Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers
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MAGIC ROUND: Gold Coast v Penrith preview
Panthers eye a purr-fect 10 to close out Magic Round
Magic Round concludes with the match of the weekend on Sunday evening as the Gold Coast Titans take on the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Sitting in seventh position after a high-scoring win last week, the Gold Coast Titans will face their fiercest test of the season against the competition leaders.
Getting out to a big lead before allowing defence to take a backseat in a 36-28 win over the Tigers last Saturday, coach Justin Holbrook will be hoping his team can overcome a dismal record at Suncorp Stadium that has yielded eight wins from 27 appearances.
Going down to the Sharks in a tight affair during Magic Round two years ago, the match will mark a milestone for club stalwart Anthony Don as he become only the fourth player after Mark Minichiello, Luke Bailey and William Zillman to appear in 150 first grade games for the Gold Coast.
Naming behemoth back-rower David Fifita despite a possible one-match ban for a high tackle, mid-season signing Esan Marsters will be hoping to make it onto the field for his club debut after sitting on the bench for the duration of last week's win at Campbelltown.
Returning to the scene of one of the darkest days in the club's recent history, the Penrith Panthers will be hoping to set an NRL record on Sunday evening.
Suffering an embarrassing loss to the Tigers during Magic Round in 2019, the Panthers have undergone a dramatic transformation in the ensuring years to sit atop the premiership ladder following nine consecutive wins to start the season.
Running riot against the Sharks in a 48-0 rout last Friday, coach Ivan Cleary will be hoping his team can overcome a poor record at Suncorp Stadium that has seen the Panthers win six of their past 18 visits to the venue.
Retaining Matt Burton in the centres despite Paul Momirovski being available for selection after serving a suspension, Liam Martin replaces Kurt Capewell (concussion) in the second row in a reshuffle that sees 22-year-old Queenslander J'maine Hopgood come onto the bench for his NRL debut.
Last meeting: Round 11 2020 - Titans 14 Panthers 22
Who to watch: Producing his best form for a number of seasons after being elevated into the starting pack, Tyrone Peachey has provided the Titans with a distinct attacking threat through the middle of the field. Having struggled to cement a regular position on the Gold Coast with stints in the centres, halves and as a bench utility, the 29-year-old has thrived at lock forward after being handed a roving commission by coach Justin Holbrook to play with his natural instincts. Facing off against the team that helped to establish his credentials as a representative-calibre player, Peachey could find himself back in a NSW jersey should his form continue over the coming weeks.
Earning rave reviews for his dynamic start to the season, Jarome Luai will be eager to enhance his claims for a New South Wales debut in the opening State of Origin fixture. Earning an unexpected call up to the Blues squad after a breakout year in 2020, the 24-year-old has developed his game further to lead the league in try assists (12) and linebreak assists (13). Set to play his 50th game in the NRL after debuting with Penrith back in 2018, look for Luai to cause plenty of havoc on the left edge as the Panthers look to go 10 from 10.
The favourite: Looking to become the first team since the Sydney City Roosters in 1996 to open a season with ten straight wins, the Panthers are favoured to continue their winning momentum.
My tip: Ranking first in defence and equal second in attack, the Panthers should have the Titans' measure with and without the ball. Penrith by 14.
1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 17. Esan Marsters 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Kevin Proctor 4. Beau Fermor 13. Tyrone Peachey 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Herman Ese'ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 18. Sam McIntyre 20. Sam Stone
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Matt Burton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone May 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. J'maine Hopgood 18. Paul Momirovski
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Wyatt Raymond; Video Referees: Henry Perenara;