TipResumen

GOLD COAST TITANS

Gold Coast were a touch unlucky last weekend going down to a rapidly finishing Newcastle side. Starting the game very well and taking a good HT lead 4-12 and then scoring two quick tries in the second half to race out to 10-24 only for Newcastle to score three unanswered tries to come from behind and claim an unlikely victory 30-24. The Titans have had this kind of season, often clicking well for a half or so then seemingly switching off or losing concentration to concede lots of points quickly. This is the main work on I see with the Titans young side going forward. This week the Titans are back home where their record is a bit shaky. 3-5 so far this season does not invoke much confidence especially when they are about to face a side sitting inside the 8 and with the best away record in the Comp 7-2. Ash Taylor has had some up and down performances turning on some magic plays and solid defence followed some terrible play that has cost the side competition points. Taylor simply has to play a big role in this match for Gold Coast to have any chance.



NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

New Zealand Warriors played very well in an awfully tight game last week against the inform, top of the Table Storm at home last week only to go down 6-12. This was an incredible scoreline considering the two opening tries for each side were scored within the first 10 minutes. Pocket Rocket, Isaac Luke is playing very well this season, the cynic in me says he only plays this well when a contract is nearing signing and I am probably right, but at least the Warriors are finally getting a return for the investment the made when they Secured his services 2.5 years ago from the Rabbits. Luke has looked strong around the ruck and his pass is crisp to get either Johnson or Green on the front foot, assuming the Warriors make the finals; he will be crucial come finals time. The Warriors forward pack held their own last weekend and to be fair, a lesser opposition, would not have held the Warriors out. This week, the Titans are nowhere near as strong through the middle so a similar performance should see a Warriors victory. Two huge ins for the Warriors this week has Blake Green back and Tohu Harris also returns to strengthen the starting line-up. Adam Blair is suspended again so Mannering moves to lock and Lisone replaces Satae who drops out of the 17.



THE BETTING VERDICT

The Warriors have a massive edge when these sides meet, 14 from 15, that’s right only one loss in the past 15 outings and thanks to the NRL.com website, the Warriors have not lost on the GC since 2010. So will the Warriors continue this trend or will the Titans score a massive upset and put a huge dent in the Warriors finals hopes??Earlier this season these two sides met in round 2 at Mt Smart, the Warriors victors that day 20-8. Average points conceded tells a story – the home side Titans average 25 PPG compared to the Warriors 18.7 PPG. The return of Harris and Green should make a world of difference for the Warriors and the fact the Warriors are still well in the hunt for a top 4 spot, it is this and the good away record which makes me think the Warriors should be good enough on the day. Warriors by 10