Magic Round concludes with the Gold Coast Titans facing the toughest task in the game at the moment: taking on the undefeated Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium. Follow this NRL matchh with live scores on The Roar from 6:25pm (AEST).
Sitting pretty on top with a 9-0 record, the Panthers are flying. They obliterated the Sharks 48-0 last week to remind the competition yet again that they’re the best team going around, Charlie Staines’ hat-trick simply the most flashy effort in a consummate team performance.
They’ve won 25 of their past 26 games, the only loss to the Storm in last year’s grand final: even coming close to Ivan Cleary’s men at the moment feels like Mission Impossible.
The Titans broke a three-match losing streak with a vital 36-28 win over the Tigers; but Justin Holbrook will need to fix up his side’s leaky defence to stand a chance against the ladder-leaders.
David Fifita was optimistically named in the team on Tuesday before his two-match suspension was upheld by the NRL judiciary – it’s expected Beau Fermor will move to the second row in his place and Esan Marsters will slot in at centre. Replacing Fifita’s game-breaking ability will be a major challenge for the Titans in this one.
Kick-off: 6:25pm (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: Fox League
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go
Odds: Titans $7.30, Panthers $1.09 (odds via PlayUp)
Titans
1. Alex Brimson, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Beau Fermor, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Jamal Fogarty (c), 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tyrone Peachey
Bench/Reserves: 14. Moeaki Fotuaika, 14. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Jaiman Jolliffe, 17. Esan Marsters | 18. Sam McIntyre, 19. Erin Clark, 20. Sam Stone, 21. Jayden Campbell
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary (c), 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo
Bench/Reserves: 14. Tyrone May, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Matthew Eisenhuth, 17. J’maine Hopgood | 18. Paul Momirovski, 19. Spencer Leniu, 20. Robert Jennings, 21. Mitch Kenny
JGK
Roar Guru
Interesting the Nathan Cleary was critical of the crackdown today. He reminded us that “we’re still playing a contact sport”.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
The product has been awful and all due to the stupidity of the. NRL
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I’m actually missing golden point, an innovation i hated
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Well done B’Landys.. king of boring
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
The drop off rule will apply in golden point . Or something else to speed up the contest .
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I love draws and hate Golden Point but will we ever see one again.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
These blowouts are getting ridiculously boring.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
But Gus picks his mark. Why waste time talking to the CEO . I think a little bit disrespectful . Surely the NRL can make a decision without referring to V'Landys.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Maybe he will avoid talking about Rugby League and tell us why accountancy is not boring.
Graham
Guest
If i was a coach i would do everything i could do practice getting line dropouts If you can get a possession advantage its really tough for the other team not to be exhausted and eventually sloppy
Rellum
Roar Guru
It would be interesting see if the Panthers and Storm would struggle defensively if they didn't dominate possession. A lot of the reads from players are just poor. So many players rushing out of the line, so many wingers wanting to tackle centres and not stay on their wing. At some point the old defensive structures have to make way for something new and more functional. They all need to trust players to make more one on one tackles. Of course they need to be better at one on one tackles as well.
Luke S
Roar Rookie
Well that was a dull contest! Thanks again for that Uncle Pete!
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Trouble is most teams are playing 40 minutes and Penrith are playing the full 80.
79
Rob
Guest
He’s got super human strength Cleary.
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Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Penrith have average of 30 for to 7 against each match. Bit frightening.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Missed the second half, just turned it back on and actually shocked it’s 42-12.... meaning 12-all in the second half... did the teams swap jerseys at the break?
Rob
Guest
O’Donnell got Lewis at the base of the throat. Pretty much same spot.
Rob
Guest
Okay Kikau made forceful contact with the head there.