An unimpressive Sydney Roosters kept their hold on a top-four spot with a 26-18 win over a plucky Gold Coast at a rain-sodden Allianz Stadium on Monday night.

The Roosters’ spluttering premiership defence continued against the Titans, with playmaker James Maloney’s continued return to form a big positive for the tricolours.

After handing the Titans the opening four-pointer, Maloney scored a try himself, had a hand in two others and kicked the match-sealing penalty in the closing minutes as the Roosters reclaimed fourth spot on the NRL ladder.

The Titans’ loss, before the lowest crowd of the season of 6,345 all but ends their finals hopes.

After a first half littered with poor handling from both teams, the Titans led 18-16 at the break but couldn’t manage a point after the interval.

A key period midway through the second half when the Roosters held out three successive Titans sets on their own line while leading 24-18 was crucial.

The Roosters regained the lead 10 minutes after halftime through a grubbering effort from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and then went further ahead with a Michael Jennings try in the 69th minute.

But they were never safe until Maloney’s penalty with less than two minutes remaining.

The game started in almost the worst possible fashion for the home side when a loose James Maloney pass on his own line gifted Titans winger Anthony Don a third-minute try.

The Roosters quickly hit back with a try to retiring skipper Anthony Minichiello out wide seven minutes later.

But the ridiculous mistakes from the premiers continued, which included Frank Paul Nuuausala turning his back on a dropout that hit him in the back led to the Titans regathering.

Maloney made amends when he stepped his way through the Titans’ line from close range in the 20th minute to put the home side ahead 10-6.

Dave Taylor then scored with his first touch in the 28th minute to push the Titans ahead 12-10.

In a game full of dropped ball, Nene Macdonald then did well to force his way over out wide in the 33rd minute and the Roosters lead 16-12.

Boyd Cordner was held up for the second time in the half in the 38th minute and the Titans took full advantage albeit luckily when Greg Bird scored from a kick by Daniel Mortimer – who was playing against his old side for the first time – just before the break.

Aidan Sezer landed his third successive conversion to put the Titans 18-16 ahead at oranges.