Two sides with much loftier ambitions than their current 13th and 14th positions will shape up in Round 9 in a clash that will signal the start of a revival for either the Titans or Raiders.

After claiming last year’s minor premiership the Raiders have managed just three wins across the opening eight rounds while the Titans have won just two games under new coach Josh Hannay.

The trek to Cbus Super Stadium will hold few fears for the Green Machine as they boast an 8-7 record in matches at the venue since 2008, including a 30-20 win in Round 7 last year.

The Titans have won just four of 13 at home across the past two seasons and need to start aiming up in front of those fans who have brought into the new vision spruiked by Hannay since his arrival.

Both sides have struggled to click in attack with the Titans averaging just 21ppg and the Raiders 19ppg, well shy of the likes of ladder leaders Penrith (34ppg) and the Rabbitohs (31.7ppg).

Team News

Titans: AJ Brimson returns in the centres after missing the Warriors game in Round 7 to remain in Australia for the birth of his second child. Brimson’s return sees Jaylan de Groot move to the interchange. Chris Randall is back from a calf injury in No.13 so Cooper Bai slides to the bench. 

Raiders: Five-eighth Ethan Strange has been ruled out of the game against the Titans with an ankle injury. Simi Sasagi is back from a hamstring injury and slots into the back row with Zac Hosking (concussion) sidelined. Ata Mariota also comes into the back row in place of Noah Martin, who is having surgery on both ankles. Chevy Stuart is the new face on the bench in No.14 and Jordan Uta is also part of the extended squad.

Stat Attack

The Titans have not defeated the Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium since 2018.
The Raiders have won their last six games against the Titans.
Titans centre Jojo Fifita has scored four tries in his last four games against the Raiders.
Raiders centre Matt Timoko has scored six tries in six games against the Titans.
Titans second-rower Beau Fermor will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.