On the surface, this match does seem like a bit of a non event as neither side is in the Top 8. Peel back the layers though, and you'll find there is actually a lot on the line in this clash. The Titans are still an outside chance of making the Top 8 and whilst a lot of luck is needed, it is still a possibility. Then you have the Eels. To date, it has been a very disappointing season. Yet since the sacking of Stephen Kearney, someone has put a rocket up them and they are a different side...to a certain degree. They still lack a solid defensive line but are working hard at that. If anything, their attacking flair has been lifted and they look as though they can score from anywhere on the field. With nothing to play for, they are throwing greater caution into the wind and it is sometimes coming off for them. This is something that the Titans will have to be on their toes for because failure to do so could lead to a loss. There is something else though that is following the Eels players, the possibility that they will win the spoon. With Hindmarsh and Burt retiring and the end of the season, there is extra incentive not to win it. Playing after the Warriors/Panthers clash could also spur the Eels on as a loss to the Panthers and an Eels win will lift them off the bottom. This game also appears as though it could be a very high scoring affair. It does make it very tough to pick a winner but as you take a closer look, one may appear.
Gold Coast Titans
Their season has been disappointing with the quality of players that they have. Admitadly they have not had their complete roster of players available throughout the season, but they should be in a better position to what they are. Unfortuately they have lost captain Luke Bailey to an injury which is suggested to be "career ending". His place in the team is taken by Ben Ridge who moves into the second row and Nate Myles presses up to the front row. Greg Bird is back from injury and after a return against the Storm, he is named to start again in the second row. The side that took the field in that clash is the same one that is named here. Mark Minichiello is back to the bench. Prince and Sezer in the halves will have to again dominate the game. They were good early against the Storm but could not close out the game. The Storm were always going continue fighting, but the Titans should've made the most of attacking opportunities when they had them.
Parramatta Eels
With the Eels continuing to produce a winning formula, there is little need for change. The only changes that have been made are the forced ones due to injury. Ben Smith requires surgury and is out for the remained of the season. His place is taken by Justin Horo who is straight back into the starting side. He started their this season but soon found himself back in the NSW Cup. There was no need to bring someone from the bench but it is interesting to note that Matthew Ryan is off the bench this week and his place is taken by Taniela Lasalo. There is still a very big question mark hanging over the heads of Sandow and Roberts in the halves and how effective their combination is. A lot of the time this season both players have look to be attending completely different training sessions. Sandow is now lifting his performance and it is up to Roberts to compliment that and not try to "out-do" him. The best thing that Roberts could do for Sandow is steer the side around the park and give the ball to him when he wants it. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen.
Recent History
Overall = Titans 4 - Eels 3
Last 5 games = Titans 2 - Eels 3
At Skilled Park = Titans 2 - Eels 1
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Titans $1.41 Eels $3.00
Centrebet = Titans $1.42 Eels $2.95
Sportsbet = Titans $1.38 Eels $3.15
Betfair = Titans $1.44 Eels $3.20
Verdict
This game will come down to which team wants their goal more. Do the Titans want to keep their slim finals hopes alive or do the Eels want to avoid the spoon? The Titans have more on the line here and have the quality of player to hand a loss to the Eels. Whilst they won last week, the Eels were very scrappy against an even worse Roosters side. They will throw caution into the wind early but if it does not come off for them, they could very easily shut up shop and be out of the contest. If that happens, this game could be a real blow out. The Titans do have good defence so if the Eels were to spring an upset they would have to they matched the Titans in this area.
Suggested Bet
Titans @ $1.44 (with Betfair)
Switch off for a blow out = Titans 13+ @ $2.75 - Its stated in the "Verdict". If the Eels switch off and their plays do not come off for them, then this game could get ugly. The Titans halves will have to fire though.
First try centre = Steve Michaels @ $13 - This bloke is certainly not the first choice of coach John Cartwright, but he certainly can find his way to the try line when given his opportunity. Let's hope they can get him the ball early.
Good luck!
Scooby
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