Two matches involving 4 teams outside the 8 greet us on Sunday, as the Raiders (9th) host the Dragons (11th) at GIO Stadium, followed by the Titans (16th) hosting the Sea Eagles (10th) at Cbus Super Stadium.

Both games are re-matches from earlier in the season, with the Raiders and Titans seeking revenge at home. The weather is predicted to be wet and miserable in Canberra, while it is expected to be warm and sunny at the Gold Coast, lending itself to a high scoring game.

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Team News

The Raiders welcome back fullback Xavier Savage, with Jordan Rapana shifting to the wing and Nick Cotric (suspension) out. Joseph Tapine (rib) is also out, replaced in the starting side by Emre Guler. Corey Horsburgh takes up Guler’s vacated position on the bench.

The Dragons are without Tariq Sims (suspension), who is replaced by Josh McGuire. Tyrell Fuimaono joins the bench. Francis Molo is replaced by brother Michael Molo in the starting side.

Patrick Herbert returns on the wing for the Titans, replacing Greg Marzhew who joins the interchange. Hooker Aaron Booth (knee) is out, with Erin Clark returning to hooker and Isaac Liu promoted to start at lock.

And finally for the Sea Eagles, only one change to the 17 from last week, with Josh Aloiai returning on the bench, with Taniela Paseka (knee) out.


Betting Odds

Raiders $1.50 vs Dragons $2.60

Titans $2.75 vs Sea Eagles $1.45

Bet now at Ladbrokes!


Overview

There’s definitely one game I’ll be concentrating my team choice around today. With the Raiders and Dragons clash likely to take place in cold, wet conditions in Canberra, I’ll be looking to spend as much of my cap on Titans and Sea Eagles players that I can.

The Titans have scored 53% of their tries this season on the left, equal highest percentage in the league. With the Sea Eagles conceding 56% of their tries on the left (2nd most in NRL), look for left side Titans players to score well. Don’t sleep on Sea Eagles left edge players either, with the Titans conceding the most tries on their right edge of any side in the NRL (55).

In terms of the results, I like the Dragons to cause the upset in Canberra, with the circus surrounding the Ricky Stuart presser causing too many issues for the Raiders. I also like the Sea Eagles in the second match; however, I expect both sides to score points.

 

Love It – Jason Saab - $10,260

Saab is relatively cheap and playing on the left edge for the Sea Eagles. As outlined above, this sets up perfectly, and if he can replicate his tremendous performance from last week, he will score us a big bag of points. He has 4 tries in his 3 matches against the Titans, and with conditions setting up for a cricket score today, I like Saab to cross for at least 1 try.

 

Love It – Daly Cherry Evans - $24,010

Paying a premium, however DCE is a premium player. Despite the Sea Eagles being poor the past 3 weeks, he has still managed to score his owner’s 54 points per game. Scored 61 in the previous clash with the Titans this season, however there is a good chance his kicking game will be used more in this game, given the fact Kieran Foran is dealing with a hamstring strain. Lowest score of 51 this year gives you a tremendous floor, and his ceiling is as good as just about anyone’s, with a high of 101 points.

 

Love It – David Fifita - $20,340

If picking up DCE, you’ll probably struggle to find the room for Fifita, however if you’re looking for a premium that isn’t the Manly halfback, Fifita could be your man. Has struggled this season to find his barnstorming best, however it is surely only a matter of time before he breaks through for a massive score. With the conditions set to be perfect this weekend, look for the big man to crash over for a try and push up towards that 75+ score that he’s only managed twice this year.

 

Hate It – Jamal Fogarty - $20,030

Fogarty looked a bit rattled last week against the Panthers, struggling to generate anything in attack and rushing his kicks. Scored 38 against the Dragons in round 16, and with conditions set to be poor again for this clash, the Raiders halfback could again struggle to get much going. Prefer Ben Hunt and Jack Wighton at the price, however if you can’t afford the premium DCE, look for some high upside Titans or Sea Eagles HH players in the mid-priced tier.

 

Hate It – Erin Clark - $17,470

We wrote about Clark a few weeks ago after his seemingly permanent move to lock. After scoring 76, 64 and 45 at lock, Clark was again named to start in the 13 last week. However, an unfortunate season ending injury to Aaron Booth early last week, showed that Clark just cannot contribute at hooker the way he does as a running forward, producing only 33 points. Still priced as though he’s playing at lock, Clark is a no-go this week, and any week where he starts in the hooking role.

 

Who Knows - Blake Lawrie - $15,150

Lawrie is the proverbial yo-yo right now, with his previous 8 scores going up and down. In his up weeks, Lawrie has averaged 55.5 points per game, nothing to sneeze at for the price. However, on his down weeks, Lawrie has averaged just 34.6 points per game. He’s due a down week, and with conditions set to be rough, Lawrie’s output may again suffer. Scored 40 in the previous Raiders match-up, but his consistent inconsistency is too hard to have in your side.


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