NRL Round 6 preview: Dragons v Titans betting tips

Best bets for Dragons vs Titans

NRL Round 6: St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans preview

The St George Illawarra Dragons host the Gold Coast Titans in Friday night NRL action in Wollongong, with both clubs chasing consistency after frustrating Round 5 losses.

The Dragons will be fuming after letting a lead slip in golden point against Parramatta, and they return to WIN Stadium — a venue where they’re unbeaten in six games against the Titans.

Clint Gutherson bagged a double last week and will again be central to their attack, combining with Valentine Holmes and Damien Cook in a potent spine.

Gold Coast’s defensive frailties were badly exposed by the Dolphins in a 36-10 thumping, and losing their skipper only adds to the challenge.

The Titans have moments of brilliance but rarely string them together, and Des Hasler’s men will need a complete performance to upset the Dragons on their home deck.

With St George Illawarra boasting more cohesion and a favourable matchup history, they’ll head in as clear NRL betting favourites to bounce back.

Dragons vs Titans Round 6 team news

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack De Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Dylan Egan
18. Mathew Feagai
19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
20. Sione Finau
21. Lyhkan King-Togia
22. Loko Pasifiki Tonga

The Dragons have named an unchanged 17 from last week. Christian Tuipulotu notches his 50th NRL game on the wing, while Lachlan Ilias survives another week despite a costly late error against the Eels.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jaylan De Groot
2. Tony Francis
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. Chris Randall
14. Arama Hau
15. David Fifita
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Brock Gray
18. Tom Weaver
19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
20. Sean Mullany
21. Tukimihia Simpkins
22. Allan Fitzgibbon

Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is out suspended. Chris Randall shifts to over to lock, Sam Verrills returns at hooker, and Jojo Fifita returns to the wing. Phillip Sami moves to centre, with Beau Fermor back to the second row and David Fifita named on the bench.

Dragons v Titans NRL Round 6 betting predictions

St George Illawarra boast a perfect 6-0 record against the Titans at WIN Stadium, and history suggests they relish this matchup. They’ve also covered the line in four of their last five meetings, including a dominant 32-16 win late last season. With Gutherson and Cook pulling the strings and Fa’asuamaleaui sidelined, the Dragons have a golden chance to take full control. Take the Saints to win by five points with BetOnline

Valentine Holmes has looked more threatening with every touch since cementing his spot in the centres. The Titans’ edge defence has been vulnerable through the opening five rounds, conceding multiple tries to opposing backs. With Gutherson chiming in from the back and the Dragons running slick shapes on the left, Holmes is well positioned to bag a four-pointer, with the top NRL bookmakers offering $2.30 for him to cross.

The over set by BetOnline looks enticing in a matchup featuring two sides who enjoy playing up-tempo footy. Despite their inconsistency, the Titans have crossed for 22 or more points in three of their five games, while the Dragons have cleared 20 in three straight thanks to their improved spine combinations. Both teams have strike power out wide and a knack for defensive lapses, so expect a high-scoring affair in Wollongong.

Sports betting tips