The first match of Super Saturday heads to the Gold Coast, with the Titans hosting the Roosters. Both teams will be desperate for a victory as they cling onto slim hopes of making the NRL Finals. This makes for an exciting match and BeforeYouBet is here to take a detailed look at the game and hopefully find a winner to add to your bank this weekend.
NRL Round 21 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters
Cbus Super Stadium, Saturday 22nd July, 3pm (AEST)
The Titans attempted to be competitive against the Eels in Round 20 but found themselves falling short, eventually defeated 25-24. Benefitting from playing against 11 men for a period of the first half (they scored 2 tries in this time), the Titans failed to halt their opponents scoring (missed 35 total tackles); this has plagued them all season. They cannot afford to do this, especially with a lesser share of possession (47%), inferior completion rate (75%) and fewer total metres. Now, they sit 4-points out of the Top 8.
The Roosters would likely swap places with them though, on the same competition points but a far cry from the team they had promised to be at the start of the season. There is no greater indication of their form than their standing on theNRL Power Rankings. They suffered a 30-16 loss, with 2 converted tries in the final 3 minutes flattering them on the scoreboard. It was a tight first half where they were competitive, trailing 6-4 at the break. When the Storm gathered momentum in the second half, there was little they could do to stop them. Their lack of possession (47%), inferior completion rate (74%) and 54 missed tackles are an indication of what is missing from this squad. Time is running out for them to make a run towards the Finals, and this is a must-win clash for both sides.
Before looking at the form of each side, current standing, and player changes, it is important to acknowledge the recent history. The Roosters have won the past 9- straight against the Titans and 11 out of the past 12. The last time the Titans defeated the Roosters was back in Round 10, 2016. This has impacted each team’s record at this ground; the Titans have an overall record of 45%, with the Roosters having a 71% winning record. To the present, the Roosters have a horrible record of scoring points, only ahead of the Tigers with an average of 16ppg. The Titans average 23ppg but concede an average of 25ppg (Roosters concede 22ppg).
The Roosters are favourites for this game ($2.25 vs $1.65), with this likely to be largely influenced by player availability/unavailability. The Titans are without their captain and best player in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, while in equal measure, James Tedesco returns for the Roosters. His inclusion allows the defensive edge of the Roosters to be strengthened, with Manu moving back to centre. The Titans will need to produce something special on their edges if they are to break them down and they need strong contributions from players like Fifita and Brimson. Given the standing and recent performance of each team, it is difficult to invest on this game with any confidence. Therefore, the ‘Suggested Bet’ below is designed around either having a low investment, anchoring to a multi, or avoiding this contest altogether.
Titans +9.5
$1.53 (1 Unit)
