Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tips & Preview

Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Predictions

Both the Titans and the Rabbitohs come into this one on the back of losses in their last two games. The Titans had the luxury of another bye in round 13, but it won’t be enough to save them against the Rabbits.

The Titans are carrying too many injuries and their two most influential forwards backing up after playing big minutes in Origin. 

I expect the Rabbitohs to bounce back after two poor weeks defensively and shut down the Titans’ go-forward and wounded attack, thus keeping their opponents below 20 points and covering the 7.5 points as favourites. Alex Johnston and Keaon Koloamatangi will take advantage of the weaker right side of the Titans defensive line.

Head to Head 

South Sydney generally do not have too much trouble when playing the Titans, winning eight of their last 10 matchups and the last seven straight.

The Titans and the Rabbitohs played just once in 2022 with Souths getting up comfortably 30-16, at Cbus Stadium.

Gold Coast Titans Form

Although the Titans are following their usual up and down form curve, they find themselves on the cusp of the top 8 in 9th place on the NRL ladder. 

They are heading into round 14 on the back of a bye in round 13, however they lost their previous two against the Knights and the Bulldogs before their second week off of 2023.

The Titans average the most points conceded in the NRL, but have stayed in matches due to their attack, generally orchestrated by veteran Kieren Foran, who is out with a toe injury.

Gold Coast Titans Team News

In what is a massive loss for the Titans, five-eighth Kieren Foran (toe) will be out for up to 4 weeks. Jayden Campbell will move into the 6, unleashing young gun Keano Kini at fullback on debut.

Sam Verrills (collarbone) has returned as part of the bench, whilst Alofiana Khan-Pereira has also earned back his spot on the wing.

Both David Fafita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have been named to back up after their Origin victory for QLD.

Gold Coast Titans Team List

1. Keano Kini

2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

3. Phillip Sami

4. Aaron Schoupp

5. Jojo Fifita

6. Jayden Campbell

7. Tanah Boyd

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Chris Randall

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. David Fifita

12. Joe Stimson

13. Isaac Liu

Interchange

14. Sam Verrills

15. Erin Clark

16. Klese Haas

17. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui

Reserves

18. Kruise Leeming

19. Brian Kelly

20. Jaimin Jolliffe

21. Thomas Mikaele

22. Ken Maumalo

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form

After winning six in a row, South Sydney have suddenly had a dip in form losing their last 2 games against the Eels and the Raiders. 

Before their loss to the Eels, the Rabbitohs had not conceded more than 20 points to any team in the first 11 rounds, however they have conceded over 30 points their last two losses, being the cause of their fall out of the top 4.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News

Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out with a calf injury with Blake Taafe retaining the fullback spot.

Richard Kennar replaces Taane Milne on the right wing.

Both Cameron Murray and Jai Arrow have been named to back up from Origin 1.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Blake Taaffe

2. Alex Johnston

3. Isaiah Tass

4. Campbell Graham

5. Richard Kennar

6. Cody Walker

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Damien Cook

10. Hame Sele 

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jacob Host

13. Cameron Murray

Interchange

14. Jai Arrow

15. Michael Chee Kam

16. Shaq Mitchell

17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Reserves

18. Taane Milne

19. Jed Cartwright

20. Peter Mamouzelos

21. Tallis Duncan

22. Dean Hawkins