Robina Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 8 NRL game between Gold Coast Titans and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Titans vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday April 29, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Where: Robina Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers Preview
Gold Coast is at a difficult crossroads, winning just two games – against Warriors and Tigers sides who were missing their chief playmakers – and are coming off a season-worst 30-4 loss to North Queensland. It was the fifth time this season the Titans have conceded 24-plus points.
Coach Justin Holbrook has reshuffled his backline again. David Fifita’s centre experiment lasted just a week with Phillip Sami returning on the wing. AJ Brimson takes over from the demoted Jamayne Isaako at fullback, with Will Smith to start at five-eighth – though don’t count out Jayden Campbell as a late inclusion.
An assignment against Penrith couldn’t come at a worse time. The Panthers’ hunger and ruthlessness is incredible, going 7-0 with six wins by 14-plus points.
The Raiders put up a fight last Sunday but the Panthers ran away with it 36-6, with Nathan Cleary brilliant and Stephen Crichton grabbing three tries. Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 this week.
Penrith has won seven of its last eight against Gold Coast, including a 48-12 Magic Round drubbing in the teams’ sole 2021 clash. Cleary scored a hat-trick in a 28-point haul, while Charlie Staines notched a double.
Expect an improved Titans effort after a dismal outing in Round 7, but even their best doesn’t guarantee they avoid a heavy loss. A fourth straight Panthers win by 20 points or more shapes as solid value.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.07 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Charlie Staines at $8.00.
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Smith 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Sam Lisone 16. Herman Ese’ese 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Jamayne Isaako 19. Jarrod Wallace 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Esan Marsters 22. Paul Turner 23. Corey Thompson 24. Jayden Campbell
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matt Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Robert Jennings 19. Chris Smith 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Lindsay Smith 22. Mitch Kenny 23. Christian Crichton 24. Sean O’Sullivan