NRL Round 11 Preview and Prediction - Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles @ CBUS Super Stadium

Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles @ CBUS Super Stadium

Preview - The Titans will be looking to make it 4 straight wins when they host the Sea Eagles at CBUS Super Stadium on Saturday night. The Titans got their biggest scalp of the season last week, rallying for an amazing 38-36 victory over the table topping Storm. The Titans looked dead and buried on several occasion in this game, trailing by 14 at one point, and trailing by 8 with under 10 minutes to go. After a terrible start to the year with 1 win from 7 games and a host of injuries, many wrote off the Titans' chances, however,  with their side getting back to full strength, they can push for a final's berth in the second half of the season. The Sea Eagles are now grimly holding on to their spot in the Top 8 after coughing up a 14-point lead in their 24-14 loss to the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium last week. The Sea Eagles took it to the Broncos for the majority of the game, however a few lapses in concentration cost them dearly in the end. 

History - These teams have met plenty of times on the Gold Coast in recent years, with 5 of the past 6 clashes taking place there. The Sea Eagles have a decent record on the Gold Coast having won 5 of their past 6 clashes there. However, last season it was all Titans as they ran out convincing 30-10 winners. Overall, the Sea Eagles have won 9 from 15 against the Titans. 

Gold Coast Titans' Scouting Report - The Titans have lost Englishman Dan Sarginson with a shoulder injury with Dale Copley coming on to the wing in his place. Ryan Simpkins is also out with a knee injury with Leivahu Pulu promoted to the starting team in his place. Both Karl Lawton and Nathaniel Peteru have been added to the bench with Jarryd Hayne expected to be fit, despite failing to finish the game against the Broncos with a lower leg injury. 

Manly Sea Eagles' Scouting Report - Manly have suffered a big blow with star fullback Tom Trbojevic out for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury that he sustained against the Broncos. Matthew Wright is the interesting choice from Coach Trent Barrett to fill in at fullback given he has not played there since back in 2014 for the Cowboys .

Verdict - Titans by 6-12 in a high scoring game

I think this game will be entertaining with plenty of points on offer given a dry track. I just think the loss of Trbojevic at fullback is huge for Manly as he adds so much to their set plays and general attacking style. I would have fancied Manly to win this game with him at fullback, however the Eagles, I think, are more than a try worse off without their star fullback and will have to find other means to score points in this game. The Titans are on a roll, having won their past 3 straight, and are beginning to get their senior players on the field to build combinations. You wouldn't say all their wins have been convincing, however they have beaten some quality opposition of late, including the Sharks and Storm, as well as taking the Broncos right to wire.