Josh Mercer previews the round 14 clash between the Gold Coast Titans and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Date: Saturday, June 12th, Time: 3 pm
Gold Coast Titans
1. Alexander Brimson
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Brian Kelly
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Phillip Sami
6. Ashley Taylor
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Erin Clark
10. Moeaki Fotuaika
11. Kevin Proctor
12. David Fifita
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Jaimin Jolliffe
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Esan Marsters
18. Sam Stone
19. Joseph Vuna
20. Jai Whitbread
21. Jayden Campbell
22. Anthony Don
23. Mitch Rein
Team Changes
IN: Alexander Brimson, Anthony Don, David Fifita, Mitch Rein, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
OUT: Tanah Boyd
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Lachlan Lam
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Benjamin Marschke
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Isaac Liu
14. Adam Keighran
15. Egan Butcher
16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Fletcher Baker
18. Tuku Hau Tapuha
19. Ben Thomas
20. Brad Abbey
21. Joseph Suaalii
Team Changes
IN: Angus Crichton, Ben Thomas, Brad Abbey, Tuku Hau Tapuha
OUT: Nat Butcher
Referee: Ben Cummins
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Gold Coast Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter scoring the first try against the Storm, the Titans quickly found themselves down 16 nil at halftime. The Titans opened the scoring again in the second half only to have the Storm score nine minutes later to push the Storm’s lead out to 12. Jarrod Wallace barged his way over and after Jamal Fogarty added the extras for the Titans, they trailed by six. They Titans had the chance to level the game with the final play of the game, however the final pass by Phillip Sami went over the sideline.
Sydney Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters had the bye in round 13. In round 12 they took on the Raiders and ran out winners 44-16 winners. The Raiders raced out to a 10 nil lead early, however it was all downhill from there for the Green Machine. Joseph Manu was one of the Roosters best, steeping in at five eight and scoring to great tries. 17-year-old Joseph Suaalii scored his first try in first grade while James Tedesco was at his best, even after an early injury scare.
PREVIEW
This is a must win game for both teams. The Roosters are still sitting in fifth position on the ladder, four points clear of of Manly and North Queensland and a win will keep them clear of both sides. The Titans are only two points out of the top eight so a win will move them closer.
Depending on how the origin stars pull up, both sides should be close to full strength. Sam Walker has been named at halfback, however he did not play in the win over Canberra and Joseph Manu had a great game at five-eighth. Jayden Campbell, Greg Marzhew and Jayden Campbell both played well in their debut’s last weekend. Campbell will make way for AJ Brimson while Marzhew has held on to his spot on the wing.
While the Roosters will be favourites heading into the match, they did lose to the Broncos in round 11 so the Titans will be confident they can upset the Roosters as well.
KEY STAT
The head-to-head battle between the teams is pretty close. Out of 20 games played between the two sides, the Roosters have won 12 times while the Titans have won 8.
PREDICTION
Rooster by 10.
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