NRL Round 12 Newcastle Knight v Gold Coast Titans Preview

Super Saturday (well minus 1 game) kicks off at Hunter Stadium as the Newcastle Knights host the Gold Coast Titans. Both teams have struggled this season and have been affected by injuries throughout the beginning of the year. There was a lot of hype around at the beginning of the season for Newcastle after they signed Wayne Bennett from the Dragons. But what he couldn't plan for was the injury toll. There is definitely a difference in their attitude this year but Bennett was never going to make a great impact other than this in his first year of coaching because he didn't have all of the players there that he wanted. The Titans have been very disappointing thus far, despite beating Manly at Brookvale and coming off a win over the Bulldogs. Regardless, their coach John Cartwright is another coach that is under a tonne of pressure. His player can be accused of under performing at certain times but the reason this has occurred is because the players that the Titans have are full of potential, they're just failing to fullfil it at this stage. When they do click, it is good to watch. They have absolute speedsters on either wings that can not only finish off a back line movement but leap high into the air or get on the end of a well placed kick. Both teams come into this round off a Bye and will have relished the week off to rest the bumps and bruises. It is very early on the season and I know that you shouldn't say this, but there is a lot on the line for both teams at this point in the season and that includes a spot in the final 8 come September.

Newcastle Knights

Some good news for the Knights coming into this one with the return of skipper Danny Buderus from a chronic Achilles injury to start at hooker and (Waltzin') Matt Hilder goes back to the bench. Joel Edwards also return to the 17 from suspension. Coming off the Bye, the Knights resume after the previous week suffer a home loss to the Cowboys. They will be hoping that 2 of their back 3 get through SOO without injury. Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate both play on the wings and should definitely feature in this one. The Knights can ill-afford to rest players with the injury toll that they have. In their general play this season the Knights have look poor, but they have looked tough in defence (not all the time) and have been able to hold out teams for extended periods of time. But when they crack, they tend to leak a lot of points. As mentioned, they have suffered a fair few injuries this season which has definitely lead to very dour football throughout the season. A lot of league fans will agree with me when I say this, but the game that the Knights played against the Panther on MNF a few weeks ago was one of the most boring football games I have seen in a long time. They have to lift to another level for this one.

Gold Coast Titans

The Titans have been very similar to the Knights this season, but they have had the luxury of offering a lot more in terms of available players. Throw in the fact that they have a better roster and they are far more disappointing. There are a few changes to the team that was successful 25-14 over the Bulldogs in their last start. Scott Prince has overcome an injury and is named (please note he did also play against the Dogs) and Jordan Rankin drops out of the team for this one. Ben Ridge and Matt White come onto an extended bench, obviously incase either Nate Myles, Greg Bird or Ashley Harrison do not come through the SOO game well enough to back up for this game. These 3 players will be important to the overall result as the Titans rely on their hard nosed attitude in defence and they will definitely miss it in and around the ruck. But in saying that, they have been named and they are tough players so expected them to run out in this one.

Recent History
Overall = Knights 5 Titans 3
Last 5 = Knights 3 Titans 2
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 3 Titans 1

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Knights $.155 Titans $2.50
Centrebet = Knights $1.55 Titans $2.50
Sportsbet = Knights $1.50 Titans $2.65

Verdict
As I am writing this I am desperately trying to find out the availability of the Titans SOO players. Otherwise, I am finding it extremely puzzling to understand why the Knights are favorites and Titans are out to $2.50. I can smell an upset coming and will be backing it. The Knights have been very hard to have this season and are still reeling from a horrific injury toll. They do get Buderus back for this one, but if all the Titans SOO stars play then I will be taking them (even if 1 or 2 play I still like them). They will have confidence coming off a last start victory over the Bulldogs and did actually play some entertaining footy. Forget the fact that they are playing away from home, this season all of their victories have been on the road.

Suggested Bet
Titans @ $2.65 (with Sportsbet)


Value = Titans 1-12 @ $3.75


Another thought... = The TAB is offering the Titans +8.5 @ $1.53. So if you are a little hesitant to take them straight out, then perhaps think of this bet.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips