Roosters rookies star in controversial win over Titans

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Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters

The undermanned Roosters have surged into the top four after taking down the Titans 20-12 at Cbus Super Stadium in front of over 10,000 fans. 

The Tricolours were without Cooper Cronk, James Tedesco, Boyd Cordner, Mitchell Aubusson and Latrell Mitchell. 

And in a stunning display, all three Roosters debutants crossed for tries in the eight-point win. The first points of the night came when Sio Siua Taukeiaho snapped a penalty goal in the 8th minute. 

Five minutes later, rookie Paul Momirovski sliced over out wide to extend their lead to eight off a lovely pass from Luke Keary. Just as the Roosters appeared to have gained the early ascendancy, an error from Jake Friend invited the home side right back into it and Moeaki Fotuaika barged over to reduce the deficit to two. 

A string of penalties saw Will Matthews sin-binned in the 27th minute and the Titans looked likely to hold on without the second rower.  However, they suffered a cruel blow in the 34th minute when Sean O'Sullivan was awarded a bizarre and controversial four-pointer.

As a result, the Roosters held a 14-6 lead at the break. 

The Tricolours scored their third try of the night in the 58th minute when Poasa Faamausili surged over the line. The Gold Coast had a late chance to steal the win when Luke Keary was sent for a ten-minute break in the 61st minute and they capitalised shortly after. 

Leilani Latu showed a great set of hands to put Jarrod Wallace over in the 63rd minute. The front rower looked to have scored an unlikely double when he stormed over in the 71st minute, only for the try to be pulled back for an obstruction. 

Ultimately, the Roosters held on for a 20-12 win and will have a chance to cement their position in the top four next week when they travel to Lottoland to take on Manly. 

Meanwhile, the Titans battle the Knights on Saturday afternoon at Newcastle.