CBUS SUPER STADIUM, GOLD COAST.
Two sides coming off morale boosting wins in Round 12, the Titans and Rabbitohs will look to pick up where they left off when they meet in the Gold Coast.
Titans Look to Continue Momentum
Despite several injuries to key players, the Gold Coast has shown great resilience by winning two of their last three matches. They hope to step up their game further as they welcome back several stars after the bye.
David Fifita Aims to Make a Statement
Star backrower David Fifita, who missed selection for the Maroons’ series opener on Wednesday, will be eager to make a statement. Meanwhile, props Josiah Pahulu and Isaac Liu face a tough challenge, with Moeaki Fotuaika uncertain to play after Origin and Jaimin Jolliffe sidelined with a pectoral injury.
Injury Boost for Titans
A big boost for the Titans with fullback Jayden Campbell listed among the reserves as he looks to return from the knee injury that has side lined him since Round 6.
Experienced playmaker Kieran Foran returns from a hamstring injury to take his place at five-eighth, while Phil Sami (hamstring) and Jojo Fifita (pectoral) also rejoin the backline.
Maroons Representative Fotuaika to Start
Maroons Origin representative Moeaki Fotuaika is set to start at prop as he aims to back up from Game One. Beau Fermor moves back to his edge forward role after temporarily filling in at center against the Broncos before the bye. Keenan Palasia shifts to the bench, and Joe Stimson is listed as the 18th man.
Rabbitohs Seek to Climb the Ladder
South Sydney, buoyed by their 42-26 win over the Eels in Round 12, are desperate to climb out of the NRL cellar, having won just two matches this season.
Interim Coach Hornby Capitalizes on Origin Period
Interim coach Ben Hornby, dealing with a season plagued by injuries, hopes to capitalize on the disrupted Origin period as their opponents are also forced to make changes.
Key Returns for the Rabbitohs
In a boost for the Rabbitohs, Cody Walker returns from a calf injury and will partner with Jack Wighton in the halves, pushing Dion Teaupa to 18th man. Richie Kennar (knee) returns at center, with Michael Chee Kam moving to the back row.
Team Line-ups
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Chris Randall 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas, 14. Isaac Liu 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Erin Clark 17. Jacob Alick-wiencke, 18. Joe Stimson 19. Jayden Campbell 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Jaylan De Groot
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi, 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Siliva Havili 17. Thomas Burgess, 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Adam Christensen 21. Leon Te Hau 22. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape,
Referee Chris Sutton, Touch Judges, Michael Wise, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
Key Stats and Records
The Titans have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009.
The Rabbitohs have won their past eight games against the Titans.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored eight tries in his past five NRL games.
Rabbitohs prop Jai Arrow will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Titans second-rower David Fifita has scored seven tries in eight games against the Rabbitohs.
Prediction
The Titans continued their improved run by defeating the Broncos two weeks ago, followed by a bye last weekend. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs thumped the Eels in their last outing and have had a week off to reflect on their performance. This is a tough match to call, but if the Titans can maintain their upward trajectory, they should secure a win at home.
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