The Titans watched their season slip away in disappointing fashion with a loss to the Panthers. They were out classed and out played by a side that is still sitting down second last at the table. The odds were against them already but they were still a chance to make a good run for the finals. With a star studded roster at their hand, their season can only be described as a disappointment. They should be in the position that the Sea Eagles are now in heading into the final game. Manly are in the top 4 and are now pushing to cement a spot in the semi finals that can yield them a "second chance" if needed. Along with the Bulldogs, they are the side to beat at this point in the season. They have a fantastic roster that is full of representative players who are hungry to be the first side since the early 90's to go "back-to-back". All players and teams that have been asked the question over recent weeks have said that they are a side that should be feared. Motivation will be very low for the Titans but the implications for Manly are very important. Part of their fate will be known by the result of the Rabbitohs/Knights game on Friday night. The highest that the Sea Eagles can finish is 3rd but a loss could mean they finish back in 5th. No players should be rested and even fans of the Bulldogs and Storm will be watching this game with great interest. Punters should be intrigued though, for the last Super Saturday of the year they should want to head out on a high.
Gold Coast Titans
Some of the Titans players have finally succumbed to injury and have been left out of this clash. Perhaps it is because there is nothing left to play for in this clash other than pride. Disappointing to date, that is all that is left as the Titans press towards 2013 and hopefully a better season than 2012. There is no point in coach John Cartwright dropping players for the last round in order to change their attitude or on the basis of their performance. Nate Myles has been named in the front row but he very likely to miss this clash as there is news around that he is suffering a number of injuries. As there is an extended bench of 5 named, perhaps his replacement will come from there. Hooker Matt Srama is also out of this clash with injury and his place in the side is taken by Beau Fallon who has been playing well from the bench since his Titans debut against the Raiders. Ashley Harrison is the third player that is out of this clash with injury and Ben Ridge is moved from the second row to lock and Mark Minichiello moves from the bench into the starting side to cover Ridge's move. As two players are promoted from the bench, the new faces on the interchange are Ryan James and Dominique Peyroux. The Titans have nothing to lose here so perhaps they will play with a little more freedom and throw the ball around with a careless nature to get a win and really enjoy themselves.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Unlike the Titans, the Sea Ealges have a lot to play for. In saying that though, they cannot finish higher than 3rd and no lower than 5th. They will also have a very good idea of what is required of them to steal 3rd away from the Rabbitohs as they play on Friday night and this game is on Saturday. There are a few players that are definitely feeling the effects of a long season and a their representative duties so a rest in this game would definitely help them recover a little more in time for the semi finals next week. There is also the issue of which team they will play in the first week depending on certain results could also impact their performance in this game. It doesn't appear as though the Sea Eagles would be too worried about their opponents as they are one of the sides to beat at the moment. There are no changes to the side this week that got a good win against the Broncos on Friday night at Brookvale Oval. The one worrying thing though in their recent performances was their inability to score points in the second half. Obviously they haven't been in a position where they have needed to but it will be interesting to see how they react when they are pushed. You can see them rising to the task based alone on the talent within their squad.
Recent History
Overall = Titans 4 - Sea Eagles 5
Last 5 games = Titans 3 - Sea Eagles 2
At Skilled Park = Titans 2 - Sea Eagles 2
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Titans $5.00 Sea Eagles $1.18
Centrebet = Titans $4.50 Sea Eagles $1.22
Sportsbet = Titans $4.50 Sea Eagles $1.22
Betfair = Titans $5.00 Sea Eagles $1.24
Verdict
It appears as though the Sea Eagles will be able to hand this game with relative ease given the distance between both sides on the table and the motivation beyond this week. The Sea Eagles will also want to avoid a situation where they can possibly drop out of the top 4 and have to play "sudden death" football. They have the class across the park and banking on last weeks performance, the Titans should pose too much of a threat. Strange things do happen in the last round of the competition and with nothing to play for, the Titans will certainly have a lot of confidence about their play. Despite all this, Manly are a classier outfit and one of the genuine threats for the title. Their true side will prevail.
Suggested bet
Sea Eagles -11.5 @ $1.75
Go for more = Sea Eagles 13+ @ $1.85 - There isn't too much value from the suggested bet but it is value nonetheless. The Sea Eagles should get a good lead against the Titans and cruise to a victory. An easier game is what is wanted with the semi finals next week.
Lion hearted = Jamie Lyon First and/or Last try scorer @ $11 - This guy is playing some fantastic football of late and when given the ball in room, he can create anything. The right side attack for Manly is also very strong so if this guy doesn't score, expect him to create something for Whare ($11).
Good luck!
Scooby
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