NRL, ROUND 18, JULY 1st, 2023 CANBERRA RAIDERS v Gold COAST TITANS
GIO STADIUN,CANBERRA
In a highly anticipated clash at GIO Stadium in Canberra on July 1st, 2023, the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders will engage in a pivotal encounter that could significantly impact their positions on the NRL ladder.
The Raiders showcased their mettle in their recent victory over the Roosters, triumphing with a narrow 20-18 win. Displaying their dominance in the first half, the Raiders secured all three of their tries before relying on staunch defense and a crucial penalty goal to seal the match. Although a late try in the 75th minute tested their composure, the Raiders held their ground, demonstrating unwavering nerve. Their impressive performance included an 82% completion rate, 53% possession, superior total and post-contact meters, and just 20 missed tackles. Importantly, the win propelled them to the 6th position on the competition ladder.
The Raiders have showcased resilience in their previous ten encounters, winning eight of them. Whether snatching thrilling victories or suffering significant defeats, the Raiders have consistently engaged in closely contested battles. Remarkably, all their wins within this period have been by a margin of seven points or less. However, their last two home games resulted in losses with a deficit of over 20 points.
Following their 36-14 defeat against the Warriors in Round 15, the Raiders emerged from the subsequent bye week with a crucial 20-18 triumph on the road against the struggling Roosters. Yet again, they grappled with preserving a substantial lead, as they surged ahead 18-0 before narrowly holding on.
While the Raiders’ team performance has been somewhat inconsistent, several individuals have shone brightly, such as the linchpin Jamal Fogarty. On a less fortunate note, Josh Papali’i will be absent from the lineup this week, paving the way for Pasami Saulo to start in the front row, with Ata Mariota joining the bench.
The Titans, too, tasted victory in their previous outing, securing a spirited 18-12 win against the Broncos in Round 17. This triumph held great significance, considering the upheaval within their coaching staff, with their coach being sacked shortly before the match. The Titans engaged in a closely contested battle with the Broncos, but ultimately emerged victorious by capitalizing on the opportunities presented to them. However, they acknowledge the need for improvement in terms of meters gained, line breaks allowed, and missed tackles to sustain their winning momentum.
Currently holding the 7th position on the ladder with a record of 7 wins and 7 losses, the Titans’ ranking is slightly inflated due to having already had three byes. Their impressive upset victory over the Broncos, just days after the shocking sacking of coach Justin Holbrook, marked a significant step forward for a team that has been plagued by defensive vulnerabilities and a tendency to falter late in games. Notably, David Fifita and Moe Fotuaika delivered exceptional performances in the absence of Tino Fa’asuamaleuai.
Captain Fa’asuamaleuai will return to the Titans’ lineup this week, with his brother Izack making way for him in the 17.
The Raiders have maintained a stronghold over the Titans in recent encounters, emerging victorious in seven of their last eight matchups. This includes wins both at home (24-22) and away (36-24) in the previous season. However, the Titans showcased their dominance with a resounding 44-6 victory at GIO Stadium in 2021.
With high stakes and fierce competition, the clash between the Canberra Raiders and the Gold Coast Titans promises to be an exhilarating spectacle at GIO Stadium. Keep a close eye on the team lineups, standout players, and the relentless pursuit for victory in this pivotal NRL Round 18 encounter.
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 Faâasuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Chris Randall 18. Iszac Faâasumaleaui 19. Jojo Fifita 20. Kruise Leeming 21. Klese Haas 22. Jacob Alick
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Pasami Saulo 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Ata Mariota 18. Brad Schneider 19. Danny Levi 20. Matt Frawley 21. Xavier Savage 22. Peter Hola
PREDICTION
Titans plus 5.5 points looks juicy @ $1.72. As mentioned above, the Titans are in with a chance of winning, let alone making this game competitive with the line in their favour.
Total points over 42.5. The points conceded this season should ensure the total is high once again.
With Josh Papali’i out this is a huge loss for Canberra, and Tino Faa’asuamaleaui in for the Titans this will be a tight game. I think the Raiders will be favourites here at home in beautiful conditions. Temperature at kick off will be around 0 degrees. This will suit Canberra more than the team from the warm Gold Coast.
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