Get ready for an enthralling Sunday NRL showdown as the Titans lock horns with the Dolphins in a highly anticipated stand-alone Sunday match. After disappointing defeats in Round 18, both teams are determined to turn their fortunes around with a resounding victory. Despite missing key players due to Origin duty, the significance of this game cannot be understated. With each team vying for a crucial win for their finals aspirations, the stage is set for a captivating and action-packed encounter.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this thrilling NRL clash, filled with pulsating moments and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
NRL Round 19 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs The Dolphins
Sunday 9th July, Cbus Super Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
The Titans headed down to Canberra last week keen to extend their winning streak to 3 matches. This improvement in their consistency saw them climb into the Top 8 but unfortunately, they allowed their opponents too much of a lead which they were unable to overcome. This is despite having a larger share of possession (54%). They completed at the same level as the Raiders (75%), dominated metres made and post-contact metres, made more line breaks (6 v 5) and missed a similar, albeit higher, number of missed tackles (32 vs 35). Their inability to win came down to the fact that they couldn’t turn positive areas into points; this has been an issue for them all season long.
The Dolphins are facing their own issues, currently on a 4-game losing streak after a 24-16 loss to the Broncos in Round 18. In need of an improved performance after conceding 30+ points in their past 3 matches and failing to score over 20 themselves, the Dolphins pushed the Broncos and made them work hard for a victory. Despite an better-quality effort, they still had a lesser share of possession (45%), had an inferior completion rate (70%) and trailed their opponents in metres made and post-contact metres. They also missed a total of 50 tackles in defence. This form slump has seen them drop to 12th on the competition ladder, although the NRL Power Rankings still suggests they are a capable team. It will be a challenge for each side without their Origin players and they need incoming players to step up and assert themselves in this match.
The Titans are favourites ($1.70 vs $2.15) but this is arguably too short given the players which are absent for them; Fifita, Brimson, Fotuaika and Fa’asuamaleaui are all on Origin duty. This is a significant amount of power and experience which is missing, but somewhat off-set with the omission of Kaufusi and Tabuai-Fidow out for the Dolphins. Still, the odds should be closer than they are. The Titans have an edge on both sides of the ball if season averages are anything to go by. They average 23ppg in attack and 25ppg in defence compared with the Dolphins 22ppg in attack and 27ppg in defence. These two sides also met in Round 8, where the Dolphins were victorious 28-26. In that game, The Titans jumped to a 26-nil lead after 28 minutes and were dominating the contest. The Dolphins scored 1 try before HT then went on to score 4 in the second half to record an amazing come-from-behind victory. If the Titans were to jump to a similar lead, you could not rule out the attacking ability of the Dolphins to peg them back.
There is a lot of uncertainty around this fixture so the Suggested Bet will revolve around playing it safe. There are more ideal options this weekend to invest on.
Either Team by 12 points or less
$1.72 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Total Points Over 49.5 – The last time these two sides met saw the total go over this margin, and I expect the same again.
Khan-Pereira 1+ Try – Khan-Pereira is the leading try scorers for the Titans with 15 and sits in equal second in the competition.
Te Whare 1+ Try – Te Whare has 4 tries in 6 games and is a damaging ball runner at any point on the field, let alone close to the line. Look for him to take on opponents if given the opportunity.
