NRL action heads to the Gold Coast to start Super Saturday this week, with the Titans hosting the Warriors. Both teams currently sit outside the Top 8 and are in desperate need of winning form to regain confidence and keep their 2024 hopes alive. If their current form continues, it could quickly become an afterthought. There is no better opportunity than now. Before You Bet will take a comprehensive look at the action ahead in a tricky contest, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
2024 NRL Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors
Cbus Super Stadium – Saturday 22nd June – 3pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Titans failed to capitalise on a positive road record against the Tigers last week, giving up a 10-6 HT lead and failing to score a point in the second half. It was another deflating performance from a team which promises so much. Again, they only have themselves to blame with a 67% completion rate with a 49% share of possession. More frustrating was the fact that they averaged 10.2m per carry, had more PCM’s and made 9 line breaks; yet, they failed to turn this positive play into points. After several positive weeks, it returned thoughts that this team must change a lot more to achieve success.
Like their opponents, the Warriors started strong and gave up a lead to the Storm at home. Looking impressive leading 14-nil after 20 minutes, they were shutting down their opponents’ attacking options. Momentum was with them but that quickly disappeared as the Storm shocked them with points to lead 20-14 at HT. The Warriors had to wait until the 74th minute to find their first points of the second half, with that effort highlighting their shortcomings. This still saw them have a greater share of possession (54%), a higher completion rate (80%), make more total metres and PCM’s. Perhaps, they were outplayed by a better team, but questions still need to be asked about their ability to build pressure at the end of positive attacking sets. They have a good opportunity to turn around and build on that in this game.
Match Prediction
It seems like Groundhog Day every time a preview about the Titans is written. The advice for this game is the same: it should be avoided as they cannot be trusted. Adding the Warriors to the contest further clouds the judgement in this contest. Both sides are boosted by the return of key players (Fifita for the Titans and RTS for the Warriors) but that will only take them so far. The Titans are listed as outsiders ($2.50 vs $1.53) and their season averages support this. The Warriors have an edge on both sides of the ball averaging 21ppg in attack and conceding 20ppg in defence. The Titans are close to their opponents in attack (18ppg) but have a woeful defensive record (28ppg) and will need to limit their opponents scoring if they are to be competitive.
The history between these two sides works against the visitors. The Titans have won 4 out of the past 5 against the Warriors but the key for punters lies within the margin. The past 4 games have been tight contests decided by 10 points or less. If you cannot bring yourself to stay away from this game, this should be the market you are looking at. There is too much unpredictability to invest on this game with a large amount of confidence. If you need to find a winner for a tipping competition, the Warriors have demonstrated more potential and travel well to this ground (44% vs 53%) and have demonstrated a higher level of consistency to date.
Either Team by 10.5 Points or less
$2 (1 Unit)
