Titans v Bulldogs preview

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Gold Coast Titans v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Saturday 3:00pm at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh

Strugglers desperate for a win on the glitter strip.

Along with the Panthers, Canterbury and the Gold Coast are propping up the ladder after nine rounds and it's time for one of these teams to press to go button to get away from the cellar.

Realistically, both these teams at their best can avoid the spoon - some were even talking finals for the Titans - and coming up against a struggling opponent like the Bulldogs is the perfect opportunity to show that skill.

In terms of lineups there's a bit of shake-up with the Titans - fullback Michael Gordon has a leg injury and makes way for AJ Brimson. Tyrone Roberts (concussion) returns while coach Garth Brennan has benched Shannon Boyd with Moeaki Fotuaika starting up front.

Canterbury's changes are fairly sweeping after they fell short against Newcastle in Magic Round. Foran and Cogger swap roles in the halves, Harawira-Naera is back after missing Round 9 for personal reasons. Adam Elliott is out, while Chris Smith and Rhyse Martin are on the bench.

Last meeting: Round 15 2018 - Bulldogs 10 Titans 32

Who to watch: There's no doubting the Titans have enough talent in their backline, but it's the misfiring forward pack - particularly since the loss of captain Ryan James - that's been an issue for Saturday's hosts. Kiwi second rower Kevin Proctor needs to take up the slack with James missing for the rest of the year if the Gold Coast are to remain competitive.

After bursting onto the scene in his first few appearances, including setting up a superb try against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown in the opening weeks of the competition, Nick Meaney has gone relatively quiet. The former Newcastle Knight is certainly capable, and safe under the high ball, but the Bulldogs need more out of him if they're going to break the mould of poor attack that's haunted them for several seasons now.

The favourite: Home ground advantage and a better side on paper means the Titans are favoured to take the two points.

My tip: Despite their position, the boys from Robina are performing admirably and have remained competitive most weeks. While the same can be said for the Bulldogs, they lack the attacking polish and the Titans just look like they have more points in them. Gold Coast by 6.

1. Aj Brimson 2. Anthony Don 14. Jesse Arthars 4. Brian Kelly 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 16. Jack Stockwell 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow 3. Tyrone Peachey 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Max King 18. Jai Whitbread

1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jack Cogger 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 16. Chris Smith 13. Danny Fualalo 14. Rhyse Martin 15. Ofahiki Ogden 17. Sauaso Sue

Referees: Peter Gough, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Todd Smith; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Ben Galea;