South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans: NRL live scores, blog

Finals are on the line for the Gold Coast Titans as they take on the in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs in an ‘away’ game at Cbus Super Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).

With a tough draw over the next fortnight, the pressure is firmly on the Titans this afternoon. A win sees them solidify their spot in the top 8 with only three rounds remaining. A loss, and they are right back in the logjam of teams searching for that elusive finals spot.

The bad news for the Titans is that they are going to have to do it against one of the most in-form teams in the competition. The Rabbits are now chasing ten straight wins, following their 40-12 thrashing of Parramatta last weekend.

Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell are at the top of their game, and have done that off the go-forward of a very underrated pack. If Titans are to stand any chance, they need to slow down Cameron Murray, who is the master at quick play-the-balls.

Wayne Bennett has the added benefit of no new injuries or suspension, so has named the same 17 that dismantled the Eels.

The Titans have had a good side on paper this year, but they haven’t always delivered on that promise. They come into this off three straight wins and have made their way to 7th spot on the ladder.

Toby Sexton has made the most of his chance, following the injury to Jamal Fogarty, and has developed a nice combination with Ash Taylor. Fogarty is now available to return, but Sexton has held his spot.

Gold Coast also has no new concerns regarding injuries or suspensions. Tyrone Peachey returns from suspension and will start from the bench, replacing Erin Clark.

Prediction

It is one thing to be aware of the Rabbitohs’ left edge. It is another thing altogether to stop it. Josh Mansour had a field day against Parramatta and Walker and Mitchell will be looking to repeat the dose.

The Gold Coast have a big pack of forwards and will be looking to gain dominance over the Rabbitohs’ pack.

I don’t see an upset here.

South Sydney Rabbitohs by 14.

Game information

Kick-off: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
TV: Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Rabbitohs $1.16, Titans $5.20 (odds via PlayUp)

Teams

South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dane Gagai 4. Taane Milne 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench/Reserves: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Jacob Host 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Jaydn Su’A | 18. Braidon Burns 19. Patrick Mago 20. Hame Sele 21. Blake Taaffe

Gold Coast Titans
1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Toby Sexton 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 17. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

strong>Bench/Reserves: 12. David Fifita 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe | 18. Erin Clark 19. Sam McIntyre 20. Esan Marsters 21. Jamal Fogarty