The Gold Coast Titans play host to a Parramatta Eels side desperate to keep touch with the top eight.
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Coming off an unexpected last-start win, The Titans will again fancy their chances at home against a side they have dominated in recent times.
Having lost seven of the previous ten meetings – including five of the six matches played on the Coast – the Eels must defy history if they are to walk away with two points here.
Even on 20 competition points, but just a win outside the top eight, means that both of these sides will be desperate to secure the victory and keep their finals aspirations in check – for another week at least.
For the Eels, they will also be desperate to put a stop to the rot that has plagued their season for more than a month – failing to win a match since Round 14.
Dave Taylor is again named to play in the centres, while Luke Bailey makes way due to injury.
The inspirational Greg Bird returns from suspension, while Maurice Blair and Cody Nelson are listed on a five-man bench.
The Eels name an unchanged line-up from last Friday’s loss to the Rabbitohs.
Despite the Titans starting favourites, there should be very little between the sides, as shown by their positions on the ladder.
While the Eels are expected to come out with a point to prove, they’ll need their superstar Jarryd Hayne to fire if they are to stand any chance.
The Titans’ strong, mobile forwards – coupled with the dynamic Brad Takairangi at five-eighth and the return of skipper Bird – should stand as the tipping points.
Titans by 4.
Will the Titans continue their dominance or can the Eels right the wrongs of their past?
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V.O.R.
Guest
Looks like Carty has just been given the flick. Maybe Ivan has a spot for him. A good move for the Titans I think.
Vivalasvegan
Guest
Can't argue with that... Sensational in attack
V.O.R.
Guest
yer I remember the response to the Titans franchise was initially strong...injuries (espec halves) haven't helped the downward spiral. They have a decent roster when they are all on the paddock.
TheSmak
Guest
Yep, hard to sell tickets with that kind of home record. When the titans first showed up on the scene there was so much promise i knew a lot of people who snatched up memberships. Now none of those people have memberships. I hate to say it but the Titans have become boring, predictable and play unattractive football. It's really hard to market for them especially when nothing seems to change. I know a lot of people are saying it and i am as well 'Cartwright has to go'. They need a breath of fresh air, then the fans will come back. "If you replace him they will come".
parrafan
Guest
Another average game from Hayne. Don't know why parra persist with him. Wouldn't get a start in any other NRL team. So inconsistent.
Carolyn Hearn
Guest
Can someone please tell Brett Kimmorley to slow his speech down,he speaks way too fast to make sense..so many people mention it,it's a turn off..
V.O.R.
Guest
Cartwright's job must be looking shaky now. Titans 9th loss in a row at home? Sounded like an Eels home game. Tough times.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: GOLD COAST TITANS 18 DEF. BY PARRAMATTA EELS 24 Until next time, Roarers. Head over to the Bulldogs vs Cowboys live blog to join the discussion live from 7:30pm AEST. Thank you and goodnight!
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
80' - TRY: James Roberts scoots around Radradra, Try converted. Parramatta lead 24-18 with 11 seconds on the clock!
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
77' - Ben Smith trudges off the field with what looks to be a broken nose. (GCT 12:24 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
72' - The Gold Coast are clearly lacking that 'X-factor' that the Eels possess tonight. Down by 12 with 7 minutes on the clock, it looks a mountain too high for the Titans to climb here. (GCT 12:24 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
69' - TRY: Norman scores what can only be described as an opportunistic try and that should be enough to see the Eels get the win here. Adjacent to the posts, Sandow will convert and extend the margin to 12! (GCT 12:24 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
67' - Hayne splits the Titans' defence before Sandow forces a repeat set. The Titans are in all sorts here. (GCT 12:18 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
65' - 15 to go and the Titans are lifting their energy in defence. They'll need something special if they are to come back from here. ALL of the momentum with Parramatta. (GCT 12:18 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
61' - VIDEO REFERRAL: 'TRY' for Hayne sent upstairs. Should see the green lights here. Sandow will convert and the Eels will lead by 6! (GCT 12:18 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
55' - CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL: Sandow adds the 2 points from the sideline and we're back where we started. Titans and Eels locked again. (GCT 12:12 PAR)
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
more than made up for it with that try there.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
54' - TRY: THE HAYNE PLANE TAKES OFF! Jarryd Hayne runs 70 metres - beating plenty in the process - to score in the corner! Magical from the NSW fullback. Titans lead 12-10, kick to come.
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
52' - Gordon can't convert. The score remains. (GCT 12:6 PAR)
Vivalasvegan
Guest
That is the difference between Slater and Hayne... Position in defence