The pressure of favouritism is not something the Titans have had to deal with all that often in recent years.
But that's the scenario facing Justin Holbrook's side when the Bulldogs host them at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
The Titans are 13th on the ladder with four matches remaining, but a trio of teams (Dragons, Wests Tigers and Manly) are just one win ahead of them. If they were to finish 10th, the season would be deemed a success.
As for the Bulldogs, two wins from 16 matches says it all. One week they can't score enough points to win a match, the next they can't defend well enough to emerge victorious.
Avoiding the wooden spoon remains their goal over the next four weeks.
The rundown
Bulldogs: British forward Luke Thompson and outside back Jake Averillo are expected to return after being rested last round. Interim coach Steve Georgallis hasn't hesitated to make changes previously and may do so again after a second-half collapse against the Raiders.
Titans: Hooker Nathan Peats could return from a calf injury. Sam Lisone has been cleared and selected for this week's game.
Key match-up
Will Hopoate v AJ Brimson: He had a night to forget against the Raiders, but Hopoate remains a rep-standard outside back. Brimson, on the other hand, hasn't needed much time since returning from injury to remind everyone of his talent. Both are potential match-winners.
