Round 20: Roosters v Titans preview
Complete mismatch looms as Roosters continue premiership push against Titans
While this week's clash with the lowly Gold Coast Titans should be a simple chance for the Roosters to improve their for-and-against, coach Trent Robinson will know his side can't fall into the trap of being complacent after failing to put the Bulldogs away last week.
The Roosters were the far superior side but execution was lacking and as a result they held on for an eight-point win, far below expectations of last year's premiers.
The motivation is there, with second place and a home final up for grabs if they chase down the Rabbitohs.
This week, while the opposition isn't tough on paper, the Roosters will have the added stress of dealing with a couple of concerning injuries.
Skipper Boyd Cordner and prop Siosiua Taukeiaho are both out injured while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is suspended.
It means that they need to fill a big gap up front. Isaac Lui, Zane Tetevano and Angus Crichton all move into the starting side.
Meanwhile, Nat Butcher, Poasa Faamausili and Lindsay Collins come onto the bench.
While the sacking of a coach can sometimes inspire a team to rally together, the situation at the Titans doesn't seem to have done them any favours.
Back-to-back heavy defeats see them dwindling at the bottom of the ladder with little sign of improving.
They also have plenty of changes this week. Dale Copley is out with a knee injury with Brian Kelly filling in for him in the centres.
AJ Brimson is also out and replaced at halfback by Ryley Jacks.
Leilani Latu has been left out, with his spot on the bench taken up by Brenko Lee.
In a potential boost Ashley Taylor has been named on the extended squad after spending time away from the game to deal with personal issues.
Last meeting: Round 18 2018 - Titans 12 Roosters 20
An inexperienced and Origin-impacted Roosters side toppled the Titans 20-12 on the Gold Coast in Round 18 last year.
Who to watch: With experienced forwards sitting on the sidelines this week and a potential contract next year up for grabs, look for Mitchell Aubusson to lead from the charge. The versatile veteran has long made a name for himself as ‘Mr. Fix It', capable of coming off the bench and filling in any position. This week he has been given a starting spot on the edge and will need to provide the same leadership and direction skipper Boyd Cordner does.
Against a weakened Roosters pack, the Gold Coast will be needing another strong performance from prop Jarrod Wallace to be a chance on Sunday. Wallace has been a consistent workhorse for the Titans in a dismal year, averaging over 153 running metres and 26 tackles from 52 minutes per game. The omissions of both Taukeiaho and Waerea-Hargreaves up front are a clear weakness that the Titans need to take advantage of and Wallace will relish the chance to stand up and lead from the front.
The favourite: The Roosters are very short favourites here.
My tip: The Tricolours are undermanned this week but coach Robinson will be intent on ensuring those who come into the side see it as an opportunity to push their case to remain in first-grade as they aim for back-to-back premierships. Roosters by 14.
