The Sydney Roosters survived an almighty scare to hang onto their second place on the ladder against a determined Titans side who were once again battered by injuries. The win ensured the Roosters of a home final next week, however they will have taken a hit to their confidence as their attack struggled for large chunks of the game.
The Titans started the first half with intent to score points. From their kick off to get the game started, they went short, found touch and won the scrum. They earnt a repeat set when the Roosters sent a kick dead, but couldn't capitalise on the early pressure. The Roosters attacked the Titans right side edge defence and were able to get through for a try when Keary put in a delicate little grubber that found Latrell Mitchell who scored. Gordon's splendid conversion gave the Roosters a 6-0 lead.
A rather ill-disciplined 15 minute period followed, with both sides giving away silly penalties, while also coming up with poor last tackle options. 21 minutes into the game, the Titans were on the attack and sent the ball right to Hayne who did enough to put Pulu one-on-one with Gordon, who was unable to stop the big back rower playing in the centres.
Taylor's attempt to convert the Pulu try was unsuccessful as he hit the upright from out wide. Roosters maintained the lead 6-4.
Gold Coast's injury woes continued with Morgan Boyle succumbing to a knee injury, while Joe Greenwood came off after a head knock. Both sides were making good metres through the middle but struggled to convert it into either repeat sets or points.
After the break the Titans struck early when Don took a clean intercept and ran 90 metres to score under the sticks. Taylor's conversion gave the Titans a 10-6 lead.
A big hit by Zane Tetevano on Ben Nakubuwai left the young Titan on the ground and had to be stretchered off, while Tetevano was penalised. Shortly after the Titans scored again when Ashley Taylor's delicate grubber bounced perfectly into Proctor's hands and he scored near the posts. Taylor converted to take the Titans 10 clear of the Roosters.
With the Titans defending hard, Ash Taylor copped a head knock and came from the field for an HIA. The Roosters attack pressed the Titans line hard, but it was some brilliant work by Joseph Manu that turned the game on its head. He caught a kick with a splendid two handed grab above his head and then delivered a brilliant pass to Gordon who dived over in the corner. Gordon's sideline conversion was superb, to reduce the Titans lead to 4.
The Roosters continued to attack hard and found their way across the line yet again with 5 minutes remaining when Pearce held up a short ball for Cordner who scored the match winning try. Gordon again kicked a brilliant goal.
With time winding down, the Titans had a drop out. Hayne opted to go short but kicked it far too hard, sending the ball over the sideline on the full. Gordon kicked a penalty goal on the sire to give the Roosters a hard fought victory 20-16.