Nathan Smith previews the final match of the 2023 Magic Round, Titans Vs Eels. Here’s what we have to look forward to.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Gold Coast Titans Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date: Sunday May 7, 6:25pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Jo Vuna 18. Keano Kini 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Thomas Weaver 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Sam McIntyre
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Greig 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Brendan Hands 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Sean Russell 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Matt Doorey 22. Jack Murchie
Referee: Chris Butler
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The final match of the 2023 Magic Round will feature the Titans against the Eels. Both sides are coming off of wins last round, and either could feature in the eight with a win at the conclusion of this one.
The Titans overcame an embarrassing defeat to the Dolphins in round 8 by defeating the Sea Eagles last week. It was a decisive win against a team most punters have touted as a top-four possibility. They will have to bring that performance into this round as they face a resurgent Eels team that has started to find their way.
If they are to win, they will do it without one of their stars, AJ Brimson. That said, Jayden Campbell comes in to replace him and will be just as difficult to contain. The likes of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita, two of the best forwards in the game, will need to rattle a slightly revamped Eels pack if their team is to win. Furthermore, their experienced five-eighth Kieran Foran will need to lead the way, though there were some concerns around his knee from last week that may restrict what he’s able to do.
For the Eels, last week marked one of their strongest performances of the year. It was a night when everything worked, with the Knights’ defence simply opening up on close to every play. Dylan Brown had one of his finest performances in 2023, reminding fans what he’s capable of, while Wiremu Greig proved that not only is he a capable replacement for the injured Regan Campbell-Gillard, but that he’s worthy of being in the team long-term.
The return of Bailey Simonsson sees Sean Russell drop out of the side. Fan favourite Andrew Davey, who was recently signed to return home to the Eels, will start in the second row. This shifts Ryan Matterson to the bench, who missed last week due to a bout with the flu. It may sound repetitive, but the Eels still need to work on their completions. Last week, they sat at 68%, which is the type of number you don’t often get away with in the NRL. If they can improve that number and maintain their attack, they will be right in the contest.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Titans 1, Eels 9
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 18 points.
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