Luke Bailey returns for the Titans.
Photo: Getty Images

Saturday, Skilled Park, 3pm
Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James
Head to head: Titans 1, Rabbitohs 2
Last clash: Rabbitohs 24 bt Titans 23 at ANZ Stadium (Rnd 15, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Titans $1.45, Rabbitohs $2.65
FootyTAB: Rabbitohs +6.5 points

This competition is so even that key player ins and outs mean an enormous amount. The Titans went in without Luke Bailey and Mat Rogers on the road against Penrith on Monday night and their four-match winning streak ended with a 34-20 loss. They had won two of those games despite being without their most influential player in halfback, Scott Prince, but you can't dodge bullets forever. The Rabbitohs haven't been able to get on the sort of roll they would like, but have been good enough to compile a 4-3 record that puts them in the thick of the top eight at this stage.

The Titans get Bailey and Rogers back for this game, but have to contend with the dreaded five-day turnaround. Teams backing up after five days this season have won three games, drawn one and lost seven. Souths know how difficult it is to back up after five days, because they have been forced to do it twice and lost both times. Presumably, the Rabbitohs, since they know first-hand how difficult it makes the task, will keep the pace of the game up to try to tire the Titans out. If the Rabbitohs can hold on to the ball they can make life tough for the home side. Souths have only a 1-3 record at night this season, but this is a 3pm game and they have won all three of their day games. Against that, the Titans have a 3-0 home record. Souths are 2-1 away. Gold Coast deserve clear favouritism at home, but the Rabbitohs aren't out of it.

Late mail

Titans centre Brett Delaney may not face South Sydney tomorrow due to a shoulder injury. Mat Rogers (neck/shoulder) and Luke Bailey (knee) will almost certainly play. Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor said utility Craig Wing was in doubt with concussion from Paul Gallen's hit last Friday. Ben Lowe is on standby.

TITANS: Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Esi Tonga, Brett Delaney, Chris Walker, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey (capt), Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Aaron Cannings, Will Matthews, Luke O'Dwyer, William Zillman, Josh Graham (one to be omitted)

RABBITOHS: Luke Capewell, Nathan Merritt, Colin Best, Beau Champion, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Luke Stuart, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (capt), David Kidwell, David Fa'alogo, Craig Wing. Interchange: Jamie Simpson, Eddy Pettybourne, Jaiman Lowe, Scott Geddes, Shannan McPherson, Ben Lowe. (two to be ommited)