Titans show their willingness

NRL Round 23, 2007
Gold Coast Titans 22 def Sydney Roosters 18

The golden run of the Sydney Roosters finally came to an end today; their chances of a dramatic finals berth now virtually none.

In slippery and cold conditions on the Gold Coast; the Titans showed a side of themselves we haven't really seen. It was a gritty and tradesman like Titans; a style that would sit very well in the upcoming finals series.

They did everything to the letter - Luke Bailey and Ian Donnelly relentless in their metre eating and constantly proving too much for their opposites. The silky skills and composure of Scott Prince was on display as he kicked high and grubbered low for tries - confusing the Roosters for most of the day.

Chris Walker at fullback was obviously playing for his contract life, the controversially custodian was given a late call up and he certainly played as if it was his last shot at top line NRL. He was faultless under the high ball and ran the ball up with the gusto of a prop or second rower.

The Roosters while not totally outclassed were probably a little undisciplined and made some costly errors at crucial times in the game.

Braith Anasta continues his stellar form rise and Craig Wing was one of the Roosters best also. An early injury to halfback Sa - saw Mitchell Pearce called off the bench and the early injection of the youngster probably hurt the Roosters more than anything. Pearce has a big future - but he was the new component in the Roosters juggernaut, and probably didn't help grease the wheels as they struggled to get a good rhythm going.

Its not all roses for the Titans now; they face the Sharks in Cronulla next week - not an easy task given their nuisance value of late and they face the Melbourne Storm in the final round of the NRL regular season in Melbourne - a massive ask of any club.

Depending on other results; if the Roosters can win their final two matches against the Panthers at the SFS and finally the Rabbits at Telstra - they may sneak into the NRL finals on a wing and a prayer.