With a victory of 15 or more points, Gold Coast Titans could have ousted Parramatta Eels from the Top 4, but were left to rue a slow start against the Roosters that had them down 12-0 after 14 minutes.
Gold Coast took it up to the reigning premiers in the second half, the sides scoring two tries apiece, but the Titans were unable to close the gap and will finish the season on the bottom of the ladder.
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly said her side's best was yet to come.
"Every week we're getting better so we just need to stay humble within that and take the victories as they come," she said.