Big things were expected of both these sides in 2019, only for both to come into this game looking for just their second win.
The Titans broke through for their first against the Panthers last time, in an impressive performance that could spark a winning streak.
The Knights meanwhile are looking to snap a 4-game losing streak, and will certainly get their chance against the Gold Coast.
Why Titans can win
A few of Gold Coast's key players put in their best performance of 2019 last week, notably star recruit Tyrone Peachey.
Peachey made 1 line break, 7 tackle breaks and had 2 line break assists in an inspirational performance.
Speaking of inspirational, veteran full-back Michael Gordon also had a belter, running for a team-high 159 metres and scoring a try.
But it's the Titans pack who still have plenty of room for improvement.
This pack takes a hit with Jarrod Wallace rubbed out with a two-game suspension, although Shannon Boyd will make his return to the line-up.
Why Knights can win
Even though Newcastle have lost four on the bounce, they've been competitive in all of these games.
Last week they were gallant after seeing Manly surge out of the blocks with three early tries.
Ponga looks a greater threat in the number 1 jersey, while new recruit David Klemmer continues to impress at his new club.
It's Newcastle's halves that need to find something. Mitchell Pearce has been solid without setting the world alight, while Mason Lino is still finding his place in the side.
An improvement would see the Knights scrape over the line.
Key NRL Stat
The home team has won the previous 4 matches between these sides: Titans to win @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Either team to win by 6 points or less @ $2.60
Reasoning: Both sides look evenly matched. Expect this to go down to the wire.
The surprise packets of 2019 host the team that has been the most disappointing, in what's expected to be a corker on Sunday afternoon.
Canberra continue to go from strength to strength, and last week's shut-out of a free-scoring Parramatta outfit bodes well for this clash.
The Broncos meanwhile took another backwards step in Round 5, and quickly need to turn things around or risk setting themselves too great a challenge to make the eight.
Why Raiders can win
Ricky Stuart has got his side playing the complete game.
Last week was their best display yet, keeping the Eels scoreless and scoring 19 of their own.
Charnze-Nicoll Klokstad has been the find of the season, in a series of measured and accomplished performances from fullback.
He's been Canberra's number one metre-eater for the year, and that's an impressive fact considering the big boppers they have at their disposal.
Jack Wighton is also relishing playing in the halves. You know he must be in good form if he's keeping Aidan Sezer out of the side.
Why Broncos can win
It's the same old story for the Broncos, who aren't doing the basics right.
They have the second most missed tackles league-wide with 193, and have made the 6th most errors with 58.
Questions have also been raised whether Anthony Milford and Kody Nikorima can play alongside each other in the halves.
The Broncos are definitely missing a leader out on the park, and need somebody to stand up.
While you can expect Milford to have a good game against his former side, this still mightn't be enough.
Key NRL Stat
Brisbane have won 6 straight against the Raiders: Broncos to win @ $2.30
NRL Betting Tip: Canberra to cover the -4.0 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: Not just their form but the manner in which they've been winning points to another dominant Canberra win here.
2018 media tipster champ: Raiders
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers
NRL Odds: Eels $1.85 (-1.5) / Tigers $1.95 (+1.5)
This Easter Monday cracker will be the first game held at the brand new Bankwest Stadium out in Parramatta.
The Eels will help this change of scenery will give them a boost and help them bounce back after a sound defeat to the Raiders.
Wests meanwhile will be brimming with confidence after a gutsy win up in Brisbane, and will look to spoil Parra's new house party.
Why Eels can win
The Raiders are a serious team, and why NRL punters shouldn't be too concerned about last week's performance from Parra.
However, a worrying sign was how ineffective the Eels look without new recruit Blake Ferguson.
Ferguson suffered a gruesome broken nose and was forced from the field just after half-time.
While he has been named to start here, the Tigers know that stopping the strong winger is the key to getting the upper hand.
But with plenty of their forwards in great form, and a raucous home crowd behind them, the Eels still have plenty of go-forward in them.
Why Tigers can win
Why go-forward and field position will be so important here is that it's the style of game that the Tigers force on opponents.
Under Michael Maguire, they have been doing all the one percenters, marching down field and often kicking early in the tackle count to pin the opposition in the corner.
In other words, they have been winning off energy, rather than flowing attacking play.
Josh Reynolds typifies this high-energy style, and he played another blinder last week against the Broncos.
If they can cope with a pumped-up Parra, then the Tigers have the grit to get over the line.
Key NRL Stat
Parramatta have won 5 of the past 7 match-ups between these sides: Eels to win @ $1.85
NRL Betting Tip: Eels to win @ $1.85
Reasoning: They have shown enough this year to suggest that they'll have the Tigers covered, especially with the boost a new stadium will give them.
Apr 19, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key NRL Stat
NRL Betting Tip: Either team to win by 6 points or less @ $2.60
2018 media tipster champ: Titans
