Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 14 clash between the Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Gold Coast Titans Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina
Date: Saturday June 8, 3:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Titans: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Phillip Sami, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Chris Randall, 7. Kieran Foran, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Josiah Pahulu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Klese Haas, 14. Isaac Liu, 15. Keenan Palasia, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Jacob Alick-wiencke, 18. Joe Stimson, 19. Jayden Campbell, 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Jaylan De Groot
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Richard Kennar, 5. Jacob Gagai, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Cody Walker, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Sean Keppie, 11. Michael Chee Kam, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Keaon Koloamatangi, 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Tallis Duncan, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Thomas Burgess, 18. Dion Teaupa, 19. Liam Le Blanc, 20. Adam Christensen, 21. Leon Te Hau, 22. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Referee: Chris Sutton
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
Two of the least Origin-affected and arguably most disappointing teams of 2024 meet on what is set to be a sunny Saturday afternoon at Cbus Super Stadium in round 14.
The Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs only have one State of Origin representative between them (Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika) and sit 14th and 17th respectively, but both are coming off the back of a win before a round 13 bye.
Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has made a number of changes to the team that upset Brisbane 36-34 two weeks ago, most notably the return of halfback Keiran Foran. Phillip Sami and Jojo Fifita also return to the backline, while Beau Fermor moves to the back row and Keenan Palasia drops back to the bench. Fotuaika has been named to back up from State of Origin I while Jayden Campbell has been included on the extended bench as he closes in on a return from a PCL injury.
Ben Hornby has also made multiple changes to the side that that broke a six-match losing streak against Parramatta. Cody Walker is back at halfback after being a late withdrawal from the Eels game, while Richard Kennar returns to the side at centre for the first time since round 2, with Michael Chee Kam moving to second row and Jacob Host out of the side.
Defence has been a major issue for both these teams, ranking second last and last in that stat respectively. The Titans have conceded 354 points at 29.5 points per game, while the Rabbitohs have conceded 374 at an even 34 points per game and are in danger of surpassing the club’s worst-ever season defensively. Despite both sides winning their most recent games, they still conceded 34 and 26 points respectively.
Souths have historically rarely been troubled by the Titans, winning 16 of their 22 meetings, including all eight since 2017. It makes for even worse reading at Cbus Super Stadium, where the Titans have only beaten the Rabbitohs once in ten attempts, in their first meeting at the ground in 2009.
After losing their first six games, the Titans have slowly rebuilt their season with three wins and two narrow losses in their past five games. In claiming their second win of 2024, the Rabbitohs showed a bit more of what was expected of them before the season. Based on pre-bye form, the Titans should get the job done. Based on history, the Rabbitohs would be considered favourites. One thing is for certain, this should be a high-scoring game.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Titans by 6 points.
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