The first NRL game on Friday heads to the Gold Coast as the Titans host the Sharks. Having experienced a recent resurgence in form, the Titans are clinging to and outside chance of making the Top 8. 4-points adrift, a win here would drastically help their cause. The Sharks sit in 4th on the ladder but have remained here following a strong start to the season. Their most recent form has been questionable at best. Each team is vulnerable and Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at the exciting NRL match ahead.
2024 NRL Round 23 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks
Cbus Super Stadium – Friday 9th August – 6pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Titans hosted the Broncos last week and producing a stunning upset. Starting slowly and conceding the first two tries which lead to an 18-10 HT deficit, the Titans had to change their performance in the second half. It was an impressive 40-minute display which saw them deliver 7 tries while keeping their opponents scoreless. Yet again, we are reminded of the talent this team possess. The victory was set up by disciplined play; with 54% possession, they completed at 84%, averaged 9.7m per carry, had more PCM’s and made 7 line breaks. They were also strong defensively missing just 20 tackles and limiting their opponents to just 3 line breaks.
The Sharks did enough in their game against the Rabbitohs to prevail 20-6 after trailing 6-4 at HT. Struggling to find fluidity and momentum in their play, once they clicked, it was a matter of building pressure and wearing their opponents down. The victory was set up despite have a lesser share of possession (49%) and an inferior completion rate (72%). Averaging 9.7m per carry and having 712 PCM’s set a strong platform for them to build upon. They will want to tighten up defensively though having missed 44 tackles and allowing 5 line breaks. Better teams in the competition will make the Sharks pay for their mistakes in this area.
Match Prediction
The resurgence of the Titans, combined with team changes, has seen them listed as strong favourites ($1.53 vs $2.50) for this contest. It was only back in Round 15 that they were victorious 20-16. The movement of Brailey to halfback and McInnes to hooker appears to have weakened their original starting positions; the Sharks depth is going to be tested in this match. The Titans are full of confidence and will be out to expose their opponents’ shortcomings.
Bookies are quick to forget and overlook some key statistics heading into this match. Prior to their last meeting, the Sharks had won their past 9 matches against the Titans, while the Titans have lost their past 4 games at home against the Sharks. The season average of each team also suggests the Titans will have to work hard to win this contest. They average fewer points in attack (22ppg vs 25ppg) and concede more in defence (27ppg vs 18ppg).
Even with key players missing, the core structure of the visitors will make them competitive. It’s up to the Titans to find a way of overcoming this. This doesn’t mean they are not a good chance of winning this match, it indicates that the Sharks will keep this contest tight. The unpredictability of the home team lowers the confidence of a result in this match. If you must invest, keep your stake low and look at this game being decided by fewer than 2 converted tries. The average margin of victory in the past 5 matches is 15.4 points but that is skewed by a 28- and 30-point result; the other 3 games were decided by 8 points or less.
Titans 1-12
$3.20 (1 Unit)
