The Sydney Roosters were always one of the heavyweights of the NRLW competition but the Gold Coast Titans were the ones to come away with a stunning upset, winning 12-0.
It was not that long ago in the NRLW that the Titans won the wooden spoon with their remarkable turnaround now complete as they face off against Newcastle in this years’ NRLW grand final.
As expected, it was the leaders that stood up for the Titans with Evania Pelite and Georgia Hale both doing their bit to get the club over the line.
The low score was a testament to the defence of both sides over the course of the game, outlined by the stout resistance shown via Jayme Fressard when she stopped Shaylee Bent who seemed certain to score.
That defence would soon crack, however, as veteran hooker Brittany Breayley-Nati dummied, found a gap and coasted over from close range to give the Titans the lead.
A penalty would then gift the Titans an easy two points as Rilee Jorgenson slotted the shot over for an 8-0 lead.
After more sustained defensive resolve from both sides for about 35 minutes, the Titans scored a second and arguably their match winner via Destiny Mino-Sinapati.
Shifting the ball left, a lovely cut-out pass from Evania Pelite saw the winger with acres of space to run into and score.
That would seal the game as the Titans go into the Knights game as heavy underdogs.
Despite the loss for the Roosters, the sustained growth and development shown by his side over the years was pleasing to coach John Strange.
“Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted but I’ve seen so many of these girls grow and develop through this season and the resilience they have shown has been such a positive for the club,” Strange said.
Gold Coast Titans 12 (Breayley-Nati, Mino-Sinapati; Jorgenson 2) def. Sydney Roosters 0.