Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders
TEAMS: 2025 Women's State of Origin Series
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Titans v Raiders preview
‘And on the third day, there was more rugby league'
The Gold Coast Titans will look to rise up the premiership ladder when they host an Easter Sunday clash against the in-form Canberra Raiders.
Returning to CBUS Super Stadium intent on making amends following back-to-back losses, the Gold Coast Titans will be eyeing an improved defensive display after conceding a dozen tries over the past fortnight.
Suffering a 38-16 loss to the Dragons last Friday to remain winless in Wollongong from seven attempts, coach Des Hasler will welcome back captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in a reshuffle that also sees Izaac Fa'asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita join the side in place of Brock Gray, Arama Hau and Allan Fitzgibbon.
The Titans will host a match on Easter Sunday for only the third time in their history; the side triumphed over the Knights (2019) and Dragons (2023) in their two previous Easter Sunday home fixtures.
Chasing their third straight win following a half century in the Northern Territory last Saturday, the Canberra Raiders will be hoping to extend a dominant record against the Titans.
Winning 13 out of 18 matches against their weekend opponents during Ricky Stuart's tenure as coach, including the past four matches in succession, Zak Hosking will make his return in place of Simi Sasagi on the bench, while Josh Papalii drops to the bench with Morgan Smithies starting at lock.
Last week's 50-12 victory over Parramatta was the sixth time the Raiders have scored 50 points in a match during Stuart's time as head coach.
Last meeting: Round 6 2024 - Raiders 21 Titans 20
Who to watch: Coming a long way from the teenager who debuted against the Raiders seven years ago, Moeaki Fotuaika has matured into one of the best players developed by the Titans. Providing solid impact in the front row with more than 100 running metres and 28 tackles on average this season, the 25-year-old Queensland and Tongan representative has remained consistent amid fluctuating team performances. Facing off against one of the premier forward packs in the league, the Titans will need Fotuaika to be at his best if they are to record their first win over the Raiders since 2021.
Mounting a strong case as arguably the best edge forward in the game over the opening rounds, Hudson Young will be determined to continue his try-scoring prowess on Sunday afternoon. Scoring five tries in six matches, including consecutive doubles in the side's past two victories, the 26-year-old has made a strong case for a recall to the New South Wales team after being dropped following the Blues' loss in last year's series opener. Getting on the scoreboard in his past three matches against the Titans, look for Young to feature prominently as the Raiders look to go three on the trot.
My tip: Gold Coast and Canberra have met twice before over the Easter long weekend, resulting in one win apiece. With this being the third Easter meeting between the sides, it would take nothing short of divine intervention to prevent the Raiders from posting their third straight win at the expense of the Titans' third straight loss. Raiders by 3.
1. Jaylan De Groot 19. Allan Fitzgibbon 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 21. Tom Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 14. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 15. Klese Haas 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Iszac Fa'asumaleaui 18. Arama Hau 22. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 16. Josh Papali'i 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 17. Ata Mariota 18. Pasami Saulo
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Daniel Schwass; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;