Sunday’s NRL 2018 Round 16 match is between Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans. The opening kick is set to commence at 14:00 local time with the game to be played at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney. The home team Wests Tigers are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans.
When: 14:00 | Sunday 01/07/2018
Where: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Preview:
The return of their prodigal son Robbie Farah will see this game and team rise for the challenge.
The Tigers have been down on their performance over the past six weeks compared to the start of the season and Robbie might just be the fix they’re looking for.
He’s a quality player that can provide them with skill and experience around the ruck.
He’s only played two NRL games this year and is far too good to be wasted in the reserves.
Who would of thought the boys who started it all in Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah would reunite.
Another of the mid-season trades was the star fullback Moses Mbye.
He too will be a welcome inclusion to the Tigers.
I do think they will take a little bit of time to click but generally the first outing is one filled with emotion and being back at Campbelltown will be a great place to start.
The Titans head to Campbelltown with skipper Ryan James fresh out of Origin camp and a spring in his step no doubt.
Look for him to press another claim to pulling on the blue jersey.
KEY BATTLE: Robbie Farah v Nathan Peats
I can’t go past the matchup of the no.9s, though I sense Robbie will turn one on for the ages against the Titans and in doing so, look to outshine Peats who will be looking to put the disappointment of missing out on selection for NSW out of his mind with a dominant display.
The Verdict
Based on that emotion and injection of class back in Campbelltown, I think the Tigers will return to the winner’s circle.
The Tigers have a 7-6 (53.8 percent) W/L record as favourites after a loss since 2015.
Unibet Odds:
Wests Tigers at $1.52
Gold Coast at $2.55
Odds:
Tip: Wests Tigers at $1.49
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Corey Thompson at $12.00
More Info:
Teams:
Wests Tigers:
1 Moses Mbye, 2 Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Esan Marsters, 4 Kevin Naiqama, 5 Corey Thompson, 6 Josh Reynolds, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Russell Packer (c), 9 Robbie Farah, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Chris Lawrence, 12 Josh Aloisi, 13 Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14 Alex Twal, 15 Suaso Sue, 16 Michael Chee Kam, 17 Matt Eisenhuth
Reserves: 18 Tyson Gamble, 19 Robbie Rochow, 20 Tim Grant, 21 Chris McQueen.
Gold Coast Titans: 
1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Dale Copley, 4 Brenko Lee, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 AJ Brimson, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jarrod Wallace, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Ryan James (c), 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Keegan Hipgrave, 13 Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Will Matthews, 16 Moeaki Fotuaika, 17 Jack Stockwell
Reserves: 18 Morgan Boyle, 19 Konrad Hurrell, 20 Kane Elgey, 21 Bryce Cartwright, 22 Leilaniu Latu.
NRL News:
Robbie Farah’s much-speculated Wests Tigers homecoming is complete.
South Sydney reluctantly but honourably released Farah on Wednesday, allowing the decorated hooker to sign with his former club for the rest of 2018.
The reunion will allow him to finish his career as a Tiger 18 months after leaving Concord following his ugly fallout with then-coach Jason Taylor.
He was much more warmly welcomed by current coach Ivan Cleary, under whom he will start training this week and be eligible for selection for the next game against Gold Coast on July 1 at Leichhardt Oval.
“Robbie brings a wealth of experience back to the club in a position where we feel we need some additional support at this stage of the season,” Cleary said.
“All of my discussions with Robbie have been very positive. He understands the direction that the club is heading in and how he can help contribute to that.”
The mid-season switch follows a week of conjecture surrounding Farah’s future.
The former NSW State of Origin captain has made only two NRL appearances this season under coach Anthony Seibold after falling behind Origin revelation Damien Cook for the hooker position.
But that was all it took for the 34-year-old to prove he could still cut it in first grade, making 62 tackles three weeks ago against Cronulla and backing it up with a similarly eye-catching display against Gold Coast.
From the Rabbitohs’ point of view, it robs the current premiership favourites of a handy back-up.
“He showed his professionalism every single day through some challenging times for him,” Seibold said.
“I’m sorry to see him go and, personally, I will miss having him around the team, but our decision to grant him a release is based on what we think is the best thing for him.
“We had a great working relationship and I wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Farah himself admitted it was tough to leave Souths after a positive experience but was looking forward to returning to his roots.
“It’s not an easy decision for me to leave the club as I’ve formed many great friendships in my time at the Rabbitohs,” Farah said.
“I would like to thank ‘Seibs’ and ‘Richo’ (Shane Richardson) for allowing me the opportunity to return to my former club and finish my career there.
“I will forever be grateful for my time at South Sydney and am so proud to be part of the history of such a great club.”