The final match of the opening round sees the Sharks host the Titans.
Despite being dogged by off-field drama last season, as they have been again in recent months with the suspension of Coach Shane Flanagan, the Sharks produced a solid year in 2013, winning fourteen of their games and finishing in fifth spot on the ladder.
The team announced for the opening round is a solid one for the Sharks – if all players do make the field.
Injury clouds over five-eighth Todd Carney and lock-forward Wade Graham are a concern, especially with regular half-back Jeff Robson already missing due to injury. If Carney misses this game, the Sharks will have to put together a new and inexperienced halves combination.
The Titans toughed out last season well against a long injury list. The just missed out on making the finals and finished in ninth spot on the ladder with eleven wins from their twenty-four matches.
This is the seventh year in the competition for the Titans in which time, they’ve only made the finals twice (2009, 2010) and will be desperate to improve their finals record this season.
Beside Jamal Idris’ move to Penrith, the Titans remain largely the same squad as that of 2013.
With four representatives in their impressive forward pack, it is this area where the Titans will have to assert their authority if they are to win more games.
The Sharks have won three of the last four against the Titans at home including sneaking home by two points in this game last year.
Expect this game to be closer than the current market suggests and for the market to tighten considerably if Carney is omitted. The value in this match may be with the Titans
TIP: TITANS 1 – 12
Odds Comparison:
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| Cronulla Sharks | 1.70 | 1.65 | 1.67 | 1.65 | 1.70 | 1.65 |
| Gold Coast Titans | 2.20 | 2.27 | 2.25 | 2.27 | 2.20 | 2.25 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Cronulla Sharks:
Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Blake Ayshford, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Daniel Holdsworth, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Bryce Gibbs, Matt Prior, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Sam Tagataese, Tupou Sopoaga, Siosaia Vave, Tinirau Arona (one to be omitted)
Gold Coast Titans:
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Tighe, Maurice Blair, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Beau Falloon, Nate Myles (c), Greg Bird (c), David Taylor, Ashley Harrison
Interchange: Matthew White, Luke Bailey, Mark Minichiello, Paul Carter, Ryan James, Brad Takairangi, Ben Ridge (three to be omitted)