Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters is tackled during the round 25 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans. Photo / Getty Images.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters is tackled during the round 25 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans. Photo / Getty Images.
The Sydney Roosters' indifferent form at the back end of the season has continued when an injury-hit Gold Coast side sealed one the best results in their short history with a 30-22 win at Allianz Stadium.
Brad Takairangi, released by the Roosters earlier this season to make way for MichaelJennings and Sonny Bill Williams, scored the decisive try seven minutes from time to put his side in front before Dave Taylor iced the result with an effort under the posts in dying seconds.
Having lost to Cronulla last week, Trent Robinson's side go into next Friday's minor premiership decider against bitter rivals South Sydney in wretched form.
The Titans showed great spirit and desire to win the game and keep alive their slender hopes of reaching the finals in front of a crowd of 17,542.
John Cartwright's men stunned the home crowd with a third minute try from veteran centre Steve Michaels who touched down in the left corner following a smart pass from Greg Bird.
Hooker Beau Falloon extended the lead with a try under the posts five minutes later with Aidan Sezer adding the extras to put his side 12-0 in front.
The Roosters hit back through Mitch Aubusson and on the stroke of halftime Mitchell Pearce's effort was given the green light by the video referee after his initial effort had been ruled out by the on-field officials.
But the expected second half onslaught never materialised after the break when young winger Anthony Don raced 60 metres following a Takairangi offload and increased the Titans' advantage.
That setback did kick the Roosters into life and Jennings had an effort ruled out by the video referee before Daniel Tupou demonstrated some great athleticism to haul in a James Maloney kick and jink his way to the line.
Prop Sam Moa then put the hosts in front for the first time in the game when he rumbled over from close range after being teed up by Williams.
However, Takairangi and Taylor had the last laugh to keep Cartwright's's side in the hunt for a top-eight spot going into the final round of the season.
