Bulldogs v Titans preview

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans
Central Coast Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

Can the boys From Belmore build some momentum? Or will the Titans continue their streak over the Doggies?

Canterbury surprised many punters last week by defeating the ladder leading Brisbane Broncos 18-16 in a trilling game at Suncorp Stadium. The Bulldogs put in a strong team performance and were sound defensively (something they have struggled with at times during 2015). If Canterbury want to seriously challenge for the Title this year then they need to string together some wins in the back end of the season to buold momentum and ensure that they have confidence heading into the finals. The Bulldogs are in a precarious position at the moment as they are only inside the 8 by 2 points, and with the likes of Manly chomping at their heels, they cant afford to slip up. Greg Eastwood returns from suspension at Lock, Sam Kasiano drops to the bench and Lloyd Perrett moves back to NSW Cup.

The Titans will fancy themselves in this game despite languishing in 15th position and having a horror year. They have won the past 4 against the Bulldogs and hold the ledger 7-5 through 12 matches. The Titans all round play has been pretty poor this season so working on getting their defense right and stopping the Bulldogs big forward pack would be primary focus for Neil Henry at training this week. James Roberts has been a shining light this season and will need to play out of his boots if the Gold Coast are to win, something that would give their luckless fans something to cheer about. In team changes for the Titans Beau Falloon and Eddy Pettybourne returns at hooker and prop respectively as Daniel Mortimer and Matthew White drop back to the bench.

Last meeting: Round 14 2015 - Gold Coast Titans 28 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14

The Titans have the wood all over Canterbury in these matches. They have won the past 4 and lead the overall matches played 7-5. Canterbury haven't beaten the Titans since 2012.

Who to watch: For the Bulldogs it's going to be Josh Jackson. Jackson has improved each year since debuting with the Dogs in 2012. He has now blossomed into a NSW origin representative and is one of the best back rowers running around in the NRL. He is happy to get his hands dirty with lots of defensive work but is also incredibly valuable in the attacking game for the Bulldogs as well. Evident by his stats in season 2015. He has 2 tries, 4 line breaks, 4 try assists, averages 36 tackles a game to go with his 102 metres per game average, fantastic stats for a back rower. Look for him to be attacking out wide against the suspect defence of the Titans, particularly Daniel Mortimer and Nene McDonald.

For the Visitors they will be hoping they can get a spark from half back Kane Elgey. Elgey has been a real find for the Titans this year and his vision is years beyond him. He has shown a level of maturity that will benefit himself and the Gold Coast Club in years to come. He has a great short kicking game that can catch defense's napping and he has a very good long passing game (look for his long, cut out passes to get James Roberts into space on Sunday). This is a player that will only improve with ore games under his belt.

The favourite: Canterbury strong favourites in this match.

My tip: Canterbury should win this game fairly comfortably, need to show some form and keep themselves in the 8, have more to play for than the Titans. Gold Coast looked like they've packed up for 2015 and are starting mad Monday preparations.

1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Moses Mbye 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Shaun Lane 16. David Klemmer 17. Tim Browne 19. Lloyd Perrett 22. Danny Fualalo

1. Josh Hoffman 2. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Kane Elgey 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Eddy Pettybourne 11. Ryan James 12. Agnatius Paasi 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Dave Taylor 15. David Hala 16. Matt White 17. Daniel Mortimer 18. Lachlan Burr 20. Kierran Moseley

Referees: Adam Devcich, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Ben Galea;

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