The second game of the Brisbane double-header delivers us home game for the Bulldogs north of the boarder. It isn't the first time that they have done this and it does seem like a good money raising activity, especially when the Titans would have limited supporters in Sydney. Add in the Broncos home game beforehand, and you are looking at a crowd difference of around 30 000-35 000. Now convert that into dollars and it seems like a great plan to make money. The players will certainly be happy to play infront of a massive crowd at a great stadium for rugby league. Lets have a look!Des Hasler has again gone with the same team that gave it to Parramatta in Round 9, beating them 46-12. What was shaping as a good contest in the first 20 minutes of that game soon became a walk in the park for the Dogs running in 3 tries in 6 minutes before halftime. The Bulldogs will be full of confidence after that performance and will be looking to do the same again against the Titans. Martin Taupau has been added to an extended Bulldogs bench of 5, with one to drop off before kick off. Michael Ennis and Josh Morris will be looking to further press their claims for State of Origin selection with a big game this Friday. Morris scored 3 tries last week and displayed some impressive speed to break the line several time and also be there to support his team mates and finish a linebreak with a try. Ennis has come under speculation this year with some suggesting that he is not playing at 100% and definitely not playing to the form that saw him selected as the incumbant hooker for the Blues last year. He is a fierce competitor though and while current locked in a battle for the number 9 jersey, you can be assured that the Bulldogs captain will want to lead from the front again.
Gold Coast Titans
Everything that could have gone wrong this year for the Titans, almost has. They will be again without their halfback Scott Prince and have a rookie combination in the halves of young Jordan Rankin and Aidan Sezer. Both players were standouts in the U/20s Toyota Cup, but are quickly finding out that the NRL is a major step up for them to make a name for themselves. They will have a platform set for them behind a pretty decent forward pack on paper, but a game of rugby league is never played on paper. The Titans have a wealth of experience in the forwards but can be guitly of being "soft" this year by not dominating other teams by going forward. Last week they stepped up against the West Tigers, losing 15-14 in golden point extra-time, but the Tigers have also been accused of being "soft" (this isn't an ambush!). The Titans will have players pushing for Origin selection for both NSW and QLD, namely Greg Bird and Jamal Idris (NSW) and Nate Myles and Ashley Harrison (QLD). The Titans do have some fantastic finishers out wide with speed to burn but they must get the job done on defence as well.
Recent History
Last 5 games: Bulldogs 3 Titans 2
At Suncorp Stadium: Bulldogs 2 Titans 1
Odds
TAB Sportsbet - Bulldogs $1.30 Titans $3.60
Centrebet - Bulldogs $1.34 Titans $3.35
Sportsbet - Bulldogs $1.33 Titans $3.40
Verdict
Too big and too strong! That is what the Bulldogs should be in this game. They have been the far superior team this season and seem to be playing with a lot more will and desire. Scott Prince may be a late inclusion to the Titans starting side for the clash and that could sway the markets and almost get the Bulldogs out to a decent enough price for you to throw your money on. They're playing with a lot of confidence and should be able to out play the Titans.
Suggested Bet
Bulldogs 1-12 @ $2.90
Good luck!
Scooby
Doggieeeeeessssss!!!
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