Round 4: Roosters v Titans preview
If form is any guide, good luck trying to predict what happens in this match. We may only be 3 weeks into the season, but these two sides have been as inconsistent as any two teams could be.
If form is any guide, good luck trying to predict what happens in this match. We may only be 3 weeks into the season, but these two sides have been as inconsistent as any two teams could be.
The Roosters opened their season with their second worst Round 1 performance in their entire history, losing 50-14 to the Broncos - only their 52-12 loss to Souths in 2009 was worse. They followed it up with an entirely unexpected and vastly improved performance as they beat defending Premiers Penrith 38-32. But as quickly as it appeared the Roosters impressive attack was switched back on, it got switched off by the Warriors in Round 3, as the Roosters lost 14-6.
The Titans had a Round 1 bye, but the rest didn't seem to do anything to prepare their defence as they were soundly beaten by the Bulldogs 40-24 in Round 2. Last week the Titans took on an undefeated Knights and most pundits backed the Titans to struggle again, but instead they completely controlled the game and ran out impressive 26-6 victors.
The Titans are averaging 38 missed tackles per game, with only the Rabbitohs and the last placed Eels performing worse. However to help them in this area is the fact that the Roosters are the third worst side when it comes to post contact metres, averaging 478.9 per game - a whopping 140 metres less than the Titans. If these figures are to continue in this contest, don't be surprised to see the Roosters playing wide of the ruck and trying to create 1 on 1 situations, while the Titans will be relying heavily on making big metres up through the middle of the field.
Typically in these situations, the team attacking through the middle dominates play and the scoreboard, but the Titans inability to break tackles or through the line means they will be relying heavily on offloads to create their opportunities.
The Roosters middle defence needs to improve immensely if they are to win this contest, while the Titans edge forwards and outside backs need to run better lines, while their halves need to straighten their runs more often to help create more line running opportunities.
Last meeting: Round 25 2024 - Titans 22 Roosters 48
Who to watch: One of the best forwards in the game right now is Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who is a much of a workhorse as he is a classy x-factor. He makes big metres especially beyond the advantage line. He always posts great numbers for post contact metres, tackle breaks, offloads and tackles made. He cannot be contained. Clubs can only hope to minimise his impact.
James Tedesco has been playing strong consistent footy, still producing his trademark strong ball running ability, with his scheming ball playing skill. He's another player that is hard to contain. The Titans halves will need to keep their kicking game varied and away from Tedesco as much as possible.
Favourite: The Roosters will be the clear favourites for this match, which may be due largely to them being at home and less severely impacted by injuries.
My tip: If the Titans forwards get the upper hand, they could well run over the top of this Roosters side, if however they struggle, the Roosters attack could well get away from them. This match genuinely can go either way. I'll play it as safe as I can. Roosters by 8.
