This afternoon Penrith Panthers play host to the Gold Coast Titans, who head to the foot of the mountains after two straight wins. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEDT.
The Titans have struck a rich vein of form over the last two matches including a 36-0 annihilation of Canberra.
They backed that up with a very tough 16-14 win over NRL Premiership heavyweights Manly in round three last weekend.
The Panthers have done the exact opposite to the Titans. A 32-10 round one win over Canberra was followed by two defeats, 28-18 to the Tigers and 44-32 to the Rabbitohs.
Penrith will gain some confidence from last week despite the loss. After trailing 34-16 they came home with a wet sail and trailed by just two points with two minutes left to play.
Similarly, the Titans will feel that they have the firepower to match it with the best after toppling the undefeated Sea Eagles last weekend.
The Titan’s have named a full strength line-up including Ashley Harrison. Harrison was taken from the field on a medi-cab last weekend after falling victim to a Richie Fa’aoso shoulder charge.
The Penrith side includes experienced players Brad Tighe and Cameron Ciraldo who have both recently returned from injury.
The key to this match looks to be whether or not the Panthers pack can match it with the vastly experienced Titans forwards.
Myles, Bird, Harrison and Douglas coupled with Taylor and Bailey off the bench means an 80 minute onslaught.
The Panthers lack nothing in size either, with origin prop Tim Grant and behemoth Sam McKendry up front. But they will need to be at their very best against a white-hot Titans machine.
The match-up between halves Albert Kelly (Titans) and Luke Walsh (Panthers) will also be interesting.
Both are unfashionable types that, unlike many other clubs, are not their marquee players. Kelly has grabbed what appeared to be his last chance at the NRL with both hands and appears a much more mature footballer both on and off the park.
Walsh has taken a little while to establish himself as a regular top grader and really needs to make this his watershed year.
Look for the Panthers to show more discipline in defence after a 14-try match in stifling heat last weekend.
The Titans were tough despite losing Harrison last week and will be very confident heading into this.
Titans by 8.
Robshots
Roar Guru
Full Time : The Titans win 28-10. The Panthers could not match it with the Gold Coast who executed well when afforded opportunities. The Penrith side created plenty of chances but the Titans defence and ability to scramble was equal to the task. Join The Roar for the next live match at 6:30 tonight when Newcastle host the Raiders at Hunter Stadium.
Robshots
Roar Guru
80' Sezer misses his first attempt for the day to finish with 5/6 as the hooter sounds in the background. Live Score: Titans 28 - Panthers 10
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79' TITANS TRY!!! The Gold Coast throws a short ball to Shrama makes a break who passes back to Gordon for a great try. Live Score: Titans 28 - Panthers 10
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79' A Humble cross filed kick for Mansour almost comes off. Titans ball. Live Score: Titans 24 - Panthers 10
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78' Panthers make a break via Walsh who has been tireless today, a pass to Manu and flick to Naiqama sees them close to the line. Live Score: Titans 24 - Panthers 10
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78' Albert Kelly kicks on the last and Dean Whare returns to the 30m fro the Panthers Live Score: Titans 24 - Panthers 10
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78' The Titans work the ball back out from the Panthers kick off. Live Score: Titans 24 - Panthers 10
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77' Sezer converts Live Score: Titans 24 - Panthers 10
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TITANS TRY!!!!!! A poor pass is swooped on by Kevin Gordon who sprints 90m to score for the Titans and seal the win for the Gold Coast. Live Score: Titans 22 - Panthers 10
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Roar Guru
77' Panthers pass the ball through many sets of hands with no try after 2 tackles. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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74' Panthers make good ground and bomb for Zillman on the last. Zillman knocks on! Panthers opportunity as time runs out 10m out from the line. Can they do it? Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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73' Titans work the ball well downfield and kick into touch 2m out from the Panthers line. Titans using the wind well. No urgency being shown from the Panthers to get to the scrum. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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Roar Guru
71' Panthers work the ball to the Titans 30m line. Walsh throws a long pass on the last tackle which goes to Naiqama who grubbers. Naiqama is deemed to have impeded Gordon. Titans penalty. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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Roar Guru
70' Sezer attempts a 40/20 but it is too long and goes touch in goal. Panthers 20m restart. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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69' McKendry turns the ball over for Penrith Titans ball Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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69' Penrith Penalty for a strip Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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68' Penrith attack the line. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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68' Panthers set finished with a Tom Humble grubber. Mead is forced to knock the ball dead. Titans drop out Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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69' A brake from Dave Taylor, passes to Shrama who passed to Michaels who grubbers, all chasers over run the ball and Penrith counter attack. Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10
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Roar Guru
67' Panthers make it back to half way and a good kick bounced awkwardly for Mead who does well Live Score: Titans 18 - Panthers 10