The Tigers are out to snap a three-match losing streak as they head to their spiritual home, Leichhardt Oval, to take on the Titans.
The Tigers put in by far their worst performance of the season last round, being thumped 48-12 by the Raiders, as they were embarrassed 38-0 in the second half.
This sees Ivan Cleary’s side four points outside the eight, after such an unexpectededly great start to the season.
The team have received a much-needed injection of class in the spine, with Robbie Farah back to his boyhood club starting at hooker, while Canterbury recruit Moses Mbye makes his debut for the club at fullback.
Mahe Fonua is out, with Kevin Naiqama shifting into centre, and Corey Thompson moving from fullback to wing. Josh Reynolds returns at five-eighth for Tyson Gamble, with Elijah Taylor moving back to lock. Josh Aloiai starts in the back row, Robbie Rochow drops to the reserves, and Matt Eisenhuth and Sauaso Sue are on the bench.
The Titans, in contrast, put in perhaps their best performance of the season last time out, beating the Bulldogs 32-10 at Belmore, to register just their fifth win of the season.
Gold Coast have made minimal changes this week, with Jarrod Wallace returning from suspension at prop, pushing Jack Stockwell to the bench and Morgan Boyle to the reserves.
Verdict
If it was at any other ground, I would tip the Titans.
But the injection of both Mbye and Farah will give the Tigers a lot more presence in the spine and, with their season on the line, they often grow another leg at Leichhardt.
Having said that, Gold Coast are a real chance, given the attacking prowess they showed last week. They have a decent side in there somewhere, and it wouldn’t surprise if they win more than they lose over the second half of the season.
Tigers by 1.
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