Panthers v Broncos preview
6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
A fast start for the Gold Coast Titans allowed them to comfortably win 26-6 against the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium this afternoon.
For the Knights it marks their 16th consecutive loss and leaves only two games in the regular season to add to the lone win of their campaign.
This victory leaves the Titans in great shape to qualify for the finals, however they have some injury concerns to deal with.
Jarryd Hayne was forced from the field in the 64th minute as he received a heavy knock to the head from the run of play.
His status is unknown as there wasn't enough time to complete the concussion test before full time.
Ash Taylor was withheld from today's game to rest shoulder and groin injuries.
In the first 20 minutes it looked like the Titans were on their way to a big score as they led 18-0 on three soft tries.
The home side gave away penalties and allowed the Gold Coast forwards to dominate field position.
Both Ryan James and Chris McQueen barged over three defenders to score tries, with James earning a double.
The Knights brought on Daniel and Jacob Saifiti from the bench after the third try and the brothers lifted Newcastle.
A 90 metre run for Nathan Ross, started by an intercept allowed the Knights to win the last 20 minutes before half time and be within a chance of victory despite being down 18-6.
With just one try in the second half, the Titans didn't apply as much pressure and relaxed towards the end of the game.
Nathan Peats led the Gold Coast onto the field to recognise his 100th NRL game and he threw the pass for James' first try from dummy half.
Knights youngster Will Pearsall started at five-eighth for the first time in his NRL career in place of Jarrod Mullen.
He had a rough outing, as for the majority of the match he was clutching to an injured shoulder and he too was back in the sheds before full time because of a potential concussion.
Nene Macdonald's streak of scoring at least one try in five consecutive games concluded as all four tries were notched up by the Gold Coast forward pack.
Next week the Titans are back on the Gold Coast to play the Penrith Panthers on Saturday afternoon with the winner set to book a place in the finals.
Newcastle will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at home on Sunday afternoon - their last home game of the season and the traditional "old boys day".
-
Venue:
Crowd:
Halftime Score: