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Roosters' Reign Ends: Titans Shock Sydney in 30-12 Upset
For the second consecutive week, the Sydney Roosters stumbled, this time suffering a shocking 30-12 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans. This loss marked the end of an eleven-game winning streak for the Roosters against the Titans, a dominance that spanned nearly a decade. The game highlighted the Roosters' struggles with finishing opportunities and maintaining control, leaving Coach Trent Robinson frustrated.
Missed Opportunities and a Costly Intercept
The Roosters initially looked strong, with Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring early. However, despite repeatedly penetrating the Titans' defence in the first half, they failed to capitalize on their chances, leaving the score at a precarious 12-8 at halftime. A crucial turning point came in the 61st minute when Jayden Campbell intercepted a pass, running the length of the field for a try. This sparked a Titans onslaught, with three more tries in the final ten minutes sealing the Roosters' fate.
Poor Discipline and Completion Rate
High error rates plagued the Roosters, with a completion rate of just 57%, far below NRL standards according to Robinson. Their 19 errors were compounded by poor discipline, resulting in numerous penalties. Robinson emphasized the importance of applying consistent pressure, stating that their inability to do so led to missed opportunities and ultimately, the loss. The Roosters’ inability to “grind out” a win, even when their attack wasn’t firing on all cylinders, was another major concern.
Looking Ahead
James Tedesco echoed Robinson's sentiments, acknowledging the need for greater toughness and a stronger defensive game. The Roosters face a challenging next match against their arch-rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, providing an immediate test of their ability to learn from their mistakes and bounce back. The Titans, meanwhile, celebrated their hard-fought victory and the end of a long losing streak against a traditional NRL powerhouse.
