Two sides with much loftier ambitions than their current 13th and 14th positions will shape up in Round 9 in a clash that will signal the start of a revival for either the Titans or Raiders.
After claiming last year's minor premiership the Raiders have managed just three wins across the opening eight rounds while the Titans have won just two games under new coach Josh Hannay.
The trek to Cbus Super Stadium will hold few fears for the Green Machine as they boast an 8-7 record in matches at the venue since 2008, including a 30-20 win in Round 7 last year.
The Titans have won just four of 13 at home across the past two seasons and need to start aiming up in front of those fans who have brought into the new vision spruiked by Hannay since his arrival.
Both sides have struggled to click in attack with the Titans averaging just 21ppg and the Raiders 19ppg, well shy of the likes of ladder leaders Penrith (34ppg) and the Rabbitohs (31.7ppg).
Match: Titans v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Titans
13th Position
away Team
Raiders
14th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Titans: AJ Brimson returns in the centres after missing the Warriors game in Round 7 to remain in Australia for the birth of his second child. Brimson's return sees Jaylan de Groot move to the interchange. Chris Randall is back from a calf injury in No.13 so Cooper Bai slides to the bench.
Raiders: Simi Sasagi is back from a hamstring injury and slots into the back row with Zac Hosking (concussion) sidelined. Ata Mariota also comes into the back row in place of Noah Martin, who is having surgery on both ankles. Chevy Stuart is the new face on the bench in No.14 and Jordan Uta is also part of the extended squad.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano KiniFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Titans is number 2 Sialetili FaeamaniWinger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale
-
Centre for Titans is number 3 Jojo FifitaCentre for Raiders is number 3 Sebastian Kris
-
Centre for Titans is number 4 AJ BrimsonCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
-
Winger for Titans is number 5 Phillip SamiWinger for Raiders is number 5 Jed Stuart
-
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Lachlan IliasFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Jayden CampbellHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan Sanders
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Kurtis MorrinProp for Raiders is number 8 Corey Horsburgh
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Hooker for Titans is number 9 Sam VerrillsHooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
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Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Arama Hau2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Ata Mariota
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2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Simi Sasagi
-
Lock for Titans is number 13 Chris RandallLock for Raiders is number 13 Jayden Brailey
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 14 Oliver PascoeInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Chevy Stewart
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Interchange for Titans is number 15 Cooper BaiInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Daine Laurie
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Interchange for Titans is number 16 Moeaki FotuaikaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Morgan Smithies
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Interchange for Titans is number 17 Klese HaasInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Joe Roddy
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Interchange for Titans is number 18 Jaylan De GrootInterchange for Raiders is number 18 Owen Pattie
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Interchange for Titans is number 19 Josh PatstonInterchange for Raiders is number 19 Jordan Uta
Reserves
-
Reserve for Titans is number 20 Zane HarrisonReserve for Raiders is number 20 Ethan Alaia
-
Reserve for Titans is number 21 Adam ChristensenReserve for Raiders is number 21 Jake Clydsdale
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Reserve for Titans is number 22 Bodhi SharpleyReserve for Raiders is number 22 Sione Finau
Titans Ins
- AJ Brimson
- Bodhi Sharpley
- Chris Randall
Raiders Ins
- Ethan Alaia
- Jake Clydsdale
- Jordan Uta
- Simi Sasagi
- Sione Finau
Titans Outs
Raiders Ins
- Noah Martin
- Zac Hosking
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Titans have not defeated the Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium since 2018.
- The Raiders have won their last six games against the Titans.
- Titans centre Jojo Fifita has scored four tries in his last four games against the Raiders.
- Raiders centre Matt Timoko has scored six tries in six games against the Titans.
- Titans second-rower Beau Fermor will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.