NRL Preview: Titans v Tigers

NRL Preview
Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers
Sunday, July 30, 4pm (AEST) at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

This shapes up as a must-win match for the Titans if they’re to keep alive their slim hopes of finals football. Jarryd Hayne has been the hero in their last two clashes against the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium and will be looking for another strong performance against fellow fullback and NSW teammate James Tedesco.

History
The Titans have won four straight against the Tigers including a 26-14 win just five weeks back. Jarryd Hayne and Konrad Hurrell both scored doubles in the Titans 12-point win at Campbelltown Stadium.

Form
Gold Coast are 11th on the ladder with a 7-11 record. The Titans had a three-game win streak ended at Penrith on Saturday. The Titans have kept opponents to 24 points or fewer in their last four games. The Tigers have won just one of their last 10 and that win came against last-placed Newcastle. They have been kept to 18 points or fewer in nine of their last 11 matches. The Tigers have posted two of their best five defensive performances over the last three weeks.

Key Matchup
Jarryd Hayne v James Tedesco: Hayne kicked the match-winning field goal against the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium in 2016 and followed it up in Round 16 this year, with two tries in the Titans 26-14 win at Campbelltown once again. He played out of position for NSW in the recent Origin series in favour of James Tedesco at fullback and will be determined for yet another big performance. Tedesco has amazingly only scored three tries for the year, but did produce a brilliant four-pointer in last week’s loss to the Eels. Teams have worked out if you stop Tedesco, you stop the Tigers. It’s up to the NSW fullback to find ways to overcome it.

Stats That Matter
– Gold Coast are 9-9 ATS with a 12-6 over record while Wests Tigers are 9-9 ATS with a 12-6 under number.

– The Titans have won four straight against the Tigers including a 26-14 win just five weeks back.

– The last five matches have all topped 37 points.

– Wests Tigers have covered 11 of their last 16 games getting a start of 10 or more.

– The Titans have covered just 4 of their last 11 home games while they are 5-11 ATS as a home favourite since 2014.

– The Tigers have covered 3 of their last 4 as a double digit interstate outsider.

Final Thoughts
The Wolf was impressed with the Tigers effort against the Eels last week and is keen to back them with the big start. The Tigers have covered 11 of their last 16 games getting a start of 10 or more and could be a dangerous side for the Titans as they simply have nothing to lose.

How It’s Shaping Up
Gold Coast by 6

Best Bet
Wests +10.5 ($1.91)

Other Recommended Bets
Over 44.5 ($1.88)