Gold Coast v South Sydney
Today, Skilled Park, 3pm

What the Titans say

They are glad to have prop Luke Bailey back from injury. "I think it was clear last week how much we missed Luke," said Mat Rogers, who was also out against Penrith. "He 's been playing super footy and is a real leader out on the field."

What the Rabbitohs say

Coach Jason Taylor knows his team must go up a notch on what it produced in beating Cronulla last weekend if it is to beat the Titans. "We played some great football at times, but there were a couple of patches we really want to improve on," Taylor said.

What Prichard says

The Rabbitohs should appreciate the 3pm timeslot. They have won all three of their day games this year, but only one of their four night games. Their ball handling and kicking games haven't been nearly as good under lights. The Titans deserve favouritism at home, but there is one major factor against them: they have to try to overcome the effects of the dreaded short turnaround, playing only five days after losing to the Panthers on Monday night. The Rabbitohs are bound to try to keep the pace of the game up and hope the Titans get tired towards the end. Gold Coast have a 3-0 record at home this season, so they are entitled to be confident, but the Rabbitohs are more than capable. Titans to win, narrowly.

For the Titans to win

Coming off that five-day turnaround, they must ensure they secure the ball, get to the end of their sets and chase hard on their kicks. They can't afford to put themselves under pressure. Turning the ball over would only allow the Rabbitohs to increase the game's pace. Gold Coast's defence had been stingy until the Panthers racked up 34 points against them. They must tighten up again, or Souths will give them something to chase.

For the Rabbitohs to win

They need to play at a decent speed, but must be patient at the same time. Falling behind on the road against a team that is unbeaten at home would bring the pressure. The ground battle is going to be crucial. They have to dominate in the tackles, and stop quick play-the-balls, but they are generally pretty good at that.

The X-factor

If this game goes down to the wire, don't be surprised if either Titans fullback Preston Campbell or Rabbitohs halfback Chris Sandow receives the ball on the run and darts through a tired defensive line to either set up or score the winning try. Just when you think you have jack-in-the-box types like them covered, they have a habit of doing something to make you think again.

What the bookies say

Most of the money has been for Gold Coast. They are $1.45 favourites in the head-to-head at TAB Sportsbet, with Souths $2.65. The points start is 6½, $1.85 to give and $1.95 to take.

Late mail

Craig Wing has travelled with the Rabbitohs, despite being badly concussed last weekend. A decision on whether he plays will be made today.

The teams

Gold Coast: P Campbell, K Gordon, E Tonga, B Delaney, C Walker, M Rogers, S Prince (c), L Bailey (c), N Friend, M Henderson, A Laffranchi, M Minichiello, A Harrison. Bench: A Cannings, W Matthews, L O'Dwyer, W Zillman, J Graham.

South Sydney: L Capewell, N Merritt, C Best, B Champion, F Talanoa, J Sutton, C Sandow, L Stuart, I Luke, R Asotasi (c), D Kidwell, D Fa'alogo, C Wing. Bench: J Simpson, E Pettybourne, J Lowe, S Geddes, S McPherson, B Lowe.