Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
4 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Lowly clubs look to climb premiership ladder.
Starting 2016 with immense promise, the Titans find themselves in dire need of a win after going down in their past five matches. Coming up against the resurgent Roosters, coach Neil Henry will be hoping the return of former International David Shillington helps to tighten up his side's defence, having conceded 38-points in their last match against Melbourne. In only the fourth meeting between the two sides at CBUS Super Stadium, the Titans will be hoping a change in fortune eventuates on Monday night, having managed just one win against the Roosters at the venue dating back to 2011. With Nathan Peats the primary casualty of Parramatta's fire sale in the wake of the Eels salary cap breaches, the Titans have snared the City Origin representative until the end of 2017. However, don't expect to see him take part in Monday night's fixture, with his debut for the Gold Coast likely to be held off until next week.
While their season started in turmoil, the Roosters have shown themselves to be just as dangerous as previous seasons after accounting for Newcastle 38-0 in their last premiership match. In the only change from the side that crushed the Knights a fortnight ago, representative winger Daniel Tupou replaces the experienced Shaun Kenny-Dowall on the wing, while all seven players that participated in last weekend's representative fixtures will take their places in coach Trent Robinson's side. Currently anchored near the bottom of the competition ladder, the Roosters will be counting on their experienced stars to show their class on Monday night, while the baptism of fire endured by the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Eloni Vunakece and Ryan Matterson over the opening two months should aid the side as they look to improve their performance.
Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - Roosters 20 Titans 10
Who to watch: Starting his first grade career with the Roosters two years ago, Titans centre Nene MacDonald will be out to lift the Gold Coast after a run of losses. Having turned 22 during the week, the Papua New Guinean international will be hoping to add a win at home on top of his strong showing for the Kumuls during last week's representative round. Facing off against Australian representative Blake Ferguson, MacDonald will have his hands full on Monday night, but should he get the better of his opposite number the Titans may prove unlikely winners.
Making his return to first grade after a three-month injury layoff on ANZAC Day, Roosters forward Boyd Cordner has wasted little time reacquainting himself in the NRL. Expected to take part in Laurie Daley's squad for Origin I, the 23-year-old backrower has made an immediate impact for the Roosters, with his experience and toughness changing the team dynamic for coach Trent Robinson. Facing off against fellow Blues forward Greg Bird on Monday night, the battle between the pair will be key to determining which side emerges with two competition points.
The favourite: With the return of their representative stars, the Roosters are expected to account for the unpredictable Titans.
My tip: While the Titans will bounce back from their performance against Melbourne, the Roosters should come away with the win. Roosters by 10.
1. William Zillman 19. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nathan Davis 5. David Mead 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. David Shillington 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Luke Douglas 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi 17. Kierran Moseley
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Joe Burgess 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Kane Evans 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Matt Cecchin