Match Centre

Round 1: Eels v Titans preview

Titans look to build off a promising last season, Eels look to build off a promising last 5 seasons

Yes, I know the Eels got the wooden spoon in 2018 and that headline isn't technically correct. That doesn't change the fact that in the other four seasons since 2017, they've made the top four twice and hosted two Week 1 elimination finals. Every single one of these finals appearances has ended in the same way: a second-round exit. It's a hugely alarming trend that Parramatta and Brad Arthur simply have to buck this year.

They start out their campaign against Justin Holbrook and the Titans who, despite making their first finals appearance since 2016 last season, will want to improve on their respective totals of 10 wins and 14 losses. They were also unable to defeat any team that finished 6th or higher on the table.

That being said, Rugby League's newest club (for 1 more season at least) have made enormous strides in recent years, emerging from the depths of a wooden spoon in 2019 to being a Patrick Herbert pass away from the second week of the finals.

This week's matchup between the two sides is set to be an intriguing one; the Eels have only two members of last year's starting backline returning, while for the Titans, no 2021 spine player is returning to play in the same position in 2022.

To go into specifics, Sean Russell will be making his 3rd career NRL start while Bailey Simonsson is in line to make his Eels debut, both on either wing. Interestingly, neither were the clubs first choice wingers heading into this season, but long-term injuries to Sivo and Dunster have them both looking to lock down the positions as their own.

Brad Arthur has thrown an early selection curveball, naming his son Jakob on the bench ahead of more experienced campaigners such as Bryce Cartwright and Mitch Rein, the latter of whom has been denied a first up revenge game against his former club.

Despite breaking their finals drought last year, the Titans have shaken their spine up. 2021 halves Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty have moved on. They are replaced by AJ Brimson and Toby Sexton, the former shifting from fullback to accommodate young star Jayden Campbell. Erin Clark is in at hooker to cover the loss of the aforementioned Rein. Isaac Liu will start in the front row on his Titans debut, while Will Smith will have a revenge game but off the bench.

Historically, the Titans have actually given the Eels a bit of trouble, the 1986 premiers being one of only three clubs the Gold Coast have an all-time winning record against. The Eels will tie it up at 11 apiece should they get the job done on Sunday however.

Last meeting: Round 18 2021 - Titans 8 Eels 26

Who to watch: With Nathan Brown and Marata Niukore set to make their return in Round 2, you have to think that this is Shaun Lane's time to show that he is deserving of a place in the Eels strongest 17. Lane enjoyed a breakout season in his first year with the Eels in 2019, however since then has been a beacon of inconsistency, with his strong runs often being overshadowed by his unforced errors or ill-advised offloads. There's no doubt that Lane has the ability to be an elite second rower in this league, however potential will only get you so far, especially when you're going into your fifth full season of first grade and have talented youngsters breathing down your neck.

The Titans have placed a sizeable figurative bet on Toby Sexton being their long-term solution at halfback. He's the reason they allowed their skipper Jamal Fogarty to walk during the offseason, a move which, in my eyes, shows refreshing commitment to constantly improving; there are too many clubs who would remain satisfied with an 8th placed finish after spending years in the wilderness. As a prospect, Sexton is raw, having only four games worth of first grade experience at 21 years of age. He has looked promising during his limited opportunities however, and Titans' decision makers will be hoping he continues to develop throughout the 2022 season. A strong showing against a top contender in Round 1 would do plenty to induce confidence within the organisation.

The favourite: The Eels are 6.5-point favourites over the Titans in this one.

My tip: I like the Titans chances of returning to the finals this season, but there are simply too many unknowns to say with any confidence they'll beat an Eels side which traditionally comes bursting out of the gates to start the year. Eels by 14.