:00 local time. The game is to be played at Cbus Super Stadium which see’s home team Gold Coast Titans hold favouritism in the market. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm.
Where and when: 19:00 | Monday 16/06/2014 @ Cbus Super Stadium
Tip : TITANS 1 – 12
Teams:
Titans: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Tighe, Brad Takairangi, David Mead, Maurice Blair, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Beau Falloon, Luke Douglas, Paul Carter, David Taylor, Ben Ridge
Interchange: Matthew White, Mark Minichiello, James Roberts, Matt Srama, Caleb Binge, Mark Ioane (one to be omitted).
Storm: Cameron Munster, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Mahe Fonua, Kurt Mann, Young Tonumaipea, Ben Hampton, Ben Roberts, Jesse Bromwich, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Kenny Bromwich.
Interchange: Joel Romelo, Tim Glasby, Junior Moors, George Rose, Felise Kaufusi, Hymel Hunt, Jordan McLean, Travis Robinson.
News:
Gold Coast’s sputtering NRL attack may finally have its spark in young recruit James Roberts.
The highly-rated outside back, already cut loose by South Sydney and Penrith for off-field issues, will make his debut for the Titans in Monday night’s clash with Melbourne at Cbus Super Stadium as both teams look to turn around recent poor form.
Titans coach John Cartwright believes Roberts’ ability to break the line could be the key to his team finally finding some cohesion and punch with the ball in hand.
Only one team, 15th-placed Cronulla (155), have scored less points than the Titans (197) so far this season.
Cartwright’s men have only scored 20 or more points on three occasions this season, and he’s hoping 21-year-old Roberts can change their fortunes as they try to end a four-game losing streak.
“Some of his touches, not many players can do,” Cartwright said.
“His tackle breaks are very high and that’s something we’ve been lacking, someone with genuine tackle breakers and genuine speed.”
Roberts is one of several inclusions to the Titans who are missing State of Origin trio Greg Bird, Nate Myles and Dave Taylor, while Paul Carter has been suspended by the club following his midweek drink-driving charge and Albert Kelly (calf) is injured.
Ashley Harrison has been rushed back into the team following his recovery from a neck fracture, while Beau Henry comes in for Kelly at halfback.
There will also be an NRL debut for Caleb Binge following Carter’s suspension which left the Titans short on backrowers.
The Storm are also patching together a team with Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman all on Origin duty while halfback Cooper Cronk is sidelined with a broken arm.
Centre Will Chambers could play if he is released from Queensland duties early and Cartwright says he’s still wary of his opponent regardless of their absentees.
“You look at their pack and it looks like Will Chambers will play, they’ve still got four Kiwi internationals in their pack,” he said.
“We’re certainly not underestimating them. We’ve got the best possible side out there because we realise how difficult it’s going to be.
“It’s a crunch game for both clubs.”
