NRL Round 2: Bulldogs v Titans preview & best bets | March 16

Bulldogs vs Titans NRL R2 best bets

NRL Round 2: Bulldogs vs Titans preview

The Bulldogs are aiming for their first 2-0 start since 2016 as they return to Belmore Sports Ground to face the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday evening, March 15.

Their Round 1 performance against the Dragons saw them surge to a 28-6 lead before a late fightback, highlighting both their attacking firepower and defensive lapses.

The return of Josh Curran from suspension bolsters their forward depth, while Connor Tracey’s strong outing at fullback has added stability at the back.

Gold Coast, meanwhile, begin their season a week later than most teams due to a Round 1 bye, with their preparations disrupted by Cyclone Alfred forcing them to relocate training to Sydney.

The Titans will be buoyed by the return of captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who makes his first NRL appearance since suffering an ACL injury at this very venue last season.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard adds experience to the front row, while Jojo Fifita and Alofiana Khan-Pereira provide the speed on the edges to trouble the Bulldogs’ defence.

The Titans have struggled at Belmore in the past but have covered the spread in 16 of their last 26 games when listed as underdogs of eight or more points.

The Bulldogs have not been the best at handling expectation, going 1-5 against the spread when favoured by more than a converted try.

With Gold Coast fielding a stronger and more experienced forward pack than last year, this should be a much tighter contest than the rugby league betting odds suggest.

The Gold Coast defence was one of the worst in the league last NRL season, conceding over 27 points per game, and while Hasler will look to tighten things up, there could still be plenty of points in this one.

Bulldogs vs Titans Round 2 team news

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann
14. Bailey Hayward
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Josh Curran
17. Jaeman Salmon

Canterbury’s only change sees Josh Curran return from suspension, adding extra impact off the bench. Matt Burton and Toby Sexton continue in the halves, with Stephen Crichton leading the backline and Viliame Kikau a key figure in the forward pack.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Klese Haas
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Chris Randall
15. David Fifita
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Brock Gray

Gold Coast welcomes back Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, with Reagan Campbell-Gillard making his club debut. AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell form an exciting makeshift halves pairing, while Jojo Fifita and Alofiana Khan-Pereira provide the speed out wide. David Fifita starts from the bench in a strategic move by Hasler.

Bulldogs vs Titans betting predictions

Canterbury have struggled to cover big spreads in recent seasons, and while they are the deserved favourites with the top online bookmakers, the Titans have enough firepower to keep this close. Gold Coast have historically performed well as underdogs, and with a strong forward pack, they should compete for the full 80 minutes. Although the win at $2.80 looks intriguing taking the Titans at +8.5 is the safer bet with BetOnline.

The Titans winger has an eye for the try line and the speed to exploit any lapses in Canterbury’s defence. With AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell creating opportunities in the halves, Fifita should get quality ball in attacking positions. The Bulldogs conceded three tries to wingers last week, and if Gold Coast spreads the ball wide early, Fifita has a strong chance to add to his tally at +180 odds with BetOnline.

Gold Coast’s defensive struggles last season suggest there will be plenty of attacking opportunities in this game. The Bulldogs showed attacking intent in Round 1, and the Titans will bring plenty of pace, making the over a strong play with BetOnline. If both teams maintain an up-tempo style, this game could comfortably clear the total, with Canterbury averaging 46.5 total points per game across their last six matches at Belmore.

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