Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders: NRL live scores

Taree - we were a manic attacking team in 2016 but couldn't make the GF - we had Austin, BJ and Rapana playing out of their skins but we couldn't defend - in 2017 and 2018 we couldn't protect a lead and finished a dismal 10th in both years. With Ricky's more defensive style we've made a GF and PF in 2019 and 2020 and I think we make top 4 again this year. We are much better organised defensively now than we were - that defensive effort against the Titans was superb - that's not luck - that comes from effort and attitude - but we need to be better in attack no doubt. Its only round 4. I'll take 3/4 so far even if it hasn't been that pretty.

Geoff, the Raiders won't win a game come semi finals time if they play like they have been so far this year. They have the best squad of 30 in the competition, every one of them are first grade standard, the halfback & five eight are also covered with Frawley & Sam Williams. This squad can win the competition. But they don't have a Tedesco or Paps (Can't spell the Storm Fullbacks name) Those two can break a game open with little to no room. The Raiders were at their best when they played the 2016 season, they were totally unpredictable in attack, to the point where no other team could counter them. If you play like the Storm or Roosters they will choke you out & counter with their fullbacks. You have to have a point of difference. The Titans were very unlucky 3 times not to score so I think it was a lucky win really. The game itself was boring. Offloads & unpredicatable attack are the key to the Raiders success, backed up with solid defence. I'm excited about our roster, but I don't want to endure a season where we win some, loose some & get to the semi's & go out in straight sets due to playing a defensive focused game which is defeated by individual brilliance from the likes of Tedesco. I'd rather come 9th & be unpredictable, having a red hot go every game, than come somewhere in the top four & go out backwards.

I don’t know but I wanted to comment on the video ref denying an awarded try. I didn’t see a knock on or forward deflection.

Where is the Knights - Dragons blog, please?

James has been fantastic so far. Puts pressure on the opposition kickers as well. Not sure what to make of Lui's short and only stint. He did have a dropped ball but seemed to be solid for the rest of his stint. Horse, Guler and CHN still waiting in the wings.

Ricky had their minds focussed on shutting the Titans down defensively which they did superbly. Still a lot of work to do in attack but they have a really solid base to work with. The forwards have been immense. Sutton and Paps in particular. Really impressed with the efforts of Kris and Simonsson as well. Like you I was amazed they didn’t flag in the last 20. If anything the Titans looked more gassed. Credit to the recovery sessions they must have had after the Warriors game. Noted that Ricky was pleased with 3/4 in the past month against teams that are threatening for a top 8 finish in the Sharks, Warriors and Titans – Tigers less so but there first half against the Raiders in round 1 was very good. Critics seem to think these are gimme games but your attitude needs to be right to get these wins.

To quote Peter Sterling; _"It is a mistake to weaken one position to strengthen another"._ AJ Brimson at FB is a big reason for the Titans looking sharp in attack. I think they are risking bigger problems if they tinker with that. Peachey will handle the role well enough, but the Titans still won't have an effective kicking game irrespective of which of the two join Boyd in the halves.

I reckon their draw and media support will paper over a lot of cracks this year. Any other team would be getting panned for a combined record of 10 for and 39 against when facing decent competition

Very well could be with Taylor not due back for another week or 2. They could move Brimson in and bring young Campbell into FB. Or just tell Peachy to play league and forget the bloody games.

I'm still not convinced by the titans. Their pack is great but they can't capitalise on the front foot ball. Yep Taylor and fogarty were down but even in games they've been there they looked disjointed

Great turnaround by the Raiders after last week’s disappointment. They now have their two toughest matches ahead - Penrith and Parra. I’m more hopeful than confident the Raiders can put one over the Panthers away.

No doubt the Raiders are a Top 3 side and were too finesse full for the Titans who bungled two, had a prop inexplicably drop the ball on an early tackle with gravity and Peachy at times an anchor around their necks. Them and Sharks for 7 and 8.

Starting with James (who barely played last week) so that he was on at the finish was smart from Ricky. Though unless I missed something I think Lui again only played one short stint at the start of the game? Very strange.

Maybe if they can show something against a side actually expected to compete. At the moment they're getting a lot of credit for only losing games by 13 and 16 anyone not expected to fight for the spoon.

I’m with you HY. I tipped them to win - before reading they’d been (allegedly) at a pub with their captain playing pokies for “several hours.” You can take the players out of the Gold Coast, but you can take the Gold Coast out of the players!

Lucky then that there is a high probability (and my pre-season prediction) that the 2021 GF will be Rabbitohs vs Panthers. :stoked: :thumbup:

If Fogarty can't play next week due to his quad injury you can bet Peachey will end up in the halves partnering Boyd. So I guess you are right Nat.

I know what you mean. I'd be embarrassed if some of my gaffs on forums were ever made public! :silly: :laughing:

It will take at least a year to break into the top 4, at least. Those improvements will not come easy.

Me too Harry. But the Titans cramped up instead. Go figure!