Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
Sunday 11 March 5:30pm AEST 6:30pm AEDT
Robina Stadium
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League live Channel 502
Radio: ABC, 2CC, Mix106.3
Weather: Shower or two. Partly cloudy. Medium (60 per cent) chance of showers. Winds south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Possible rainfall: 1 to 5 mm Min 20 Max 27
After a second placed finish in 2016, it was widely expected that the Canberra Raiders would challenge for a title in 2017, their first in over twenty years. It was not to be. The Raiders missed the finals and finished in tenth place. Canberra lost eight matches by six points or less, three by two points or less, and three in golden point.
But a new season brings new hope. It'll be tough for the Raiders, with hooker Josh Hodgson on the sideline for a major part of the year. But there's little doubt that the team has worked hard over the off season - and look very fit and are raring to go. The season starts for the Green Machine on the Gold Coast, a clash with the Titans.
In a slight surprise, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has named Sam Williams as starting halfback, with Aidan Sezer moving to five-eighth and Blake Austin to come off the bench. As expected, Siliva Havili has been named as the starting hooker, with Craig Garvey on the reserves list. New recruit Charlie Gubb has missed the top 17, with Dunamis Lui beating him to a place on the interchange bench. It's a vote of confidence from the coach in Lui's recovery from an ACL injury.
This is the 100th match for Ricky Stuart as Canberra Raiders coach. It is also Josh Papalii’s 150th NRL and Raiders match and Luke Bateman’s 50th.
Titans recruits Jai Arrow, Leilani Latu and Bryce Cartwright will all start in a new-look forward pack, while hooker Mitch Rein has been named on the bench. Ryan James moves to to the second row, while Kevin Proctor (throat injury) has been passed as fit. Despite suffering pancreatitis and having shoulder surgery in the off season, Anthony Don has been named on the wing, with Philip Sami winning the other wing spot.
Late changes: Royce Hunt and Craig Garvey have been omitted from the Canberra Raiders' squad on match eve. The Titans have omitted Jai Whitbread and AJ Brimson.
Matt's Match-ups: Click here
History: Canberra has struggled a little against the latest incarnation of the Gold Coast, winning nine of 20 matches against Titans. Against previous Gold Coast teams, Canberra won 15 of the 17 games played between 1988 and 1998. The Raiders have won five of the past 10 match ups with the Gold Coast, including the only game played between the teams in 2017. The Raiders faced an injury riddled Titans in Round 6 last year, running out big 42-16 winners. Canberra does not have a good away record against the Titans, winning four of 11 games played on the Gold Coast. But the Raiders have won the last two matches played at Robina.
2017 Round 6 Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
2016 Round 16 Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
In this week's "History Happens" we go back to Round 13 of 2010 when the Raiders met the Titans at Canberra Stadium. Canberra dominated the first half, going to the break with a 22-6 lead. That lead was extended to 20 points early in the second half... before the Raiders somehow held off a big second half comeback from the Gold Coast. Canberra ultimately won, 28-24.
2010 Round 13 Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
Form: The Raiders finished the 2017 season with a WWLWL record in their final five games, while the Titans finished on a seven game losing streak.
Betting: The Raiders are $1.67 favourites in this match, with the Titans paying $2.20. The Gold Coast has a 3.5 points start in the line betting.
Our tip: The Gold Coast Titans have a new coach, Garth Brennan, recruited from the Penrith Panthers, replacing former Raiders mentor Neil Henry. It is always dangerous playing a team under brand new management, with the players looking to impress the new boss. The Titans also have a number of new faces in the team, with Bryce Cartwright a significant addition at lock, and the experienced Michael Gordon taking over at full back. So while the Raiders are favourites, it is a danger match. The Titans are a bit of an unknown quantity and the Raiders also have a poor record on the Gold Coast.
Canberra faces the challenge of covering for the injured Josh Hodgson - and coming to grips with a new halves combination, with Williams, Sezer and Austin chopping and changing during the match. I'm not fully convinced that formula worked well on the Sunshine Coast. However, Williams will add his game management and kicking skills to the side. I'm also concerned that the bench forwards are a bit too light. However, I do think some players are going to have a point to prove after their 2017 performances. And we know if the top players are firing, they can be very damaging. I'm tipping a first up win for the Green Machine. Raiders by six.
What they're saying:
Sam Williams on being named as starting half back: "Ricky obviously sees a role I can play in the side, I guess Blake is more dynamic off the bench than I am. So, if we can start well and give Blake to come on and make his mark, which I am sure he will, it will put us in a good position."
Josh Papalii on the selection of Siliva Havili at hooker: "Losing [Josh Hodgson] was a big loss at the time, he's been around the training paddock and has taught a few of the young fellas some of the tricks. [Havili] will handle it all right. He had a good World Cup campaign there and I think he'll do all right."
Canberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Aidan Sezer
7. Sam Williams
8. Junior Paulo
9. Siliva Havili
10. Shannon Boyd
11. Josh Papalii
12. Joe Tapine
13. Elliott Whitehead
14. Blake Austin
15. Luke Bateman
16. Dunamis Lui
17. Sia Soliola
18. Charlie Gubb
19. Brad Abbey
Omitted: 20. Royce Hunt
21. Craig Garvey
Gold Coast Titans
1. Michael Gordon
2. Anthony Don
3. Dale Copley
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kane Elgey
7. Ash Taylor
8. Jai Arrow
9. Nathan Peats
10. Leilani Latu
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Ryan James
13. Bryce Cartwright
14. Mitch Rein
15. Max King
16. Will Matthews
17. Morgan Boyle
18. Joe Greenwood
20. Tyronne Roberts-Davis
Omitted: 19. Jai Whitbread
21. Alexander Brimson
Officials:
Main referee: Henry Perenara, Assistant referee: Dave Munro
Touch judges: Adam Cassidy, Rohan Best
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLTitansRaiders
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2017 #FromAllAngles
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