The Sydney Roosters took on the Gold Coast Titans in the final round of the regular season as they aimed to secure the Club’s first-ever Minor Premiership in the NRLW competition.
Roosters Jump Out of the Blocks to Dominate First Half
After gaining possession and territory by forcing a Titans error from the kick-off, the Roosters continued their dominance as they put in a monumental first-half effort.
Brill Opens the Scoring
They drew first blood through hooker Destiny Brill, who sniffed out an opportunity from dummy half as she crashed over for a four-pointer.
Easts went on to score a total of five first-half tries with Jada Taylor, Shaniah Power, Jayme Fressard and Jessica Sergis adding their names to the scoresheet in the first 35 minutes.
Holding 63% of the ball and completing fourteen of nineteen sets, the Roosters went into the sheds with a convincing 28 - 4 halftime lead.
Central Coast Juniors Return Home in Style
The Tricolours had a total of eight Central Coast juniors and locals pulling on their jersey to take on the Titans at Central Coast Stadium, making the match that bit more significant for them.
Their homecoming was celebrated in style, with Isabelle Kelly and Jayme Fressard linking up twice in similar fashion to put Fressard over the line, bringing her try-scoring tally for the year up to five tries in four games.
Shaniah Powers Through
Jocelyn Kelleher had her own afternoon to remember, assisting two tries and running for over 80 metres in her hometown whilst second rower Olivia Kernick put in 22 tackles on the defensive end in a complete 70-minute performance.
Debutants Provide Glimpse of What’s to Come
With multiple stars rested ahead of the NRLW Finals, a few new faces were given their chance to shine on the big stage.
Under-19s NSW Origin star Jada Taylor stood in for Samantha Bremner at fullback, showing her prowess as she got on the end of a superb no-look pass from Olivia Kernick to score the Roosters’ second try.
Having been named in the NSW Emerging Country team earlier in the year, versatile outside-back Shannon Rose debuted in her hometown, performing well as she carried the ball for 43 metres, with 22 metres coming after contact.
Jada Taylor's Debut Delight
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa also made her debut for the Club, putting in a massive effort as she ran for a massive 120 metres in 22 minutes off the bench.
Sergis Stars as Easts take out Top Spot
In the match which secured first place for the Red, White and Blue, superstar centre Jessica Sergis put in a phenomenal performance.
Her dominance began in the fifth minute of play, when she stripped the ball off Titans prop Shannon Mato who was charging towards the try line.
Sergis Speeds Through From the Scrum
Sergis scored the Roosters’ fifth try of the first half when she was thrown a short ball by halfback Jocelyn Kelleher off a scrum play, breaking the line and running 40 metres down the field to score.
She went on to cover 172 metres, break nine tackles and offload the ball six times in the incredible performance.
Roosters in Pole Position Ahead of Finals
The victory means that the Red, White and Blue will head into the 2022 NRLW Finals series sitting at first place on the ladder.
They also have played the entire five-game season undefeated, winning all their matches and having a points differential of +98 which is by far the best of any other team in the competition.
Strange & Kelly | Round 5 Press Conference
Their quest for back-to-back NRLW Premierships will continue next week as they take on the fourth-placed Parramatta Eels at home.
