Titans v Panthers preview

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Two sides fight for a guaranteed finals berth.

Considered one of the favourites for the wooden spoon at the start of 2016, the Titans have the chance to complete a great sporting comeback by securing a place in the finals. Sitting three points ahead of the Warriors and Tigers, the Gold Coast will have no shortage of motivation as they look to give supporters victory in their final home game of the season. Boosted by the return of boom rookie Ashley Taylor in the halves, superstar Jarryd Hayne will move back to fullback, the position he forged his illustrious legacy in. The unfortunate victim of the Titans backline reshuffle sees David Mead relegated to 18th man, alongside Leivaha Pulu on an extended bench. Having come away with victories in their past two clashes against Penrith, the Gold Coast will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday night.

Producing a dominant display against the Tigers last Friday, the Panthers will be out to cement their place in the top eight and continue to push for a home final with a win. Sitting in seventh position heading into the penultimate round, coach Anthony Griffin will have his side ready for a playoff-style encounter as the Panthers fight to return to the finals after missing out in 2015. Retaining the same squad that triumphed 40-10 last week, Moses Leota and Jeremy Latimore have been included on an extended bench as cover, however expect no late changes to the side named on Tuesday. While the Panthers have gone down in their past two meetings against the Titans, the men in black will be hopeful of a win having prevailed on three of their past six visits to the Gold Coast.

Last meeting: Round 11 2016 - Panthers 24 Titans 28

Who to watch: Making his debut for the Gold Coast against Penrith earlier this season, Nathan Peats has helped turn the Titans into competition dark horses. Celebrating his 100th appearance in first grade recently, the former Rabbitoh and Eel has alleviated the pressure on the side's young halves, while providing a new dimension in attack and defence. While much of the focus has fallen on Jarryd Hayne in recent weeks, the inclusion of Peats has been a major catalyst in the Titans resurgence and may prove the decisive factor in securing a finals finish for the first time since 2010.

In a side of young stars, the experience of Peter Wallace shapes as a pivotal factor for the Panthers. Primarily known as a halfback throughout his career, the move to hooker has proven a masterstroke in 2016, with the former representative playmaker gaining a new lease on football, while allowing the likes of Nathan Cleary and Bryce Cartwright to star in the halves. With the Panthers just one win away from securing a berth in the top eight, look for the 30-year-old veteran to play a major role in what shapes as one of the games of the season.

The favourite: In such a high stakes match, the home ground advantage has the Titans favoured to come out on top.

My tip: While both these sides should feature in finals football, look for the Panthers to secure their place on Saturday. Panthers by 8.

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 16. Agnatius Paasi 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 8. Luke Douglas 15. Ryan Simpkins 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Nathan Friend

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Regan Campbell-Gillard 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jared Maxwell