Titans stun Roosters to power into first NRLW decider
The Gold Coast Titans have produced a stunning 12-0 upset win over the Roosters to move into their first NRLW grand final.
After collecting the wooden spoon in 2022, the Titans have produced a remarkable turnaround to power into next Sunday's decider against defending premiers Newcastle.
Titans fullback Evania Pelie was immense at Allianz Stadium, running for 262 metres and breaking seven tackles, while skipper Georgia Hale also stood tall.
Match: Roosters v Titans
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
After the teams traded early errors through Niall Williams-Guthrie and Jayme Fressard the game settled into an arm wrestle before the Titans created a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 18th minute but Evania Pelite put the final pass down.
The Roosters then had their best shot after Pelite spilled a bomb but the Titans fullback quickly regained her composure to gather a grubber and defuse a dangerous situation.
A penalty against Roosters hooker Keeley Davis for a strip in the 27th minute gave the Titans field position and Brittany Breayley-Nati capitalised with a show-and-go from dummy half to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
A double blow for the Roosters with fullback Corban Baxter (ankle) and prop Millie Boyle (shoulder) both leaving the field before half-time but the pair were able to return after the break.
Ten minutes into the second half the Roosters were pinged for being inside the 10 metres and Rilee Jorgensen slotted the penalty shot to make it 8-0.
The Roosters looked to get themselves back into the game midway through the half but an error by Baxter let the Titans off the hook.
With six minutes to play the Titans struck the decisive blow when Destiny Mino-Sinapati crossed out wide off a brilliant pass from Pelite.
From there the Titans closed out the game as Karyn Murphy becomes the first female coach to lead a team into an NRLW decider.
Match snapshot
- Roosters fullback Corban Baxter left the field in the 26th minute with an ankle injury. She returned in the second half before eventually succumbing to the injury in the 56th minute.
- Titans hooker Brittany Breayley-Nati scored her first try since Round 2 of the 2021 season.
- Titans winger Destiny Mino-Sinapati had nine tackle breaks and ran for 149 metres.
- Roosters hooker Keeley Davis underwent a HIA during the half-time break and was cleared to return.
- Titans captain Georgia Hale got through a power of work in defence with 57 tackles.
- Roosters prop Millie Boyle ran for 153 metres and made 45 tackles.
- Roosters forward Mya Hill-Moana was sent for a HIA in the 58th minute.
- The Roosters are the first side in NRLW history to be held scoreless in a finals match.
- Titans props Shannon Mato and Jessika Elliston combined for 31 runs and 244 metres.
