Rugby League / James Cleary / 31 July 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now

James Cleary thinks it's crunch time in Auckland as the Warriors in sixth spot host Titans one place below them, with both sides needing two wins from their remaining games to guarantee a play-off spot.

The Warriors and Titans both sit on 24 points, having won 10 and lost 8, and with tough games coming up for both sides, it's a game viewed as a winner-takes-all encounter.

The Warriors will be aiming to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to the Rabbitohs, while the Titans, who had been on a downward curve in terms of form, are on a high following the hard-fought victory over the Dragons.

History suggests a win for the Titans - they have won the last four (out of six in total) against the Warriors, including a 24-18 win in week one on the Gold Coast. At Mt Stadium, it is one win apiece.

In terms of team selection, Kevin Locke and Jerome Ropati miss out through injury for the home-side, with Bill Tupou and second row Ukuma Ta'ai coming in. The change means Lewis Brown moves to the centre, while one other selection sees Ben Matulino starting in place of Jesse Royal at prop.

The Titans, meanwhile, are likely to be unchanged, with Michael Henderson at prop and Matthew White on the replacements' bench.

James Maloney could be the home side's biggest hope and is due a big game, while Luke Bailey was in inspired form for the visitors last time out. He will pose a big threat to the Warriors, as will prolific try scorer Anthony Laffranchi. Field position is thus likely to be key, and it could be the side who are more positive in the final 20m who come away with the points - I'll go for home advantage to help the Warriors edge it.