C.ex Coffs International Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 18 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs. Gold Coast Titans game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday July 5, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: C.ex Coffs International Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Odds
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Preview
Its feeling like make-or-break time for Cronulla despite its top-four standing after four losses from five games, while 15th-placed Gold Coast has proved itself as one of the most dangerous, and most inscrutable, teams in the NRL.
The Sharks are on a nine-match winning streak against the Titans, including a 36-6 triumph in the Shire in their sole clash last season.
Their current run includes two victories at Coffs Harbour, where the Sharks are unbeaten in three matches after beginning to take a game there in 2021.
But the former ladder leaders went down to the Dolphins at home (30-28) and the Bulldogs in golden point at Accor Stadium (15-14) either side of the Round 16 bye.
Dumped NSW No.7 Nicho Hynes is struggling for confidence and came under fire for failing to ice last weeks game in extra-time.
Daniel Atkinson, who starred in a brief stint at five-eighth, replaces a concussed Sione Katoa on the wing in the Sharks only change.
The Titans bounced back from a terrible fortnight, in which they lost to the Rabbitohs (46-12) and Tigers (18-10), with a staggering, record-shattering 66-6 upset of the Warriors before enjoying the bye last weekend.
Kieran Foran was in vintage form against one of his former clubs, while Alofiana Khan-Pereira blazed over for four tries.
AJ Brimson returns in time to replace injured five-eighth Jayden Campbell, who has been on fire.
Jojo Fifita is also back, with Phil Sami going to centre and Beau Fermor reverting to the pack. Moe Fotuaika is back after missing the Warriors game on Origin duty.
Its impossible to know which incarnation of the Titans will turn up in Coffs Harbour, but the Sharks $1.42 favourites in this one inspire little confidence currently.
With seven of the Titans last 11 games (and three of the Sharks last six) producing over 50 points, though, the over does appeal here.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Tip
We're tipping Cronulla Sharks to win at $1.36 odds.
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Teams
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Daniel Atkinson 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Teig Wilton 18. Jesse Colquhoun 19. Tom Rodwell 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Jayden Berrell
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Isaac Liu 15. Josiah Pahulu 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Joe Stimson 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Jaylan De Groot
