NRL Preview Round 1: Titans v Raiders

Gold Coast v Canberra
Sunday, March 11, 6:30pm (AEDT)
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

The Wolf is thinking it could be a tough year for the Titans and is tipping them to finish with the spoon. They’ve got an unproven coach at NRL level in Garth Brennan and arguably have one of the weakest rosters on paper. The Raiders have been gifted with a good draw to start the year and should be too strong on the Gold Coast. Sam Williams has been named in the No.7 jersey, with Blake Austin coming off the bench. Meanwhile, Siliva Havili has been given first shot at the No.9 jersey, with first choice hooker Josh Hodgson on the sidelines for an extended period of time.

FormGold Coast were poor in their two trial defeats, going down 38-10 to Brisbane before losing 20-14 to the Warriors. Tyrone Roberts-Davis scored a double in the latter. Canberra played just one official trial, losing to Canterbury 16-12 in a surprise result. Handling errors were the biggest issue for the Raiders in the defeat.

Key MatchupBryce Cartwright v Elliott Whitehead: It remains to be seen whether a change of scenery brings out the best in Bryce Cartwright, but it can’t be a bad thing after all of his off-field dramas when he was at the Panthers last season. He’s been named at lock and will provide another attacking threat for the Titans, but it’s his defence that will need to have improved if he is defending in the middle of the field. Elliott Whitehead will be hoping he can make the No.13 his own in 2018 and doesn’t have to cover for any of the injured backs. The Wolf is tipping a very solid year from the Englishman if Ricky Stuart allows to settle in one position.

Stats That Matter– Canberra have won two straight against the Gold Coast and four of their last six.
– The Raiders have also won three of the last four on the Gold Coast.
– The total has topped 40 points in six straight clashes.
– Home underdogs of 2 or less in the first four rounds of the season are 18-13 ATS.
– Small interstate favourites in the first four rounds of the season are 22-16 ATS with a 23-15 under number.
– The Raiders are 13-8 ATS with a 14-7 over record in road day games over the last three years while they are 9-6 ATS as a road favourite (10-5 over).
– The Titans are 9-2 over at home as an underdog of 4 or less. 

Final ThoughtsThe Wolf wants to see the Titans in action before backing them against a Raiders side with plenty of strike power, led by Jordan Rapana and Joseph Leilua. The Raiders have won three of the last four on the Gold Coast and four of their last six against the Titans. This should be an open affair with the Raiders covering the 3.5 line.

How It’s Shaping UpCanberra by 7

Recommended BetsBest: Canberra -3.5 ($1.85)
Value: Canberra -3.5 & Over 44.5 ($3.40)
First Tryscorer: Jordan Rapana ($8)