Opinion
Gold Coast’s effort to book a place in the club’s first ever Grand Final berth while holding a star-studded Roosters side to zero shows they have the potential to upset Newcastle in Sunday’s premiership decider.
Both NRLW semi–finals were exceptional matches although differing in style with the Knights beating the Brisbane Broncos 30-24 in a high-scoring affair to book their place in their second consecutive Grand Final to be just one win away from defending their 2022 premiership.
The Titans did it in grittier fashion with their 12-0 triumph over the Roosters.
Considering that in seven out of nine of their regular season performances the Roosters scored 30 points or more, it was an exceptional defensive effort by the visitors at Allianz Stadium.
This is the second year in a row that the Roosters have bowed out in the semi-finals. Heading into both seasons, they were heavy favourites to win the title, progressed easily through the regular seasons (last year they were undefeated and this time only lost twice).
Not making the Grand Final is not panic stations and I certainly don’t think Roosters coach John Strange should be under pressure heading into season 2024, but they need to change things up next year.
With players like Mille Boyle, Tarryn Aitken, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Keeley Davis, Keilee Joseph and Olivia Kernick in their ranks, the Roosters are clearly one of the most talented squads in the competition.
Their ceiling is extremely high and with that comes expectation. Its how that is managed that will be the key for the Roosters in 2024.
The Titans were the queens of close games in 2023. Lauren Brown is the only player in the competition who has kicked two field goals and out of their seven regular season wins, three were by two points or less.
Gold Coast looked comfortable to go set for set with the Roosters and take their opportunities when they came. On the other side, the Roosters were in a position they aren’t in much, behind on the scoreboard and they really didn’t have any answers for what the Titans were throwing at them.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
When these teams met in the regular season, it was the Knights who got the win, defeating the Titans 22-10.
One factor to bear in mind is the temperature. Sydney is in for a stinker on Sunday and while for the men, by the time they play, it should be a little cooler, the women will be playing in the hottest part of the day.
With temperatures above 30 degrees it will be important for the NRL to help manage the players and ensure appropriate breaks are taken.
Newcastle have been the dominant team all year. What I have enjoyed the most about this team though is watching players grow as the season has continued. There were questions about whether Newcastle could continue to improve after losing players like Millie Boyle.
Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton is having her best season in the NRLW and ranks in the top five for several key attacking stats including try assists, line break assists and line break involvements.
Jesse Southwell was challenged during State of Origin and had a slower start to the season, but has really grown into this season and has shown remarkable resilience for a teenager.
Caitlan Johnston celebrates. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Then there’s the Titans, who take a ‘junk yard dog’ mentality into every game. Led by Steph ‘Grandma’ Hancock, what is most exciting about this team is the young talent coming through. Five teenagers are in the team, with several of them being part of the Queensland under-19 State of Origin win earlier this year.
Destiny Mino-Sinapati has been great to watch, Rilee Jorgensen has tremendous impact off the bench and Chantay Kiria-Ratu has shown maturity beyond her years in the halves alongside Lauren Brown.
Some key match-ups to keep an eye out for include Evania Pelite up against Tamika Upton and also the forward battle. Shannon Mato and Jessika Elliston combined for 31 runs and 244 metres last week and come up against a tough starting pack of Tayla Predebon and Caitlan Johnston for the Knights.
Tip: I’m tipping the upset with the Titans to win by 4.
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