NRL Round 3 Preview and Prediction - Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels @ CBUS Super Stadium

Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels @ CBUS Super Stadium
 
Preview - The Eels will be shooting for 3 straight victories to start the season and to stay on top of the competition ladder when they tackle the Titans at CBUS Super Stadium on Friday night. There is no doubt this game has lost some of its lustre with Nathan Peats and Jarryd Hayne both unable to take on their former Clubs through injury. The Eels have been the most impressive side in the NRL over the opening two rounds, mixing some brutally physical performances from their forwards with some silky skills from their outside backs. The Titans have started the year in turmoil with a host of injuries and disappointing losses to the Roosters and Knights. Whilst the Titans lost three players during the game against Newcastle to injury, their overall defence and form must be a big concern to Neil Henry, even this early in the season. 
 
History - The Titans have a surprisingly dominant record against the Eels, having won 10 from 15 overall. The Eels also don't enjoy trips to the Gold Coast - maybe they pack their jeans before their football boots! However 2 wins from 9 games is a pretty meek return. 
 
Gold Coast Titans Scouting Report - With Jarryd Hayne out for 6 weeks with an ankle injury, it gives an opportunity to a debutant in Tyler Cornish who comes in at fullback. The 22 year old spent most of last year playing for the Roosters feeder club, the Wyong Roos, and will be desperate to seize his opportunity here. Neil Henry knows his team needs a better start to the game this week and has promoted Agnatius Paasi from the interchange bench to add some extra muscle to the Titans’ starting pack. 
 
Parramatta Eels Scouting Report - The Eels have suffered a huge blow during the week with Corey Norman out with a slight hamstring injury. The injury almost seems more precautionary than anything, with Norman expected to be back for Round 4. Veteran halfback Jeff Robson slots back in and, whilst he is certainly no Corey Norman, Robson is an experienced First Grader. 
 
Verdict - Parramatta by 1-8 in a low scoring game
 
I had the Eels as my specials of the week to really hammer the Titans here before I heard Norman was out and Robson was in. It's definitely now a danger game for the Eels, as I expect some of the Titans’ forwards to take a stand this week after some really soft performances over the past couple of weeks. However, I don't think this Parramatta pack are going to take a backward step to anyone this year so I still think they can grind out a win, although they are at least 12 points worse off with Robson compared to Norman. The Titans have looked a bit of a rabble at times this year, so it will be interesting to see if they fire up without Jarryd Hayne here.