Tedesco injured as Hayne helps Titans triumph in thriller

v BYE

A 79th minute field goal to Jarryd Hayne saw the Titans crush the Wests Tigers in front of over 16,000 fans at Campbelltown, with the home team's loss compounded by a possible season-ending injury to star James Tedesco.

Two teams who seemed destined to battle it out for the wooden spoon at the start of the year would come into this one vying for a critical victory to keep in touch with the Top 8.

And it would begin with the intensity that you would expect for such a vital clash. 

An offload by Aaron Woods appeared to have handed possession straight back to the Gold Coast early, but a muddle of errors saw James Tedesco clean it up and link with Kevin Naiqama to score the quickest try of 2016. The Tigers would continue to dominate possession in the opening stages of the first half, yet the Titans' defence would hold firm and their bravery would be rewarded, only conceding a penalty goal before grabbing a try of their own.

Mitchell Moses would be collared in a high tackle in the 18th minute and fling it out wide in the process - straight into the hands of Jarryd Hayne. Hayne would burst away and off the back of his break the Titans would hit back through Anthony Don who would cross in the corner.

And somehow the Titans would prove what they have the whole 2016 season and level it up at 8 a piece through Josh Hoffman despite only having 38% possession. The Titans would almost go back to back, yet a tough call would see a forward pass ruled, denying Hoffman his second. The Tigers would take the two after Moses was struck late a couple of minutes later, but in the end it would be the Titans leading at the break. A spiralling Hayne bomb would be collected by Don who would showcase his aerial supremacy and despite goal kicking woes the Titans would lead 12-10 at the break. 

The second half would open again in controversial circumstances with Moses denied an early try, with an obstruction ruled by the Bunker. The Tigers looked likely early and a couple of beautiful passes in the 52nd minute looked to have set up Nofoaluma in the corner. Yet, the final pass was put in the chest of Macdonald who would race away to extend the Titans' lead.

Jack Littlejohn looked to have scored his first NRL try in the 57th minute, only denied by spectacular defence from the away side. And if the home fans were disappointed, well, they would want to turn away only a minute later. A swinging arm from Ryan James would collect Tedesco in the process of reeling in a towering bomb. Tedesco would leave the field - with a suspected broken jaw.

However, it would be the Tigers who would cross next with a Mead error gifting Nofoaluma a try in the corner. And Nofoaluma would prove the superstar only minutes later, diving over for a spectacular four pointer to level things up. Unfortunately, Moses' conversion would hit the post and both sides would be locked up at 18 points apiece.

A couple of late field goal shots would make it appear as if Golden Point would be likely, yet Hayne would prove the match winner nailing a drop goal in the final minute and helping his team to a much needed win.

Next week, the Tigers will look to bounce back (most likely without Tedesco) against the Panthers in the Western Sydney Derby on Friday night at Pepper Stadium. Meanwhile, the Titans have a perfect chance to gain another two points when they face the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.