Cbus Super Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 9 NRL game between Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Titans vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 4, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Where: Cbus Super Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Odds
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Preview
Gold Coast Titans delivered Des Hasler his first win as coach in spectacular style on Anzac Day, but netting their first home win of the season shapes as a taller order as the flying Melbourne Storm roll up to the holiday strip.
The Titans first victory had been brewing after a golden point away loss to the Raiders and a 34-30 home defeat to the Sea Eagles, but their effort to fight back from a 12-0 deficit against the Warriors and score five unanswered tries before holding on 27-24 was nevertheless a boilover.
AJ Brimson has been electric since reverting to fullback, while Kieran Foran has also been superb and Tanah Boyd has turned a corner.
Hasler has changed a winning line-up with Phil Sami and Harley Smith-Shields (a warm-up withdrawal in Auckland) coming in for Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Aaron Schoupp.
Moeaki Fotuaika is out with concussion, which brings Joe Stimson into the front-row.
The 6-1 Storm, after each of their first six games were decided by eight points or less, opened their shoulders in a 54-20 Anzac Day exhibition against Souths.
Cameron Munster was the ringleader in a sizzling spine display, while Xavier Coates notched a hat-trick and Ryan Papenhuyzen a double.
Tyran Wishart is the surprise pick to replace the injured Coates on the wing, with Bronson Garlick taking Wisharts bench utility spot.
The Titans only win in their last 10 encounters with the Storm was a remarkable 38-36 home upset in Round 3 last season, with Khan-Pereira and Schoupp notching doubles and a Coates hat-trick headlining a 37-16 win for Melbourne in Round 26.
Only two of the Titans last 12 losses to the Storm were by less than 14 points and the hosts are getting a 14.5-point start here. The Titans have managed to cover in each of their last five games against the Storm and their improved showings in recent weeks hint that theyll do so again.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Tip
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.19 odds.
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Teams
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Joe Stimson 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Jacob Alick-wiencke 21. Keano Kini 22. Aaron Schoupp
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Tyran Wishart 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Joe Chan 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Jack Howarth 19. Sualauvi Faalogo 20. Grant Anderson 21. Dean Ieremia 22. Tristan Powell
