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The Wests Tigers are gunning for the top four while the Gold Coast Titans travel to Campbelltown Sports Stadium playing for pride and looking to halt a seventh straight victory for the Tigers. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:00pm AEST.
The Titans are coming off two impressive victories in the last three weeks to give them some hope for next season.
Tonight’s game will prove to be a sterner test as the Tigers have more than the two points to play for as they mark a special night for a host of departing Tigers: Todd Payten, Bryce Gibbs, Tim Moltzen, Wade McKinnon, Andrew Fifita and Mark Flanagan all being honoured with a special post-match tribute.
The Tigers have been a revelation over the past six weeks, stepping up to overcome a midseason form slump and off-field issues including the now-ended drama of Benji Marshall’s court case.
The Tigers are bolstered by the return of internationals Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis. Matt Utai, who has filled in admirably while Tuqiri has been sidelined, shifts to the centres with Mitch Brown moving to the bench.
Mark Flanagan is the unlucky one who misses out due to the return of Ellis.
The Titans personnel changes sees Clinton Toopi displacing Dominique Peyroux (broken hand) at centre, while inspirational leader Luke Bailey makes his return which pushes Anthony Laffranchi to the second row and Luke O’Dwyer to the bench.
The History
Played 8; Titans 5, Wests Tigers 3. The Titans have won three of the past four games between the sides, including a 20-14 win at Skilled Park in Round 6.
Key Stats
• The Tigers have scored more tries (43) down the right corridor than any other team, while the Titans have leaked more tries to teams down the right sideline (their left defence) than any other side (42).
• Titans have a strong record against the Tigers. The past three games have been extremely close affairs (a combined winning margin of just 10 points)
• The Tigers are the ‘Monday Night Kings’ – over the past three seasons they’ve won seven of eight games to close out a round.
Key Matchup
Greg Bird got back to his destructive self on the weekend, running for 167m from 22 hit-ups, as well as 32 tackles, one offload, a line break and a try assist. He will be a key player again for the Titans this week.
In contrast, Chris Heighington had an off day against the Eels statistically, running for 94m from his 12 hit-ups, making only 29 tackles but also making two errors. He will need to step up in a face-off with Bird this week.
Lineups
Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Matt Utai, Lote Tuqiri, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Mitch Brown, Todd Payten, Matt Groat, Aaron Woods.
Titans: Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, William Zillman, Preston Campbell (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer
Match Officials: Referees – Steve Lyons, Phil Haines; Sideline Officials – Adam Reid, David Munro; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.
Betting: West Tigers – $1.08, Gold Coast Titans – $7.
[livescoring id=”dom-NRL20112508″]
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