Cbus Super Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 NRL game between Gold Coast Titans and St. George Illawarra Dragons. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Gold Coast Titans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Titans vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 9, 2024 at 7:35 pm

Where: Cbus Super Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Gold Coast Titans vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Odds

Gold Coast Titans vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview

Bottom-four finishers in 2023, Gold Coast and St George Illawarra head into the season with new, premiership-winning mentors who have had some time away from the NRL head coaching game. 

There were far more positives for the freewheeling Titans last year, winning nine games and unveiling 20-try wing rookie Alofiana Khan-Pereira, while Kieran Foran proved a sound acquisition behind a representative-stacked pack. 

The Dragons’ season was a dumpster fire; like the Titans, they sacked their coach midyear but only mustered five wins with a thoroughly uninspiring roster. 

Flanagan has rung the changes, with son Kyle in the halves alongside saving grace Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax shunted to the wing with Jack Bird in the centres, and forward recruits Tom Eisenhuth and Raymond Faitala-Mariner coming into the side along with debutant Viliami Fifita. 

With Jayden Campbell injured, Hasler has named Keano Kini at fullback to allow AJ Brimson to slot into his new position at centre.

David Fifita is another big-name absentee, but Beau Fermor returns from a year-long injury break and ex-Bronco Keenan Palasia is at lock. 

The Titans have won four of their last six against the Dragons – including the last three straight in Queensland.

Last season’s ledger was split, the Saints powering to a 32-18 home win in Round 2 and the Titans returning the favour 20-18 on the Gold Coast in Round 6. 

While Flanagan is expected to instil a harder edge at St George Illawarra, the same is expected of Hasler on the Gold Coast – and it will take time for the crusty coaches’ methods to bed in. 

The Saints went 0-12 on the road in 2023 while the Titans went 5-6 at Cbus Super Stadium and were consistently competitive.

The hosts should be able to provide the necessary platform through the middle third for their backline – one of the NRL’s quickest – to take advantage.

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Gold Coast Titans vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Tip

Gold Coast Titans vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Teams

Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Jaimin Jolliffe 18. Joe Stimson 19. Jojo Fifita 20. Jacob Alick 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Josiah Pahulu

Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Jesse Marschke 21. Ryan Couchman 22. Mathew Feagai