It’s coming to the pointy end of the season, the top eight is taking shape and it’s the Canterbury Bulldogs chasing a top four spot while the Gold Coast Titans are vying for a place in the eight. Join us for live scores and updates from 7.00pm.
With a number of excitement machines missing, this clash will be a battle of the forwards.
Taking on the mighty Bulldogs pack of Sam Kasiano, James Graham, Frank Pritchard and Tony Williams will be Greg Bird, Nate Myles and the Titans own big boppers: Dave Taylor and Ryan James.
Only two positional changes have been confirmed.
The Titans have moved Ryan James to the bench for Luke Douglas to start and the Bulldogs have moved Josh Jackson to the bench for Tony Williams.
It was reported on Friday that Titans fullback Will Zillman was running freely at training and could be a late inclusion.
Zillman hasn’t played since round 16 when he injured his groin and would replace David Mead who impressed last week.
If so Zillman’s inclusion would be a boost to the Titans as they are struggling without attacking weapons Albert Kelly and Jamal Idris.
Two more victories should be enough to secure a top eight spot for the Bulldogs (currently fifth place on 26 points) while the Titans have a hard run home facing both the Roosters and the Storm.
The Titans are ninth on 26 points, one point behind the Knights who are eighth. They’ve lost 4 of their last five while the Bulldogs have won their last three games, albeit their last two were over the Eels and Dragons.
Adding to the Titans pressure is the news their coach John Cartwright’s is facing the sack should they not make the finals this year. He has the lowest winning percentage of any NRL coach, winning just 24 of his past 66 games for a 36.4 per cent success rate.
In what should be a tough match i’m tipping Canterbury to be too strong at home.
Bulldogs by four
Be sure to come back at 7pm sharp for more information, all the games highlights as they happen minute-by-minute and a bit of banter with yours truly.
Cameron
Roar Guru
For the 14th time since GCTitans joined the NRL in 07', all 3 Queensland teams have won in a round. Last time was Rd 19 2012.
DMW
Guest
Legitimate case for 457 visas... Wanted: 12 NRL Referees ASAP
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Yea you're right. The Titans were more under strength and still managed to lift. Inu and Perrett tried hard... Needed more zing...
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Greg Bird man of the match. What a man. Get him back at Cronulla I say ;)
des' right hand
Guest
+1 not to mention the driver penalty he was fishing for lol
Trent
Guest
We can't rely on Barba
Trent
Guest
Titans won without Idris, Zillman, Kelly against a full strength doggies side minus Barba :|
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Thanks for reading. Jump onto twitter to continue the conversation https://twitter.com/crackaShaun Titans with it all to do if they are to remain in the 8. Birdy man of the match or Sezer?
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
It's an upset. Brave performance by the Gold Coast. Dogs lacked that spark (Benny Barba) their forwards were brilliant. A good contest
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Drama at the death. PENALTY ENNIS six meters offside... He was charging down an attempted field goal. FULL TIME. Titans add the extra two 26-16 final score
des' right hand
Guest
Josh Hollywood reynolds again proves he is skilless and buckles under the pressure. Go Manly 2013 premiers. Well done titans broke history lol
ngor
Guest
No the bulldogs have lost
Trent
Guest
:|
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Gordon has been in everything, three tries tonight. Bird dummies, runs, close to the line, just when it looks like he's wrapped up he snorts and buffs and frees he arm, passes to the winger Gordon, he dives in the corner. Sezer AGAIN is successful with the conversion TITANS lead 24-16 ONE MINUTE REMAINING
des' right hand
Guest
Sweeeet lovinnnnnn!!!!!
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
INU wants to be suspended again fair dinkum almost drops the guy on his head but play on... TRY!
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Titans are ten metres away. Grubber into the in goal, Mitch brown fights hard,it took a lot of fight to keep him in goal DROP OUT
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Reynoldsnbomb taken by Mead...... MEAD the speedster runs fifty metres before he's stopped
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Titans lead 18-16 anyone's game
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
Dogs once again bring it out of their half. They have scored a brilliant try here. I thought it may have been a forward pass but they go upstairs so disregard that, checkingg for a knock on from Reynolds into his own player Morris. A try from nothing if Morris hasn't gotten in the way... What a fight back! They are looking at it a few times. Im unsure... TRY TIME the lights spin green well done doggies. Offload by Inu to Reynolds to run forty and put it under the black dot