Match Centre

Round 9: Roosters v Titans preview

Rotten Roosters face off against terrible Titans in Mackay

There's no two ways about it, on current form, the Roosters and the Titans would have to be two of the worst teams in the competition. Even the most passionate fan of either club could not make a case for them being above around 12th in an accurate power ranking.

Considering this was a matchup in week 1 of the finals last year, it's fair to say it's been quite the fall from grace, however we are only a third of the way into the season, meaning there is still ample time for Robinson and Holbrook to make necessary changes and get their sides back where they were expected to be. 

For the Roosters, the problem lies solely in their pitiful, predictable attack. Their defence is actually quite sound, they average just 15 points conceded in their recent losing streak and are equal 4th in the league for least points conceded. The fact that they have managed to lose to the Dragons and Bulldogs in consecutive weeks despite those defensive numbers should tell you all you need to know about their attack. They've averaged just 12 points over the last two weeks against the 10th and 12th best defences respectively. Watching the Roosters attack inside their oppositions 20 is akin to Shaun Kenny-Dowall taking a hit up out of his own end it's that sideways. No-one seems to know their role, and when the other team inevitably shuts down whatever mediocre shift to the left they attempt, frustration takes over and an error is made.

Unlike the Roosters, the Titans have at least shown glimpses recently of being a competent side, bar two weeks ago against the Cowboys. The main problem for the Gold Coast has been putting a complete performance together. In each of their last four matches, they have lost either the first or second half by 14 points or more, and their two wins have been at home by two points against the lowly Tigers and Warriors. Considering all this, it is somewhat surprising that the Titans have been able to string together 40 minute periods of domination, largely against quality opposition. They won the second half 20-12 against the Eels, 14-2 against the Sea Eagles and shut out Penrith in the first half of their most recent match to lead 4-0 at the break. This Titans team has the ability to attack well and defend well, but they are too mentally weak to convert that ability into wins.

Taking the above into account, this matchup has the potential to be so bad it's good. No one can say for sure when the Titans will show up and how long it'll be for, if at all. The way their opponent is playing, they may only need a quick 10 minute period of two tries and a penalty goal to outscore the Roosters. The definition of insanity, they say, is doing the same thing again and again while expecting different results. Trent Robinson has decided to ignore this and once again not make any unforced changes; Tupou returns to his left wing position and Momirovski is back in the centres after missing last week with a cold. Naiqama and Keighran are out of the side as a result. Sitili Tupouniua maintains his starting spot despite multiple poor performances in a row. For the Titans, it appears Holbrook is also ignoring the definition of insanity; the only change he's made is a forced one, with David Fifita out with a knee injury and replaced on the bench by Sam McIntyre. Holbrook has also kept an underperforming back-rower in the starting side, with Kevin Proctor retaining his spot despite only having 1 run for 4 metres in last weeks loss. In his defence, they were a very gritty and impactful 4 metres.

Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2021 - Roosters 25 Titans 24

Who to watch: To be honest, the way things are going with these two teams you should probably skip this game and spend Saturday Night watching Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock in their new movie currently in cinemas.

In all seriousness, Luke Keary has to start showing something to indicate that this move to halfback on the right side of the field is worth persisting with. So far, it's been a disaster, with Keary unable to even get close to regaining the form he was in prior to injuring his ACL. His long passing game in attack has been hard to watch, with the ball frequently hitting the turf and/or going behind the intended target. In recent weeks, he has looked most threatening in the brief moments he has run the ball down a short side on the left, something the Keary of yesteryear would do to expose edge defences for fun. It's not like the move is benefitting rookie half Sam Walker either; the youngster is trying to play a role he is not familiar with and is doing so with a partner who is not complimenting him in any way. Significant improvement is needed in those two if the Roosters want to have any hope of living up to being the premiership threat they were touted as pre-season.

For the Titans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, or "Big Tino" as he is called by commentators everywhere, has done a sound job in his first year as captain of the Titans. His performances have certainly been captain worthy, often leading his team in total runs, doing just that last week as he amassed 163 metres off of 19 total carries to go along with 7 tackle breaks and an offload. He also got through a mountain of work on the defensive side of the ball, making 40 tackles, again the most of anyone on the team, however he also missed 5, a figure he will want to clean up ahead of this week's game. With the absence of David Fifita, Fa'asuamaleaui might have to somehow find a way to get himself more involved. The inexperienced spine the Titans have will need all the leg ups they can get in trying to get points on the board against a solid Roosters defence, and their forwards giving them some momentum to work with would certainly fit that bill.

The favourite: At the time of writing, the Roosters are favoured by 9.5 points over the Titans.

My tip: If David Fifita was playing, I would have absolutely no hesitation in picking the Titans, just look at what Kotoni Staggs did to Momirovski not too long ago. With the lineups the way they are however, this match is a real toss of the coin job. I will say that the Roosters certainly don't deserve to be 9.5 point favourites, the Titans still have a very good shot at winning, but I refuse to believe the Roosters will drop three games in a row against teams they are much better than on paper. Roosters by 1.