Monday night at Cbus Super Stadium will see a team who lost 38-0 last game, the Titans, come up against the Roosters, who also won 38-0 last round. Although their last time out score lines suggest an easy contest for the Roosters, the Titans are currently sitting above the Roosters on the ladder with 3 wins as opposed to the Roosters 2. Star recruit Nathan Peats will not make his Titans debut due to the unexpected and rushed circumstances in which he joins the club.
LAST TIME OUT
Following a strong start to the season, the Titans slumped to a four game losing streak, however they could find solace in the fact that all of their losses had come by 8 points or less against more fancied opponents such as the Broncos, Sharks and Bulldogs. However, all of their good work came undone with a shocking game against the Storm last round, in which they were held till nil at home for the first time since relocating to Cbus Super Stadium in 2008. The Titans had been characterised for their ability to stay competitive in games, however it is to be seen if they can recover from a 38 point drubbing last start.
The Roosters returned to the form that they are renowned for last game with a strong 38-0 victory against the struggling Knights. Star players Mitchell Pearce and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves both played their first matches of the 2016 season due to suspension and injury respectively, gifting the Roosters with the majority of their starting 17. Centre Blake Ferguson was strong, scoring hat trick, as was Pearce, who scored a try and forced two line drop outs with his kicking game.
KEY BATTLES
Ashley Taylor has been very impressive in the early stages of his NRL career, showing maturity beyond his age, however he was quite against the Storm and missed the previous clash against the Bulldogs due to injury. Taylor’s pinpoint kicking game will be vital against the impressive kicking game of Pearce. Pearce was impressive in his first game since last September, and although it is uncertain if he is willing to play State of Origin this season, he will be looking to put his best foot forward against the Titans.
PREDICTION
The Titans should be improved on their terrible effort against the Storm, and will need to complete their sets and be tidy with the ball in order to be a genuine threat. However, following a terrible start to the season, the Roosters will be desperate to notch up some wins with their full squad available in order to be a chance at making the top 8.
Roosters by 8
Squads
Titans: 1 William Zillman 2 Nathan Davis 3 Josh Hoffman 4 Nene MacDonald 5 David Mead 6 Tyrone Roberts 7 Ashley Taylor 8 David Shillington 9 Nathan Friend 10 Ryan James 11 Zeb Taia 12 Chris McQueen 13 Greg Bird Interchange: 14 Luke Douglas 15 Leivaha Pulu 16 Agnatius Paasi 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Eddy Pettybourne 19 Anthony Don
Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 5 Joe Burgess 3 Mitchell Aubusson 4 Blake Ferguson 2 Daniel Tupou 6 Jackson Hastings 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Sam Moa 9 Jake Friend 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aiden Guerra 13 Isaac Liu Interchange: 14 Kane Evans 15 Eloni Vunakece 16 Ryan Matterson 17 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18 Connor Watson.
