The Sydney Roosters 2023 NRLW season has come to an agonising end, falling to the Gold Coast Titans 12-0 in an error riddled, scrappy performance.
The Tricolours were unable to overcome a number of injuries to key players, with the Titans applying the pressure in defence to keep the hosts scoreless while making the most of their opportunities in attack.
Match: Roosters v Titans
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
From the opening minutes, it was clear both teams were up for the challenge with brave carries from Millie Boyle and Shannon Mato providing the spark for their respective sides.
Back-to-back knock ons ensured neither side could generate momentum, before the Titans conceded the first penalty for a high shot on Corban Baxter.
A line break from Olivia Kernick saw the Tricolours fly down the sideline as Brydie Parker connected with Jayme Fressard to get within metres of the try-line, but the visitors held strong in defence.
Consecutive penalties allowed the Titans to test the Roosters in defence in the ensuing minutes, but an impressive tackle by Keilee Joseph dislodged the ball from Jaime Chapman as she attempted to offload, alleviating the pressure.
Jocelyn Kelleher returned serve with a brilliant bomb that caused problems for Evania Pelite, but the Tricolours were unable to turn their opportunity into points.
Kelleher is Peppering the Titans with Bombs
Outnumbered in defence as Corban Baxter was stuck in backplay with the trainer, Jayme Fressard stepped up to make a heroic try-saving tackle as the last line of defence to turn the Titans away.
But the mounting pressure took it's toll when Brittany Breayley-Nati caught the defence napping and leapt over from dummy half in the 27th minute before Rilee Jorgensen converted the try to give the Titans a six-point lead.
The Gold Coast extended their lead to eight with a penalty goal 10 minutes into the second half after Keeley Davis was penalised for being offside.
The Roosters fought tooth-and-nail to remain in the contest, with Kelleher latching onto an intercept to deny the visitors once more, before Tarryn Aiken split the line and raced away minutes later, only to be brought down.
A Try-Saver From Fressard
An error from the Tricolours opened the door for the Titans to extend their advantage, sending the ball left to Destiny Mino-Sinapati who stood unmarked on the wing and flew into the corner.
A short kick-off attempt by the Roosters was gathered by Olivia Kernick, but split later in the set, giving the Titans the opportunity to hold onto possession as the clock ticked down.
Sydney Roosters 0 def by Gold Coast Titans 12.
