NRLW R2: Roosters v Titans preview

Embed from Getty Images

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 1:50pm at WIN Stadium, Wollongong / Dharawal

Josh previews Sunday afternoon's meeting between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium.

The second of Sunday's NRLW matches will see either the Roosters or the Titans get their first win of the season - or in the Titans case an historic first ever win - in their clash on Sunday.

Despite losing a lot of experience, the Sydney Roosters still come into NRLW with a lot of experience, and they were looking to that experience last week as they hoped to take a maiden victory against Brisbane and avenge their 2018 and 2020 grand final defeats.

In that match the Roosters actually started well, matching them early and even getting on the board for a try which was ultimately overturned by the Bunker, before a mounting error count began to cost them dearly. The errors put any attacking chances in the cupboard and the defensive pressure became to much as the Broncos went out to a 20-0 lead and despite a consolation try, the Roosters fell to a 20-4 defeat.

Roosters coach John Strange has made a number of changes with star half Zahara Temara dropped to the bench, Raecene McGregor starting in jersey 6. Captain Corban Baxter could return to the Roosters lineup after missing round one due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Heading into Round 1, there was a big expectation on the Gold Coast Titans, with arguably the strongest squad of the three newcomers. Unfortunately they disappointed last week up against a Dragons side that themselves had lost many key players.

Whether it was nerves, Ill-discipline, an overestimation in the quality of the squad or a combination of the three, the Gold Coast were no match for St George Illawarra last weekend, succumbing to a 20-12 defeat in Newcastle. They were pretty poor in the early stages with errors and penalties costing them field position. The Dragons went out to a 14-0 lead and things looked grim for the Gold Coast - and despite a fleeting hope of a comeback getting it back to 14-12 - the Dragons had enough in the tank to hold on and win.

Titans coach Jamie Feeney has made a couple of changes as well with Jillaroo legend Steph Hancock starting in the front row in place of Brianna Clark, who takes Hancock's bench spot. A shuffle in the backline sees Jasmine Peters moving to centre with Lauren Dam on the wing and Jetaya Faifua in jersey 18.

Last meeting: first ever meeting

Who to watch: Being in the halfback role, there is going to be plenty of pressure on JOCELYN KELLEHER to get the Roosters off to a good start.  It is only the second time that Kelleher has started in an NRLW match and her performance leading the Roosters around the park is going to be important as the Tricolours look to get their first win of the season.

One of the Titans big name recruits, EVANIA PELITE starred for the Titans last weekend and will need to match that performance. Pelite was powerful and created issues for the Dragons from fullback and lead the running metres for the contest. Another strong performance from Pelite will go a long way to help the Titans to victory.

The favourite: The Roosters are heavy favourites to get their NRLW campaign back on track given their line-up and history.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Roosters, they have a strong line-up and weren't too bad last weekend against the Broncos. They need to cut the errors significantly and the Titans won't be easy opposition for them with a strong line up. Roosters should have enough experience though. SYDNEY ROOSTERS BY 6.

1. Brydie Parker 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 11. Yasmin Meakes 6. Jocelyn Kelleher 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Tayla Predebon 23. Mya Hill-Moana 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Shawden Burton 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Zahara Temara 17. Simone Karpani 18. Joeli Morris

1. Evania Pelite 2. Karina Brown 3. Jasmine Peters 4. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 5. Lauren Dam 6. Grace Griffin 7. Kimiora Breayley-Nati 8. Shannon Mato 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Stephanie Hancock 11. Zara Canfield 12. Tazmin Gray 13. Destiny Brill 14. Georgia Hale 15. Jessika Elliston 17. Shaniah Power 19. April Ngatupuna 20. Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell

Referees: Karra-Lee Nolan; Sideline Officials: Jake Sutherland, Tori Wilkie; Video Referees: Chris Butler;