The Canberra Raiders have emerged 42-16 victors over a gallant but injury-ravaged Titans outfit on the Gold Coast.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Gold Coast Titans 16
Canberra Raiders 42
Expect plenty of points this afternoon as the Gold Coast Titans host premiership aspirants the Canberra Raiders. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST).
Having suffered three defeats already, the Raiders will be keen to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this year to kick-start a campaign filled with expectation.
Despite their slow start, Canberra are slowly but surely finding their attacking groove. The right-hand combination of Joseph Leilua and Jordan Rapana is flourishing, as demonstrated by recent attacking raids against the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels.
Despite only having the one win next to their name, Neil Henry’s men always compete and will cause problems if the Green Machine is affected by complacency.
Despite being ravaged by injury, the Gold Coast still possess plenty of talent. Another strong performance from Ash Taylor will aid his evolution as one of the best young halves in the NRL.
His battle with Raiders star Blake Austin should be a beauty. Both players are superb attacking talents and invariably instigate their teams’ offensive plays. Whoever wins that showdown will most likely lead their team to victory.
Overall, the Titans need a win to keep pace with the top eight, while the Raiders need a win to establish the momentum required to challenge for a top-four or top-two finish.
Prediction
While the Titans will give a committed performance, the Raiders possess the class and power upfront required to secure their second straight win.
Raiders by 14
Harry
Guest
Looking at the replay of the first one I think also that Rapana just wasn't holding the ball in the right way to get a pass away to Austin. It all happened at speed and the way he was carrying the ball in the split-second when Austin was on the inside it would've been a pretty awkward pass to throw. Rapana's got two try assists for Austin already this season so we know he's more than willing to get the ball to a support runner if a try's in the offing. Just didn't quite work out this game but nothing to worry about. I was critical of Austin for not running enough support lines last season. He's back doing it this season which is great to see because it's what led to a lot of his tries in the 2015 season.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
I thought that was a pretty comprehensive win for the Raiders tonight. The Titans got a couple of soft tries either side of half time but you'd have to be pretty happy with the way the Raiders played for 95% of the game. I thought Rapana, Sezer, Papalii, Hodgson, Boyd and Paulo were outstanding. Saw some earlier comments about Rapana bombing a couple of tries but in the second one Austin has overrun Rapana by a couple a couple of metres - so you could understand why Rapana didn't want to throw an obvious forward pass.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Turn it up Swannies - you're like a cracked record. Sure the Storm are playing well but there are plenty of teams who can win the comp this year - including the Raiders.
Swannies
Guest
Raiders are catching up to Storm, Roosters, Panthers and Cowboys. But of course no-one would want to play Storm in this year's Grand Final as they will send off Cronk with a premiership medallion. Raiders turn will come in 2018.
Jono
Guest
Happy to see the Raiders finally get an away win. Plus not only a win, but a pretty big one at that. A lot of very good performances across the park. Raiders need to continue to build off the recent wins and push their way into and stay in the good part of the ladder near the top. Biggest disappointment is that the Raiders leaked a try in both 5 min periods on either side of the half. Plus (now having seen the Titans' third try) were pretty weak efforts by the Raiders defensively. Would have been nice if they delivered a defensive effort like that against the Tigers. A wins a win though. Anything is better than what happened in Raiders v Titans in early rounds last year...at least as long as you're a Raiders fan.
Alan
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
Alan
Roar Guru
Both teams going through the motions here. Raiders with a good win at the end of the day. Further improvement required of course. FULLTIME Titans 16 Raiders 42
Alex L
Roar Rookie
In all fairness, he's botched two tries this game by ignoring support runners.
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Titans with a chance to score a consolation try. Raiders eager to improve their defence after being opened up far too easily on occasion tonight. Titans understrength big time as well. Titans 16 Raiders 42
JoM
Guest
I want to hug him. I demoted Shaun Johnson as my SC captain and gave it to Rapana this week!
Alan
Roar Guru
As predicted, a very high scoring contest here. Raiders obviously have piled on the majority of those points. Raiders on the attack again. Titans 16 Raiders 42
Jono
Guest
I am. Him and BJ are often behind a lot of good for the Raiders, but sometimes they do things that make you want to hug them and then shake them violently.
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Titans on the attack. Boyle tackled just short! Raiders back with possession though. Titans 16 Raiders 42
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Raiders with a great chance to boost their points differential. They attack again. Raiders simply with too much firepower for the Titans to handle. Titans this time survive on their line. Titans 16 Raiders 42
Alan
Roar Guru
Are you being harsh on Rapana Jono??? Rapana??? Titans 16 Raiders 42
Alan
Roar Guru
Game over! Raiders secure the competition points as Cotric scores after being set up by Croker who calmly assesses the situation and passes inside for the winger to score! Titans pay the price for a poor error from Hurrell. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Titans 16 Raiders 42
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RAIDERS Titans 16 Raiders 40
Jono
Guest
Note to Rapana: See what Croker did?
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Titans still with time here to make a game of this but they need to post points soon. Raiders working it out of their own half. Titans 16 Raiders 36
doogs
Guest
Good point. Thanks Alan