NRL Round 20 Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos Preview

It is big brother versus little brother up at Skilled Park on Friday night as the Titans host the Broncos to keep their semi final hopes alive...by a thread. The equation is simple, just win. The Broncos on the other hand are concerned with nailing down a place in the Top 4. There isn't much between them but a position up the top is vital as they would gain home field advantage and a second bite of the cherry (if needed). Both teams are choc-full of SOO players and it is surely going to be a high quality game. Both teams are also last start winners, the Titans got a great win against the Raiders away, whilst the Broncos grounded out a tough win against the Warriors in poor conditions. The Broncos on form should win this game and with majority of their players back from injuries and representative duties, it is theirs to lose. But there is no such thing in rugby league as a sure thing and this clash is always a good one. It is desperate stages for the Titans as they are playing for their season but also a little bit of pride. They do have a few injuries to contend with but if they were to not feature in the Top 8 you can conclude that they've under performed. This game won't be shown live into NSW but fans of other Top 8 teams will watch with interest. That is what this great game delivers us. But this is sure to be a top game regardless as it is a "local" (for QLD) derby.

Gold Coast Titans

The Titans welcome back one of their two injuried SOO players in Ashley Harrison. He will start at lock and Nate Myles will shift into the second row to partner Mark Minichello. Ben Ridge is omitted from the team altogether and he was the player that start last week with Minichello in the second row. Dominique Peyroux is also dropped from the team as David Mead returns to the starting team and Steve Michaels shifts back into the centres. The Titans have also named an extended bench with one to be omitted. There were a few players who picked up a knock or two in the dominating win against the Raiders and were kept off the field late in the game. But coach John Cartwright was quoted as saying that it was precautionary rather than any major concern. Of those players who did stay off Myles seemed the worst but there was also a level of concern with Aiden Sezer, the teams young 5/8. Luckily they had a hooker on the bench to cover. That will no doubt play in the mind of Cartwright in the lead up to this game. The one thing working against the Titans is their defensive play in the back line. It is something that they will have to improve before this game as it is probably one of the Broncos strong points.

Brisbane Broncos
There was a bad situation in the Broncos game last week as Dale Copely went down injuried with what appears to be a broken leg similar to what Jack Reed obtain two weeks ago. Coming into the team for him this week is Lachlan Maranta who is definitely capable given how he has played this season when included in the starting side. Apart from that, the Broncos have named exactly the same team as they had against the Warriors, including the naming of Dunamis Lui as 18th man. The Broncos are a team that is definitely being overlooked by some as a genuine premiership contender and a win here would perhaps keep them again under wraps. But there is plenty of positives in this situations as they are in 3rd place and will be strong with each week that goes on. Coach Anthony Griffin is also being rewarded with his policy of resting his SOO throughout the season as they are all fit and firing!


Recent History
Overall = Titans 3 - Broncos 9
Last 5 games = Titans 0 - Broncos 5
At Skilled Park = Titans 2 - Broncos 3

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Titans $2.80 Broncos $1.45
Centrebet = Titans $2.67 Broncos $1.50
Sportsbet = Titans $2.70 Broncos $1.48
Betfair = Titans $2.74 Broncos $1.52

Verdict
The Broncos are the stronger team on paper and have the form on the board to get the win in this game. If you do look at a form line, the Titans lost in Round 18 to the Warriors and the Broncos beat them in Round 19. But there were other factors in the Titans game that weren't mentioned in the final score including the players that were missing. But you can only play what is infront of you. The Broncos should be able to outclass the Titans players, especially in the backs where several of their players can get caught out very easily in defence. But being a local derby...this may be closer than people think.

Suggested Bet
Broncos @ $1.52 (with Betfair)


Margin call = Broncos 1-12 @ $3.00 - As mentioned above, it is a local derby and the Titans are at home, so perhaps this game will be a lot closer than most people think.


Closer call? = Broncos 1-6 @ $6.00 - Great value if this is going to be a "traditional" local derby. Also consider 7-12 @ $5.50 if you think that the Broncos will cover the line of -6.5.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips