NRL Round 19 Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans Preview

Rivalry round continues on Sunday with a very unusual battle (rivalry-wise) down at the nations capital. It's amazing what a difference of a few weeks can make, especially in the case of the Raiders. Go back to before they played the Dragons in MNF and the pressure was on them. There were questions being asked left, right and centre about their organisation and people were beginning to say it was only a matter of time before coach David Furner was replaced by Ricky Stuart. Fast forward a few weeks and people are suggesting that they can make a late charge for the finals. Obviously, winning has made all the difference. The Titans on the other hand will be looking to regain some of the momentum that saw them become a formidable opponent for teams in the Top 8. But after SOO, they have had a few players suffer some injuries and they have played games well below full strength. Now they find themselves with an uphill battle to make the Top 8. If anything, this clash will definitely end the hopes of one team. 

Canberra Raiders
The Raiders already welcomed back their sole SOO player and captain Dave Shillington last week. With a winning team and a team playing so well in recent weeks, you would think that there would be no changes. But the Raiders do welcome back Shaun Berrigan this week from a bicep injury and he will start from the bench. The interchange bench is where the small changes occur. Dropping out of the team for Berrigan is Matt McIlwrick. There is also a little reshuffle from the 18th man which see's Sam Mataora named there this week and the 18th man in last weeks match, Mark Nichollis, named in the 17. The Raiders are still suffering a horrific injury toll so any player they welcome back this season is a bonus.  It is a young team that continues to play with confidence, and when they're on, they're capable of anything. 

Gold Coast Titans

Last week, both Nate Myles and Greg Bird were named in the starting team but withdrew before kick off. This week see's only Myles named and Ben Ridge named in Bird's absence. Beau Champion also picked up a bad calf/ankle injury in the Warriors game and is now ruled out for the rest of the season as he requires surgery. Dominic Peyroux is named in the centres to partner Jamal Idris, who last week was made to look like a very average defender when attempting to tackle Konrad Hurrell. But people have been suggesting for some time that he is not worth the money he is being paid. The Titans have also named an extended bench with Beau Fallon named to make a start since moving to the Titans after a handful of games with the Rabbitohs. The Titans will again need guidance from their halfback Scott Prince who needs to lift his performance from last week.


Recent History
Overall = Raiders 5 - Titans 6
Last 5 games = Raiders 2 - Titans 3
At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 4 - Titans 1

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $1.55 Titans $2.50
Centrebet = Raiders $1.53 Titans $2.57
Sportsbet = Raiders $1.53 Titans $2.55
Betfair = Raiders $1.54 Titans $2.60


Verdict

The Raiders will definitely benefit playing this game at home as their good home record against the Titans suggest. It will be freezing cold down there and this is the middle of winter. It is a far cry from the warmth that the Gold Coast offers at this time of year. The Titans may be a little out of their comfort zone. But if that is the main reason they don't win this match then they don't deserve to make the Top 8. If they want to, they must win this game. The Raiders are high on confidence and are beginning to get back to full strength and will not be afraid to chance their arm when it matters most. It seems like it will be an uphill battle for the Titans. However, I do think that the Raiders are unders in this match.


Suggested Bet
Raiders -4.5 @ $1.85


Cover the line, but margin? = Raiders 1-12 @ $3.20 - With majority of the Titans becoming fit for this clash, perhaps the Raiders will do it a little tough in this game. They have the ability to score points but can also leak a few.


Put two and two together = Raiders 7-12 @ $5 - If you look at the bet above and then the suggested bet, all signs suggest that this option should be the result of the other two if you are looking for value.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips