Roar Guru
Sydney Roosters
12
40
Gold Coast Titans
6
39 | B. Fermor | |||
A. Keighran | 33 | |||
J. Tedesco | 31 | |||
M. Ikuvalu | 22 | |||
13 | J. Fogarty | |||
A. Keighran | 10 |
2 | Tries | 1 | ||
1 | Conversions | 0 | ||
1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The first elimination final takes places this afternoon when the Sydney Roosters take on the Gold Coast Titans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:40pm (AEST).
The Roosters and Titans get the chance to keep their season alive today, with the winner progressing through to next week’s semi finals. For the loser, it’s curtains for 2021.
You’ve got to hand it to the Roosters; they are decimated by injuries, but still find ways to win. They snuffed out Canberra’s chance of finals last weekend with a big 40-16 victory, though it wasn’t enough to secure them the double chance in the end.
With injuries biting, some of the Roosters’ younger brigade are making big strides. Drew Hutchinson is getting better each week at five-eighth, whilst Adam Keighran had a career-best game against the Raiders. With one of the world’s best at the back in James Tedesco, it would be crazy to write this team off.
There are some big additions for the Roosters for this do-or-die clash, with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley both returning to the starting pack. Fletcher Baker is back from suspension and takes his place on the bench.
Gold Coast effectively began their finals campaign last weekend, blitzing the Warriors 44-0 in a game they needed to win comfortably to secure a spot in the last eight. Whilst the New Zealand team was appalling, the Titans were impressive in putting them to the sword.
With AJ Brimson out with injury, many thought the Titans would struggle in attack. However, Jayden Campbell has proved a revelation, and Tyrone Peachey is creating plenty of problems playing at five-eighth.
Players like Beau Fermor are in career-best form and their pack, with a number of Origin players, should not be underrated.
In a boost for the Titans, co-captain Kevin Proctor returns, with Sam McIntyre missing out on the squad.
Prediction
There is no doubt the Titans are right in this, but the edge in finals experience is firmly with the Roosters.
In big games, the best players tend to rise to the top. Tedesco will be primed for a big one, whilst Radley will play a lot of first receiver.
Like they have all year, the Roosters will find a way to win.
Sydney Roosters by 8
Kick-off: 5:40pm (AEST)
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Roosters $1.25, Titans $4 (odds via PlayUp)
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Adam Keighran 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley
Bench/Reserves: 14. Sam Walker 15. Isaac Liu 16. Egan Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker | 18. Dale Copley 19. Ben Thomas 20. Ben Marschke 21. Naufahu Whyte
Gold Coast Titans
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Tyrone Peachey 7. Jamal Fogarty (c) 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Bench/Reserves: 14. Erin Clark 15. Sam Lisone 16. David Fifita 17. Jaimin Jolliffe | 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Toby Sexton 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Anthony Don
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