NRL Round 1 Preview and Prediction - Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters @ CBUS Super Stadium

Gold Coast Titans (0-0) v Sydney Roosters @ CBUS Super Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters will be looking to put a nightmare 2016 behind them when they travel north to take on the Gold Coast Titans at CBUS Super Stadium (when). The Roosters entered 2016 off the back of three Minor Premierships, however were beset by scandal and injuries in a campaign that started disastrously and ended in meek fashion finishing in 15th place. Whilst a number of the Roosters senior players missed plenty of football, motivation and focus seemed to be lacking in 2016 for the Roosters, who had become complacent and jaded from those three straight years of success.

The Gold Coast Titans, on the other hand, were the surprise packets of 2016, finishing in 8th spot and being beaten in the elimination final after being installed the Pre-Season favourites for the wooden spoon. Under Neil Henry, the Titans played a tough and attractive style of football and were competitive in just about every game, losing just three games by 12 points or more in their whole season. 
 
History - The Titans have a strong record against the Roosters having won 8 from 14 overall. Last season when the sides met on the Gold Coast, the Titans ran out convincing 26-6 victors. 
 
Gold Coast Titans Scouting Report - The Titans have a few concerns heading into this clash with Nathan Peats out injured and doubts surrounding the fitness of Jarryd Hayne, while Konrad Hurrell and new recruit Kevin Proctor are also racing the clock having battled knee injuries in the pre-season. This will be a real baptism of fire for the Titans’ two new English recruits in Dan Sarginson and Joe Greenwood. Sarginson played over 120 games in the Super League, however English outside backs have traditionally struggled in the NRL and he will have his hands full against some of the supremely talented Roosters’ outside backs. Tyrone Roberts looked to be the odd man out this year for the Titans with Kane Elgey, returning from 12 months out of the game with a knee injury, to partner Ash Taylor in the halves. However with Nathan Peats out for 6-8 weeks with a shoulder injury, Roberts will start at hooker and it will interesting to see how he deals with the increased workload and tackling required in the front row. 
 
Sydney Roosters Scouting Report - The Roosters on the other hand are close to full strength and ready to hit the ground running with a couple of their prized recruits. Michael Gordon seems to have won the race for the coveted fullback slot at the Roosters ahead of the likes of Mitchell, Ferguson and Watson. Gordon is perhaps not as explosive as those players, but he is by far and away the most experienced fullback in terms of games, and the little things like positional play and strength under the high ball. I’m sure the Roosters will look to get some high kicks up to their wingers in Kenny-Dowall and Tupou as the Titans have lost some depth in the outside backs over the off-season and could be exposed there. Luke Keary will start his first game for the Roosters in the Number 6 jumper alongside Mitchell Pearce in the halves. Keary had a disappointing last season at Souths, however I think he is a very good footballer and I think Trent Robinson will want him to use his running game to good effect here. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 10+ 
 
I really like the Roosters here to win this game fairly convincingly. I think this will be one of the more up tempo games of the round in terms of ball movement and ruck speed and, if that is the case, I think it will suit a Roosters’ side that is full of strike power. I just think the Titans are going to desperately miss someone like Nathan Peats and the direction and toughness he gives this side in the middle of the park. I also think the Titans have too many guys under an injury cloud this game and, even if they back up and play, some might be struggling to get through 80 minutes at full tilt.  

I also have doubts over the pace of some of the Titans’ centres and wingers and I think if the Roosters can get clean early ball they could really do some damage out there. I don't want to underestimate the Titans too much as they were extremely competitive in nearly all their games last year, however I think they have struggled to find an identity since Jarryd Hayne moved into their side. Whilst I think Hayne can get back to somewhere near his best this season, I still think it is going to take a bit of time. I just think the Roosters have been priming themselves for a long time for this game and will come out of the blocks firing and put up close to 30 points here.