NRL Round 26 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans @ Allianz Stadium
Sydney Roosters (2nd) v Gold Coast Titans (13th) @ Allianz Stadium
Preview - The Roosters will be looking to wrap up 2nd spot on the competition ladder when they take on the reeling Titans at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Trent Robinson would have been delighted with his side’s courage in a gutsy 16-14 win over the Sharks at Shark Park. The Roosters dominated the game but were unable to capitalise on several of their line breaks; however they showed a lot of fortitude to hold on and win the game while down to 12 men for the final 10 minutes. The Titans showed signs of life, despite the sacking of Neil Henry, putting in another miserable performance in a 26-14 loss to the Bulldogs at home. I think there are many more problems on the Gold Coast than the sacked coach and Jarryd Hayne, and they are going to have to do plenty of introspection over the off-season if they want to get back to where they were in 2016.
History - Theses 2 teams have bookended the season, meeting in both Round 1 and Round 26. Back in Round 1 it was the Roosters who ran out comprehensive victors, winning 32-18. The Roosters have beaten the Titans in three of the past four meetings; however have an average record against the Gold Coast at Allianz Stadium, winning only three of the seven games.
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have named an unchanged side from the one that overcame adversity to beat the Sharks. Luke Keary looked back to his best in attack last week, but just couldn't finish off a couple of excellent back line set plays. Boyd Cordner has now had a few games under his belt after missing plenty during and after the Origin period.
Gold Coast Titans’ Scouting Report - The Titans have a host of issues heading into their final game of the season. Both Dale Copley and Nathan Peats have been ruled out, while Jarrod Wallace has been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee for a shoulder charge and will miss three games after accepting an early plea. Ryan James misses his second straight game, with Pat Politoni coming in at hooker and Phillip Sami getting an opportunity at centre.
Verdict - Roosters by 34-46
The Roosters could absolutely destroy the Titans here if they felt like it. The Gold Coast have offered nothing the past 6 weeks, and the fact there wasn't even a slight lift in motivation with Neil Henry gone is pretty alarming, heading into this week against a far more potent opponent. The Roosters have been far from their best in attack, at least the past couple of weeks with too many errors hampering their performance against the Tigers and the Sharks. However, they are still making a number of line breaks and looking extremely dangerous and, if that last pass starts to stick, the Titans could be in a world of trouble in this game. I think the Roosters will turn up for the finals with a 40-point victory to end a miserable season for the Titans.