2019 NRL – Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Sunday 21st July, 05:00
Where is Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Cbus Super Stadium
What channel is Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm?
Gold Coast Titans – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500004
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
THE TEAM NEWS
GOLD COAST TITANS
Interim Coaches: Luke Burt/Craig Hodges
Starting 13: Brimson, Copley, Lee, Kelly, Sami, Roberts, Jacks, Wallace, Peats, Stockwell, Proctor, Cartwright, Whitbread – Interchanges: Gordon, Fotuaika, Latu, Stone – Reserves: T. Boyd, Don
Unavailable: Ryan James, Ash Taylor, Keegan Hipgrave, Jai Arrow, Tyrone Peachey, Shannon Boyd
- Garth Brennan's reign as Gold Coast head coach was finally brought to an end following the Titans' 24-2 defeat against Penrith which left them bottom of the NRL ladder with just four victories to their name.
- The Titans will allow assistant coaches Craig Hodges and Luke Burt to take over in the interim as they search for a new head coach before looking to appoint a successor for next season.
- In the more immediate future, the Titans will come up against league leaders Melbourne but will be without Shannon Boyd who is out with an arm injury but Michael Gordon is set to return from the bench after a long absence.
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Seve, Olam, Earl, Stimson, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, Kamikamica, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: B. Smith, Faasuamaleaui, Eisenhuth, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Kata, King
Unavailable: Curtis Scott, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Addo-Carr, Will Chambers
- Melbourne were too good for Cronulla as they marked Cameron Smith's 400th NRL game with a classy victory over the Sharks as their charge towards the minor premiership continued.
- The Storm could have had the luxury of naming the same 17 as last week but head coach Craig Bellamy has targeted this game to offer his Origin stars a well-deserved week off with the exception of Dale Finucane who will start at lock.
- Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Addo-Carr and Will Chambers will all sit out but Melbourne have still named a very strong line-up considering and will be confident of coming away with the win.
THE PREDICTION
Gold Coast would have been dreading this contest with minor premiers in-waiting Melbourne but with the Storm resting most of their Origin stars, they will hope they can find a chink in the armour. They are still unlikely to win but the sacking of Garth Brennan may spark a reaction from the Titans. The Storm will always feel they can win any game no matter what side takes the field and this will be no different here with Melbourne able to claim the victory.