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Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Saturday, April 22, 7:40pm (AEST), Southern Cross Stadium, Sydney




The Sharks are looking the real deal and a great chance of defending their title. Meanwhile, the Titans, in particular, Kane Elgey, will be shaking their heads about the one that got away against the Broncos last week. The Titans could finally be getting back some key troops, with Jarryd Hayne, Kevin Proctor and Konrad Hurrell all named in the 21-man squad.
History
None of the last six games between the Titans and Sharks have been decided by more than a converted try. The Titans have not won any of the last three though the last six at Shark Park have been split evenly. The Sharks won last year’s Round 6 clash 25-20 at Cronulla, while the Round 21 clash on the Gold Coast saw both teams locked at 18-all at full-time.
Form
Cronulla are the form team in the premiership with four straight wins including wins at Melbourne and at Penrith the last fortnight where they conceded a total of four points and zero tries in that run. The Sharks have conceded an average of 10ppg in their last six matches and have the second rated defence in the NRL. Gold Coast continue to try hard but can’t find a win with four straight losses and just one win in their seven games this season. No team has a worse defence with the Titans conceding 29ppg. The Titans attack has been strong though scoring 22 points in all bar one showing this season.
Key Matchup
Andrew Fifita v Jarrod Wallace. Fifita has made a consistent start to the season in his quest to win a spot in the NSW side. There’s no questioning his ability if he can keep his focus on the football field. He also crossed for a try in the Sharks big win over the Panthers last week. Wallace has been one of the signings of the season and has been a workhorse for the Titans. He got through a mountain of work against his former club in the Broncos last week, with a game-high 25 hit-ups for 250 metres and 33 tackles. His combination with Ryan James in the engine room is one of the most underrated in the competition.
Stats That Matter
Cronulla are 4-3 ATS with a 5-2 under record while Gold Coast are 3-4 ATS with a 6-1 over record. None of the last six games between the Titans and Sharks have been decided by more than a converted try. The Titans have not won any of the last three though the last six at Shark Park have been split evenly. The Sharks have failed to cover their last three at Shark Park while they are 3-6 ATS as a home favourite of 8 or more. The Sharks have failed to cover their last two at home after conceding 8 points or fewer. Cronulla are 0-4 ATS over the last two seasons at home off wins of 13 or more with the under a perfect 5-0. The Titans are 22-12 ATS interstate since 2014.
Final Thoughts
The Titans are one of the most resilient sides in the competition and the 10.5 start looks the way to go, especially if Hayne & co. make the final 17. This should be a grinding affair and it’s hard to see the Sharks blowing the Titans out of the park in the same fashion as what they did to the Panthers. As mentioned earlier, none of the last six games between the Titans and Sharks have been decided by more than a converted try. This will be a tight one.
How It’s Shaping Up
Cronulla by 4
Best Bet
Gold Coast +10.5 ($1.91)

Other Recommended Bets
Under 39.5 ($1.88)

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