It's another exciting week for the Sydney Roosters NRLW side as a host of players take the field for the first time at Central Coast Stadium - but a desperate Gold Coast Titans outfit stands between them and the 2022 Minor Premiership.
Last Time Out: Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans
NRLW Round 2 Highlights: Roosters vs Titans
It was a dour affair down in Wollongong back in March when the Roosters and Titans faced off for the first time at NRLW level.
Errors cruelled the Tricolours on a wet and miserable day, finishing with just 42% of possession and a lacklustre 58% completion rate, in a valiant but frustrating effort.
Leianne Tufuga and Sarah Togatuki scored their inaugural tries first-grade level, but it wasn't enough as the Roosters couldn't complete the comeback, going down 26-16.
This time around, the high-flying Roosters will need to be wary of the Titans, who will be fighting tooth and nail with a spot in the finals on the line.
How They Line Up
John Strange's side has a handful of changes from last week's victory, which will see three stars make their NRLW debut in the Red, White and Blue when they kick off at 1:55pm.
Jada Taylor will make her much-anticipated debut at fullback following a stunning performance in the Under 19s Women's State of Origin match, joined by fellow debutant Shannon Rose who lines up on the wing.
Match: Titans v Roosters
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Titans is number 1 Evania PeliteFullback for Roosters is number 1 Jada Taylor
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Winger for Titans is number 2 Karina BrownWinger for Roosters is number 2 Shannon Rose
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Centre for Titans is number 3 Apii NichollsCentre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
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Centre for Titans is number 4 Jasmine PetersCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
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Winger for Titans is number 5 Madison BartlettWinger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
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Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kimiora Breayley-NatiFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara Temara
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Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren BrownHalfback for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn Kelleher
Forwards
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Prop for Titans is number 8 Shannon MatoProp for Roosters is number 8 Kalosipani Hopoate
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Hooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-NatiHooker for Roosters is number 9 Destiny Brill
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Prop for Titans is number 10 Stephanie HancockProp for Roosters is number 10 Sarah Togatuki
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2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Zara Canfield2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Shaniah Power
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2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
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Lock for Titans is number 13 Georgia HaleLock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee Joseph
Interchange
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Interchange for Titans is number 14 Jetaya FaifuaInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Shawden Burton
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Interchange for Titans is number 15 Jessika EllistonInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Otesa Pule
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Interchange for Titans is number 17 Laikha ClarkeInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
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Interchange for Titans is number 18 Roxy MurdochInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Samantha Economos
Reserves
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Replacement for Titans is number 21 Hagiga MosbyReplacement for Roosters is number 19 Joeli Morris
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Jessica Sergis and Captain Isabelle Kelly take their place in the centres, while Jayme Fressard makes her return to the side on the other wing, with Zahara Temara and Raecene McGregor in the halves.
Kalosipani Hopoate starts in the front row once again after a barnstorming performance last week which saw her score her first NRLW try, joined by Destiny Brill and another returning face in Sarah Togatuki up front.
Shaniah Power is back in the side after a week off, joining Olivia Kernick in the back row, while Keilee Joseph rounds off starting team at lock forward.
Jocelyn Kelleher, Shawden Burton and Otesa Pule are joined by a third debutant in Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa on the interchange bench, with Sam Economos named as 18th player, while the extended bench features Joeli Morris, Jasmin Strange, Chante Temara and Sam Bremner.
Round 4 NRLW Highlights: Roosters vs Knights
The Gold Coast Titans side has had no changes following their victory over the Parramatta Eels last week, with Evania Pelite remaining at fullback and Apii Nicholls staying in the centres.
Key Match Up: Keilee Joseph vs Georgia Hale
Two battle-hardened lock forwards clash this Sunday afternoon in the battle between Keilee Joseph and Georgia Hale.
They may be polar opposites in terms of experience but both Joseph and Hale have been monumental for their respective sides in 2022, solidifying starting spots after coming off the bench last season.
In her second season in the top grade, Joseph has been a force to be reckoned with for the Tricolours; averaging 164 metres, 23 tackles at an impressive 96.8% efficiency while breaking 13 tackles.
Hale might pale in comparison in terms of average metres per game (69) and tackle breaks (four), but her defensive fortitude has held up the Titans' line with her whopping 44 tackles per game at a 97.8% efficiency.
With that being said, you'll want to keep an eye on the no.13 jerseys in the middle of the park this Sunday afternoon.
What They Said:
"Zahara Temara was one of my idols when I was little. When I was first growing up and playing rugby, I used to watch her as an 18-year-old." - Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Final Verdict
The Sydney Roosters have solidified a spot in the NRLW 2022 Finals Series but will be looking to not only continue their winning run but also seal the Club's first Minor Premiership.
Roosters Members and supporters will want to secure tickets here for what will be a thrilling afternoon at Central Coast Stadium.
For the Love of the Game
With plenty of benefits including priority to purchase tickets, merchandise discounts as well as the best seating at Allianz Stadium, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster in 2023 with Sydney Roosters Membership!
