Titans v Sea Eagles preview

Gold Coast Titans v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Cbus Super Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Gold Coast and Manly do battle in what is shaping as a "must must win" game for both sides as we slip into the back end of the season. Both clubs have had very disappointing season's even by their own admissions and will be searching for consistency and a very valuable two points up on the Gold Coast on Monday evening.

For the Titans, they come off the bye after previously being beaten soundly by the in-form Sydney Roosters at Gosford. The Titans have recorded wins against Canterbury, Penrith and the Warriors. But they have also suffered disappointing defeats against the Tigers, Canberra (56-16) and Cronulla. If they want to be a part of the Finals series in 2015, they need to get some consistency in their play and play for 80 minutes, something they have struggled to do this year.

In some changes for the Titans. Daniel Mortimer returns as Five-Eighth with James Roberts shifting back to centre. David Mead retains the Fullback spot after some sparkling displays in the past month. Situated in 13th place with 6 wins and 9 losses and sitting two wins outside the top 8, this is do or die for the Gold Coast.

What can we say about Manly? It's been a sad old story after 17 rounds with injuries, suspension and poor form riddling one of the bench mark teams of the comp in past years. In what comes as great news for the Sea Eagles, is the fact that although they have only won 5 games and lost 10, they are still in striking distance of the top 8 and if they can go on a long run, there is every chance of them making the playoffs.

Now, this is going to be a very tough assignment for Manly, but they need to do it one game at a time. After last week's confidence boosting 28-16 defeat of a lackluster Cronulla outfit at home there will be no better way to back it up then by recording victory on the Gold Coast and winning back to back games for just the second time this year. Manly are unchanged from last week in what is a real luxury for embattled Manly coach Geoff Toovey.

Last meeting: Round 23 2014 - Gold Coast Titans 12 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 15

13 matches all time between these two. Manly hold the advantage 8 wins to 5. The Sea Eagles have also won 3 of the past 4 between these clubs. At Cbus Super Stadium, Manly have won 4, the Titans 3. The average winning margin in games between these two is 11 points, so if you're a betting man (which I'm not!) take the 1-12 option for your desired team!

Who to watch: The Titans need to win the battle of the forwards to win this game, much like any other game. They have an array of big forwards but I believe they will be relying on their work horse Nate Myles. Myles backing up from QLD's triumph over NSW and will be full of vigor and confidence. I also expect to see him fire up against his 2016 club the Sea Eagles. Myles has a great knack for bending back the defensive line with his strong running style and also creating second phase play with his offloading, which no doubt has been benefiting the likes of James Roberts so far this season. Don't be surprised to see him as man of the match on Monday night.

For Manly, the form of Fullback Brett Stewart has been a real shining light in an otherwise difficult season. With the form of Daly Cherry Evans and Kieran Foran being questioned, Stewart has taken on a more dominant play making role from the back. His sublime cut out pass to gift Jorge Taufua his third try last Sunday against Cronulla was a sheer joy to watch. Add to this his phenomenal try scoring ability and tenacious defence at the back and you almost have the complete fullback. Expect to see him everywhere on Monday night.

The favourite: Hard to find a favourite for this clash, so the home advantage has the Gold Coast favourites, just.

My tip: Liked what I have seen from Manly the last three weeks, they are starting to gel more and looking a lot more cohesive than they were at the earlier part of the season. Stewart, Lyon and Taufua all looked sharp last week against the Sharks. Gold Coast just can't string together enough consistent performances and they aren't playing for 80 minutes. They need a quick start on Monday if they want to stand any chance. Manly by 12.

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. James Roberts 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Kevin Gordon 6. Josh Hoffman 7. Daniel Mortimer 8. Luke Douglas 9. Chad Redman 10. Nate Myles 11. Ryan James 12. Agnatius Paasi 13. Eddy Pettybourne
Interchange: 14. Dave Taylor 15. Matt White 16. Lachlan Burr 17. Matt Robinson 18. Ben Ridge

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Willie Mason 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Tom Symonds 13. Dunamis Lui
Interchange: 14. Luke Burgess 15. Josh Starling 16. Justin Horo 17. Ligi Sao 19. Jayden Hodges

Referees: Henry Perenara, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Steve Folkes;

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