The Sydney Roosters have been unable to overcome the Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium, fighting to the final minutes in a 26-16 defeat in what was an error-filled battle.
The Roosters were valiant in their efforts throughout the match, however, lack of discipline with the ball in hand cruelled the side throughout the 70 minutes, finishing with just 42% of the ball and a 58% completion rate.
Fullback Brydie Parker put in a strong performance, running for over 150 metres, while Keilee Joseph was rock-solid in defence, making 37 tackles as Leianne Tufuga and Sarah Togatuki scored their first tries in the NRLW.
Following a deluge earlier in the day, the Roosters took the field with a gale blowing at WIN Stadium, with strong runs from Tayla Predebon and Togatuki laying the foundations to finish well inside opposition territory in their opening set.
Unfortunately an early shift out wide saw the Steeden go to ground, and the Titans converted their first opportunity into points to take a 6-nil lead after as many minutes.
Not to be deterred, Easts trundled downfield with Isabelle Kelly threatening from fullback - however, lack of execution cruelled the side on the line, handing over the ball just as they looked to reply.
Match: Roosters v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Roosters
6th Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
A clean break through the middle of the field saw the Gold Coast threaten once again, and they would get on the board soon after with a dangerous grubber providing their next points.
With the conversion unsuccessful, the Titans took a 10-nil lead after seventeen minutes.
Utilising the wind behind their backs, Raecene McGregor looked to kick early to pin the Titans in their own territory, and the Bondi Wall surged to take fullback Evania Pelite into touch just metres from the line.
Defensive pressure forced a kick out on the full, and a swing of the ball saw Leianne Tufuga in full stride, with the winger scoring her first NRLW try soon after to put the Red, White and Blue on the board.
Hannah Southwell's kicking boots were on song, closing the deficit to six points with a stunning sideline conversion.
Leianne Tufuga Gets Her First Try
Unfortunately, the breezy conditions forced a blunder from the kick-off, handing the Titans possession on Roosters' line, and the opposition replied in kind through Tazmin Gray.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half, the Titans took a 16-6 lead.
Ill-discipline crept into the side conceding back-to-back penalties, but a number of tenacious last-gasp tackles on the line saw the Bondi Wall hold on - followed by Parker inspiring her side with a 50-metre burst in the shadows of halftime.
Burton Puts Togatuki Over
Jess Sergis looked to emulate her teammates' effort with a charging run downfield, but after being caught short of the line, the Roosters headed into the sheds looking to reverse a 10-point deficit.
Both sides opened the second stanza with a comedy of errors as neither team was able to gain ascendency, with Jocelyn Kelleher providing plenty of pressure in defence to give her side possession.
Predebon put matters into her own hands with a crunching tackle on Jessika Elliston, and desperate defence from Sergis forced an error over the line with the Bondi Wall holding on after multiple sets on the line.
An unsuccessful Captain's Challenge saw the Gold Coast attacking the line again before extending the lead after scoring a try from dummy-half under the posts.
An early turnover opened up a chance for the Roosters to get back on the board, and Togatuki barged over and pirouetted under the posts to close the deficit to ten points.
Kernick Surges to Late Comeback
Despite time quickly winding down, the Roosters continued to challenge the defence with inspired charges, which culminated in points as Olivia Kernick dived over to score, with the Roosters in for a chance of a late comeback.
With momentum behind them and brimming with confidence, the Tricolours found themselves with a chance to put the match into golden point, only for the Titans to have the last say with a try in the final seconds to secure victory.
The Roosters will take on the Newcastle Knights in a double header with the NRL side next Saturday March 10 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Sydney Roosters 16 (Leianne Tufuga, Sarah Togatuki, Olivia Kernick tries; Hannah Southwell 2 goals) def by Gold Coast Titans 26 (Brittany Breayley-Nati 2, Jasmine Peters, Karina Brown, Tazmin Gray tries; Zara Canfield 3 goals)
