Match Centre

Round 11: Gold Coast v Canterbury preview

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs fly up to Queensland for the 2nd time in two weeks, this time heading to Cbus Super Stadium in Robina to face the Gold Coast Titans.

Both teams come into this matchup on the back of Magic Round losses. Gold Coast copped the full brunt of a Penrith onslaught, copping 30 points to nil in the first half, to eventually go down 48-12. 

Canterbury backed up their worst performance of the season the week before with arguably an even worse effort, this time a feeble capitulation against an 11 man Canberra Raiders outfit, coughing up a 12-8 lead with 13 minutes to go, to somehow go down 20-18.

In team news, the Titans are forced into a number of changes, now missing Tyrone Peachey, Herman Ese'ese and David Fifita to suspensions.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui moves to lock, Moeaki Fotuaika comes in to start at prop, Sam Stone and Erin Clark come in on the bench. Of added interest is the addition of Ash Taylor to the extended squad, which may lead to a late matchday inclusion.

For the Bulldogs, coach Trent Barrett has handed young Aaron Schoupp a debut, he will start in the centres. Matt Doorey gets a start, at the expense of Adam Elliott, who quite frankly should count himself lucky to even get a bench spot.

Speaking of which, Dylan Napa returns to the side via the bench, replacing Ofahiki Ogden. Nick Meaney, with more positional changes than Mia Khalifa, now moves to the wing. Brandon Wakeham retains his spot in the havles.

These teams only seem to play each other once a year, with the Bulldogs edging the last 5 encounters by 3 wins to 2.

Their last meeting, in Round 17 of the 2020 Covid Cup, went to the Titans 18-14.

Last meeting: Round 17 2020 - Bulldogs 14 Titans 18

Who to watch: For the Titans, I'll be most interested in seeing Tino Fa'asuamaleaui at lock, where he played so well in last year's State of Origin series for Queensland.

He is one of my favourite players to watch, and I have no doubt he'll give my beloved Bulldogs lots of trouble on Saturday.

For the Bulldogs, it's the new look starting forward pack of Seumanufagai, Thompson, Doorey, Smith and Atoni.

They need to lead the way with hard, straight running, if the Bulldogs are to be any chance on Saturday.

The favourite: Gold Coast are comfortable favourites.

My tip: The Titans will have to put in an absolute howler to lose this. If they are on point, then they'll use this match to boost their for and against. Gold Coast by 18.