Two teams that tasted defeat in Round 1 face off here, with both desperate to avoid a 0-2 start to the season.
The Sharks were beaten in an arm-wrestle up in Newcastle and will relish the chance to make amends in front of their home fans.
After failing to score a single point last week, the Titans will need to produce a drastic form reversal to get something from the always tough trip to Shark Park
Why Sharks can win
The Sharks were arguably the better team in their Round 1 loss to Newcastle, making less missed tackles and dominating with 4 line breaks to 1.
With strength and experience all over the park, expect the Sharks to splash straight back into the winner's tank here.
They always lift an extra gear when playing in the Shire, and Shaun Johnson will be keen to show what he's capable of in front of his new home supporters.
Skipper Paul Gallen will bring extra motivation into the game, having announced his plans to retire at season's end.
If rookie coach John Morris can get his players to bounce back, then the Sharks will be very hard to beat.
Why Titans can win
If the Titans want to get the win, it'll have to be off the back of their forwards.
That's because both first-choice halves Tyrone Roberts and Ash Taylor have been ruled out with injury, leaving the inexperienced Ryley Jacks and Alexander Brimson to steer their team around Shark Park.
Shannon Boyd and Ryan James were disappointing in Round 1, making very little inroads up the field.
Look for them to bounce back and give Gold Coast a shot of pulling off the upset.
Key NRL Stat
The Titans have won 3 of their past 4 games against the Sharks: Gold Coast to win @ $3
NRL Betting Tip: Sharks to win into total match points to be under 40.5 @ $2.70
Reasoning: Cronulla win gritty. With a well organised defence, and still working out their attack, they'll likely win in a slug-fest.
If there's one team desperate to redeem themselves it's the Panthers.
Poor discipline and a string of errors cost them against Parramatta, who capitalized against a team whose heads were still in their drama-riddled off-season.
They will need to be switched on here, or they'll be tasting defeat against a Knights outfit looking to start the season with two straight wins.
Why Knights can win
The good news for Newcastle fans is that there is still plenty of room for improvement off last week's effort.
The Knights won off the back of their defence, holding the Sharks to just one try.
Kalyn Ponga will only progress as he gains experience playing in the halves alongside Mitchell Pearce.
Look for this duo to present more of an attacking threat this game.
And if Penrith gift as many attacking opportunities to the Knights as they gave to Parra last round, expect Ponga to cut them open.
Why Panthers can win
If they can quickly put their woeful Round 1 display behind them, the Panthers have the players to bounce back.
It was ill discipline that cost Penrith last week, conceding 10 penalties and making 15 handling errors.
Just hanging onto the ball will be the first step, and if they do that, the spine of Cleary, Maloney, Edwards and Katoa have more than enough points in them to trouble Newcastle's defence.
The key will be starting the game well. Too often Penrith give away a big start and are forced to play catch-up footy.
Key NRL Stat
The away team has won the previous 3 encounters between these teams: Panthers to win @ $2.05
NRL Betting Tip: Penrith Panthers to win @ $2.05
Reasoning: If they can nullify Ponga, then there is too much talent in Penrith's starting 13 not to start well and hold on for a good win.
Two teams looking to bounce back from an opening round loss do battle here, when the Eagles host the Roosters.
Manly weren't all that bad last week, but looked to be missing the cutting edge of Tom Trbojevic in attack.
They'll have to find a formula to win without him when they come up against the reigning premiers.
The Roosters will have been champing at the bit to get back out there after letting arch-rivals Souths get the better of them last week.
Why Sea Eagles can win
The Sea Eagles seem to grow another leg when they play at Brookvale.
They'll have to rely on their home support to get them over the line here, because they are looking totally outclassed.
Their only route to victory looks to be a Des Halser defensive special.
In Hasler's first game back at Brooky, he'll surely give his players a rev up, trying to inspire them to put in a big home performance.
Why Roosters can win
Beware a wounded bull, or in this case, Rooster.
The Chooks would be burning after they let the Souths get the better of them, and are sure to give everything in this clash.
With bags of experience and talent all over the park, look for the Tri-colours to do all the one-percenters and then capitalize when in the attacking zone.
And after conceding 26 points in Round 1, expect Trent Robinson to demand an improvement in defence, and hold out a Manly side lacking points.
Key NRL Stat
The Sea Eagles have won 3 of their past 5 games against the Roosters: Manly to win @ $3.50
NRL Betting Tip: Sydney Roosters to cover the -10.5 point line
Reasoning: A team of Sydney's quality will be desperate to avoid two straight losses to begin the season.
Mar 22, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key NRL Stat
NRL Betting Tip: Sharks to win into total match points to be under 40.5 @ $2.70
