The Bulldogs proved too strong for the Knights last week when young-gun Kalyn Ponga and hooker Slade Griffin left the field due to injury early in the game.
Dogs fans will take heart from that win, however, they will need to back it up this week to convince fans they’re not headed for the wooden spoon.
Making that task more difficult, the Dogs will have to do it without origin representative David Klemmer, who ran for 183 meters against the Knights.
The Raiders got off to a flyer and found themselves well in front at Suncorp Stadium in Round 16, before the fast-finishing Broncos stole a victory.
The return of Josh Hodgson has improved the Raiders significantly, and you’d expect him to play a key role again here.
Clay Priest (Bulldogs), Sam Williams (Raiders)
David Klemmer (Bulldogs), Josh Papalii (Raiders)
Fine and 14 degrees forecast for Sydney. Expect to see a fast-paced game with some expansive footy to be played.
Key NRL stats
Points scored per game: Bulldogs 16.3 / Raiders 23.6
Points conceded per game: Bulldogs 20.3 / Raiders 21.5
The Bulldogs have won only 2 of 7 games at Belmore Oval since 2015
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Raiders' average winning margin is 15.5 points - Raiders 13+ @ $2.65
The Raiders have won 5 of their past 6 games as favourites - Raiders win @ $1.44
The last 8 night-games between these two have resulted in under the total match points - Match line 42 points @ $1.89
NRL Betting Tip: Raiders to cover the -6.5 line @ $1.90
Reasoning: The Raiders must win this game to keep their top eight hopes alive, and you’d expect them to stand up and be counted.
The Doggies will feel the loss of Mbye and Woods this week, and it wouldn’t surprise to see the Raiders run away with this one.
Missed our preview of the earlier fixtures? Read it here
Both the Titans and Broncos are coming off good wins in round 16.
The Titans are looking for three wins on-the-trot and without origin representatives Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow, their forward pack will need to be at their best.
The Broncos have more depth in their squad, but the back-up is well-needed, as they will be without four origin stars.
Brisbane will feel some pain, losing two of their biggest metre-eaters in Corey Oates and Josh McGuire to Origin.
The most important attacking weapons in each team are halves, Ash Taylor and Anthony Milford. Both players are coming off a man of the match performance and will be looking to lead their teams to victory.
Morgan Boyle (Titans), Konrad Hurrell (Titans), Jonus Pearson (Broncos), Jake Turpin, Tevita Pangai-Junior (Broncos), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)
Jai Arrow (Titans), Jarrod Wallace (Titans), Josh McGuire (Broncos), Corey Oates (Broncos), James Roberts (Broncos), Andrew McCullogh (Broncos)
Fine and 16 degrees forecast for the Gold Coast. Expect to see a fast-paced game with some expansive footy to be played.
NRL Stats in focus
With both teams so evenly matched across the park, this game will come down to a battle of the dominant halves.
Ash Taylor has been in scintillating form and has single handily carried the Gold Coast to two wins on-the-trot.
Anthony Milford on the other hand has been inconsistent and has struggled to string back to back performances together.
Key NRL stats
Points scored per game: Titans 19.7 / Broncos 19.6
Points conceded per game: Titans 24.5 / Broncos 22.3
The Broncos have won 4 of the past 5 games against the Titans
Key NRL Betting Stats
Each of the Broncos' 9 wins has been by a margin of 1-12
The Titans have covered the line at 60% in 2018
The Titans 3 day-games this season have resulted in over total match points
NRL Betting Tip: Titans to cover the line of +2.5 @ $1.90
Reasoning: Both sides are heavily affected due to origin. Ash Taylor looks to have the edge over Anthony Milford in the battle which should decide this match.
Jul 06, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Clay Priest (Bulldogs), Sam Williams (Raiders)
David Klemmer (Bulldogs), Josh Papalii (Raiders)
Fine and 14 degrees forecast for Sydney. Expect to see a fast-paced game with some expansive footy to be played. 
Key NRL stats
Key NRL Betting Stats 
NRL Betting Tip: Raiders to cover the -6.5 line @ $1.90 
