Rugby League / James Cleary / 08 July 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

James Cleary predicts a close game when the Tigers take on the Titans.

Wests Tigers host the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown, knowing victory will all but secure a play-off berth.

The home side have won five of their last six, with their substance over style approach earning as many critics as it does admirers. They were fortunate 16-14 winners at the Broncos last time out in atrocious conditions thanks to Mitch Brown's late score.

Despite both sides being four points off top spot (having won nine and lost six), the Titans are heading in the opposite direction in terms of form, having lost four out of six, including 24-16 to the Knights in their last match two weeks ago. Unusually, given their lofty position, they also have a negative points difference.

The Titans are 3-2 up in the head-to-head between the sides, and have won the only match played between the sides at Campbelltown, 16-14, three years ago. They were winners last time out, 36-24 in August 2009 at Skilled Park.

Tigers' coach Tim Sheens welcomes back Robert Lui after recovering from a knee injury, replacing Daniel Fitzhenry, although that boost is tempered by the loss of England star Gareth Ellis (groin). Liam Fulton comes in for Ellis, while Mark Flanagan and Junior Moors are named on an extended bench.

Skipper Scott Prince and Luke O'Dwyer have given the Titans a double boost by recovering from hamstring injuries - the latter having been added to the replacements' bench. David Mead (foot) and Sam Tagataese (shoulder) miss out, with William Zillman and Bodene Thompson coming in. Steve Michaels could also make a first appearance, having been signed from the Broncos last month.

Due to both sides' deficiencies in attack and relative struggles to impress, this is likely to be too close to call. It could mean that the loss of Gareth Ellis for the Tigers - and the return of Scott Prince for the Titans - may be enough to edge it in favour of the visitors.