2018 NRL – Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Preview
AT A GLANCE
When?
Saturday 25th August, 08:30 (UK)
Where?
Cbus Super Stadium
What channel is it on?
UK – Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Foxtel, LIVE PASS
Where can I stream the match?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Are tickets still available?
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=TIT2418
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
TITANS
Head Coach: Garth Brennan
Starting 13: Brimson, Don, Hurrell, Lee, Sami, Elgey, Taylor, Wallace, Peats, James, Proctor, Hipgrave, Arrow – Interchanges: Rein, Fotuaika, Stockwell, Matthews – Reserves: Cartwright, Whitbread
Unavailable: Kyle Flanagan, Max King, Dale Copley, Michael Gordon
- Gold Coast produced a brilliant second half display to overcome a 12-point half-time deficit and defeat Manly in a high-scoring encounter last week. The Titans ran in five tries in the second period as they racked up 42 points with the Sea Eagles responding with 34 points.
- Will Matthews replaces Bryce Cartwright in the only change to last week’s team with Garth Brennan sticking with Kane Elgey at five-eighth.
- The Titans avoided a third straight defeat with the win last week which should ensure Gold Coast avoid the wooden spoon. With youngster AJ Brimson impressing at fullback and linking well with Ash Taylor, the Titans will be looking to end the season with a flourish.
STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Slater, Blair, Olam, Scott, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Glasby, F. Kaufusi, Stimson, Finucane – Interchanges: Kamikamica, Welch, K. Bromwich, Jacks – Reserves: Kasiano, Hughes
Unavailable: Ryan Hoffman, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Brandon Smith, Will Chambers, Suliasi Vunivalu
- Melbourne outclassed Parramatta last week as the Storm claimed a comfortable win. In a low-scoring contest, the Storm looked set to nil their opponents until a 76th minute consolation left the scoreline at 20 points to four.
- Justin Olam and Cheyse Blair will form a new wing-centre partnership with Suliasi Vunivalu out injured and Will Chambers suspended. Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Brandon Smith are also out injured and are replaced by Tui Kamikamica and Ryley Jacks.
- The Storm’s win last week was significant as they avoided a third straight defeat. Melbourne were able to capitalise on losses by both Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs to reclaim top spot on the NRL ladder and have two games to stay there to win the minor Premiership.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne top the NRL ladder with just two rounds remaining but face a battle to retain that spot after losing several players this week. They will field an unfamiliar pairing on one side of the field with regular starters Suliasi Vunivalu and Will Chambers out. They head to the Gold Coast to face a Titans team that were impressive last week to come back and claim the win over the Sea Eagles with a strong second half display. The Storm will pose a much bigger test for the Titans, even with an under-strength side. The Titans should play with freedom but with the Storm aiming to continue to top the ladder, they should find enough to claim the win.
