Raiders v Titans preview

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Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 4:05pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

The Canberra Raiders will host the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday afternoon, hoping to repay their fans for their shocking second-half loss to the Bulldogs in Round 10.

The Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans have met 32 times since their inception in 1998, with the Raiders holding a 19-13 advantage. Of the 15 matches played in Canberra, the home side has claimed 10 victories. The Raiders come into this clash after a tough 32-20 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs, in which they gave up a commanding 20-0 halftime lead. Despite the setback, Canberra remains comfortably within the top 4. The last time these two sides met, the Raiders were too strong, dominating the second half to secure a 30-20 win in Round 7, contributing to the Titans' ongoing six-game losing streak.

In Round 10, the Raiders started strongly against the Bulldogs, applying early pressure and keeping their opponents scoreless through much of the first half. However, the Bulldogs hit back with a vengeance after the break, scoring 32 unanswered points to hand Canberra a disappointing 32-20 defeat. Despite the loss, the Raiders showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in the opening half, and remain in the top 4, with plenty to build on moving forward.

As for team selections, Ricky Stuart has been forced to make some changes, with Matty Nicholson out for 12 weeks after undergoing surgery for a lower-leg injury. Zac Hosking moves to the second row to fill in for Nicholson, and the Raiders will be hoping for a big performance from him. Corey Horsburgh, who missed the previous game due to a head knock, is back in the squad and could play his way into a Maroons jersey with a strong performance. The Raiders will look to bounce back at home and get their season back on track.

The Titans staged an incredible comeback in Round 10, overcoming a 20-point deficit to secure a thrilling 24-20 victory over the Newcastle Knights. Led by Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who put in a stellar performance, the Titans showed incredible resilience to snap a five-game losing streak. Fa'asuamaleaui racked up 241 run metres, 39 tackles, and 5 offloads, while AJ Brimson stepped up, guiding the Titans to victory. It was a crucial win for the Gold Coast as they look to build some momentum.

For this matchup, Des Hasler has made a few adjustments to his lineup. Philip Sami has been moved from centre to the wing, with Jojo Fifita switching to the centres. Veteran Kieran Foran, who has been sidelined with a bicep injury, returns to the squad for his first game of the season and will join the interchange bench. Jaimin Jolliffe also returns from suspension, providing some added depth in the forwards. However, the Titans will be without Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, who is unavailable due to concussion protocols.

Last meeting: Round 7 2025 - Titans 20 Raiders 30

Who to watch: Canberra Raiders' second rower, Hudson Young, has been a standout against the Titans, scoring five tries in his last four games against them. His try-scoring form will be key to Canberra's attack.

AJ Brimson has been in fine form for the Gold Coast Titans, scoring seven tries in his last seven matches, including a double in their stunning win over the Knights. His creativity and leadership will be crucial for the Titans.

Favourite:The Raiders are the favourites going into this match, with their strong home form and their impressive display in Round 10.

My tip: Despite the Titans' sensational comeback win over the Knights, the Raiders are in red-hot form and will prove tough to beat, especially in Canberra. With a dominant record at home and key players like Hudson Young firing, the Raiders should take this one comfortably. Raiders by 16.

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. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Josh Papali'i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Jed Stuart 19. Noah Martin 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi

1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Kieran Foran 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Chris Randall 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Tony Francis 19. Arama Hau 20. Josh Patston 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Sean Mullany

Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Adam Gee;