FULL TIME: Titans vs Raiders – Round 1, 2019

Team News: Michael Gordon has won the fullback role, demoting young gun AJ Brimson to the bench. Tyrone Peachey and Shannon Boyd make their club debut at centre and prop respectively, while Tyrone Roberts returns from the Super League in the halves. Recruit Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is the Canberra custodian, while NRL debutant Bailey Simonsson lines up on the wing outside Joseph Leilua. Former Wigan Warrior John Bateman starts at lock while fellow English recruit Ryan Sutton is on the bench, with the uncapped Corey Horsburgh.

Prediction: Gold Coast head into the 2019 season as a legitimate dark horse for a top eight spot. They were heavily tipped for the wooden spoon throughout the pre-season but the recruitment of Shannon Boyd, Tyrone Peachey and Tyrone Roberts has given faith to a club still hunting for their maiden premiership. Canberra on the other hand, have a well below par squad in 2019. Wighton’s shift from fullback to five-eighth fails to excite, they haven’t recruited any NRL calibre props after losing their two international starting front-rowers, and their depth looks weak. The Titans should roll over Canberra here, and make an early statement, despite our ZT community almost split down the middle with a 51-49 advantage to the hosts. Titans by 16.

Previous 5 Games

Gold Coast

DATE	OPP	RESULT
1/9/18	Cowboys	L 26 - 30
25/8/18	Storm	L 8 - 10
17/8/18	Sea Eagles	W 34 - 42
11/8/18	Panthers	L 16 - 17
4/8/18	Eels	L 28 - 12

Canberra

DATE	OPP	RESULT
31/8/18	Warriors	L 20 - 16
25/8/18	Rabbitohs	W 24 - 12
19/8/18	Roosters	W 14 - 12
12/8/18	Wests Tigers	L 20 - 22
5/8/18	Panthers	L 40 - 31