NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 16th, 2023 PARRAMATTA EELS v GOLD COAST TITANS
COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
It’s a huge game for the Eels and Titans as the two teams square off at CommBank Stadium on Sunday night.
The NRL Round 20 action heats up as the Parramatta Eels and the Gold Coast Titans collide in an electrifying encounter at CommBank Stadium. This clash holds immense significance for both teams, as it could prove to be season-defining for their respective campaigns. With just four spots separating them on the ladder, the Titans have an opportunity to level with the Eels at 22 points if they can pull off an upset on the road.
The Eels’ impressive five-match winning streak came to an abrupt halt with a resounding 46-10 loss to the Warriors in their previous outing. Without key players such as Mitch Moses, Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Dylan Brown, Josh Hodgson, and Wiremu Greig due to State of Origin duties and unavailability, the Eels struggled to adapt. However, for this crucial encounter, the NSW trio is set to make a return, providing a much-needed boost. Sean Russell will shift back to the wing, Isaac Lumelume and Ofahiki Ogden drop to the reserves, and Ryan Matterson moves to the bench.
In a closely contested match, just two points separate the Eels and the Titans on the ladder. Both teams are coming off defeats, but with several star players returning from State of Origin duty, they will be eager to bounce back and regain their winning form. The Eels had an impressive five-game winning streak before their defeat and are set to welcome back Mitch Moses and skipper Clint Gutherson, with the latter having played a minimal role in mid-week Origin fixtures.
History favors the Eels in recent encounters, as they have won seven of their last eight games against the Titans. However, the Titans turned the tables on the Eels earlier this season with a thrilling 26-24 victory at Magic Round after leading 16-4 at halftime. The clash showcased the attacking prowess of Kieran Foran and Alofiana Khan-Pereira for the Titans, while Maika Sivo claimed a hat-trick for the Eels.
While the Titans have struggled on the road this season, losing six out of their nine away games, they remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the NRL. However, their defense and inconsistency have been areas of concern. With players like AJ Brimson, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika, and David Fifita named for this crucial clash, the Titans will be eager to turn their attacking firepower into a winning performance.
As the Eels and the Titans prepare to battle it out on the field, both teams understand the importance of securing a victory in this Round 20 encounter. With only a 1-12 margin separating the teams in their last three meetings, we can anticipate a tightly contested and thrilling contest.
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Andrew Davey 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Waqa Blake 21. Matt Doorey 22. Haze Dunster 23. Isaac Lumelume
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Chris Randall 16. Erin Clark 17. Jojo Fifita 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Jacob Alick 20. Keano Kini 21. Kruise Leeming 22. Ken Maumalo 23. Tony Francis 24. Thomas Mikaele
Referee: Chris Butler
PREDICTION
The Gold Coast Titans have won just three of their last eight games, and one more loss will push them down to the bottom four on the NRL ladder. Meanwhile, the Eels have won four of their last five games. Parramatta have only suffered losses at CommBank Stadium to sides that sit in the top eight, and a win this weekend will put them within two points of a top-four position.
The Eels forward pack is well rested in comparison to the Titans’, which will make winning the battle in the middle third of the field easier for the home side. Parra should win at, minus 9.5 points @ $1.86, plus Sivo anytime try scorer.
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