Manly Sea Eagles v Gold Coast Titans

Manly Sea Eagles v Gold Coast Titans

Friday, August 17, 6pm

Lottoland, Sydney

Manly are looking to win a season-high third match on the trot when they host the Titans at Lottoland on Friday night. It is Gold Coast’s first visit to the Northern Beaches since a 38-20 loss in 2013. These two sides met in Gladstone in round five this season, with the Titans scoring two tries in the final seven minutes to win 32-20.

Recent form

Manly is playing its best footy of the season, winning their past two games against Cronulla and Canterbury. They dominated the second 40 minutes at home in round 22 and should have scored more points against a resolute Bulldogs defensive line. It was heartbreak for the 7-14 Titans as they lost 17-16 in golden point against Penrith at home last weekend, after leading until the final play of regular time. Gold Coast has won only one of its past six matches and is in 13th spot on the table.

Stats That Matter

• The Sea Eagles (510 points) and the Titans (508 points) concede the most points in the National Rugby League behind the Newcastle Knights (533 points).
• The under has only saluted in three of the last 10 matches between the Sea Eagles and Titans.
• Prior to their round 22 win, Manly had lost six straight matches at Lottoland.
• Gold Coast is 4-6 ATS on the road this season, but have covered in two of their three night matches on the road.
• The Titans are conceding an average of 28 points in their five previous matches at Lottoland.

 Final thoughts

The Wolf knows that the Titans have won only three of their 11 road games this season and twice all-time at Lottoland since their inception. Ash Taylor is out of form and their star player, five-eighth turned fullback AJ Brimson is playing a lone hand in attack and defence. Manly’s back three ran for over 550 metres in round 22 against the Bulldogs and will need to be stopped for the Titans to have any chance. The home side has too many weapons and will be tough to beat, with Tom Trjobevic to cause the Gold Coast defence all sorts of headaches.

How It Shapes Up

Manly by 14.

Recommended Bets

Best: Manly -6.5 ($1.92)

Value: Manly 11-20 ($4.50)

First Tryscorer: Dylan Walker ($21)