Titans v Raiders preview

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Top 8 hopefuls do battle in the sunshine state

Two youthful sides will look to stake their claim amongst the top 8 when the Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders do battle this Sunday afternoon. This game will have implications on how the competition table will look particularly with so many sides locked together in a log jam which sees just 1 point separate 7th and 11th. The Titans are continuing to prove pundits wrong in 2016 with more consistent and workman like performances each week. They moved back into the top 8 with a thumping win against a flat and discouraged Manly outfit last week. On the back of some barnstorming performances by prop Ryan James and slick play by their outside backs, the Titans are starting to loom as a genuine threat in the NRL. Neil Henry is once again proving what a shrewd coach he is and his experience is rubbing off on his players.

The Raiders are fresh off a bye and the return of Jack Wighton at the back is sure to inspire confidence within the Canberra camp. After a bitterly disappointing defeat at the hands of the Broncos a fortnight ago, the Raiders need to find a bit of consistency and they look to move up the ladder. Capable of some amazing free flowing, attacking football the Raiders will look to stay strong defensively (something which has eluded them in periods throughout this season). Ricky Stuart needs a more committed 80 minutes by his troops if they want to give this competition a decent crack, loss of concentration has hurt them in periods this year. Look for them to throw a lot of attacking football at the Titans edge defence with Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua in career best form, will be a great battle!

Last meeting: Round 4 2016 - Raiders 20 Titans 24

The Titans have won the last two against the Raiders and have recorded 5 wins in the past 7 matches. Overall the Titans lead 11-7 from the 18 matches and have a commanding record at CBUS Super Stadium with a 6 games to 2 lead. 
The Raiders will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself on Sunday afternoon!

Who to watch: The Titans will be wanting to dominate proceedings through the middle and one of their quiet achievers in the forward pack has been the underrated Zeb Taia. The former Knight has found a suitable home up on the Gold Coast and has quietly gone about his business in 2016. So far Taia has 5 tries, 4 line breaks in 2016 as well as averaging 13 hit ups, 109 metres and 25 tackles a game. Adding to this is his 18 offloads and 16 tackle busts so far this season. Taia's hard running style and ability dents the defensive line and he will be looking to build upon his best performance of the year last week where he made 29 tackles, 20 hit ups and ran for a whopping 165 metres as well as 3 offloads. Look for his offloading ability to create space for the looming play of Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts.

For the Raiders they will need an inspired effort by Josh Hodgson out of the hooker role to stay in touch with the Titans. Look for Hodgson as he darts out of dummy half and looks to catch defenders out of position. His passing out of dummy half is extremely effective and creates space for his halves. His kicking game is also a valuable commodity and he has an uncanny knack of pulling off 40/20's and forcing line drop outs through his smart short kicking game. Defensively he will be called upon to stop the big pack of the Titans and expect to see him lead from the front. With 8 try assists, 4 line breaks and averaging 35 tackles a game, Hodgson is proving his worth to the Canberra Raiders in 2016.

The favourite: With their solid record against the Raiders and having the home field advantage, Titans are favourites in this match.

My tip: Titans to keep their good run going with a win here on Sunday. Their forward pack has been hitting their straps and their youthful backline is playing with confidence which is exciting to see. The Raiders will make it tough and if they want to grab the two points then they need to have a great start and dominate the Titans around the ruck and play the ball area. Titans by 8.

3. Josh Hoffman 2. Anthony Don 12. Chris McQueen 4. Nathan Davis 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 15. Leivaha Pulu 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 18. Ryan Simpkins 16. Agnatius Paasi 17. Nathan Friend

1. Jack Wighton 2. Brenko Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 16. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 15. Iosia Soliola
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 8. Junior Paulo 13. Luke Bateman 17. Joseph Tapine

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson