Titans jump into NRL top 8

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The Gold Coast Titans have jumped into the NRL top 8 with an upset victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 26-16 at ANZ Stadium in front of a small crowd of 10,373.

Aidan Sezer kicked off the Titans night as he placed a kick for Kevin Gordon who leapt through the air to claim first points. Titans 4-0 after 6 minutes.

Kevin Gordon crossed the white line for his second try as he managed to plant the ball down in the corner. David Mead laid the foundation with a perfect pass as he darted through a hole in the defence. Mid-way through the first half the Titans ahead 10-0.

The Bulldogs claimed their first four-pointer 26 minutes into the contest as Sam Perrett dived over the chalk thanks to an offload from Josh Morris. Bulldogs struck back to close the gap to 10-6.

Heading into the half time break, Aidan Sezer opted for an extension in the lead with a penalty goal to make it 12-6 after 40 minutes. There was heat on match officials as there was 16 penalties blown in the first half, and another 9 in the second.

Trent Hodkinson put the Bulldogs on the front foot in the second half early as his solo effort closed the game to just two points, with the Titans ahead 12-10 after 49 minutes.

The Titans were the more desperate team as victory would ensure a top 8 spot. David Mead shone for the Titans as he finished off a Melbourne Storm style block play featuring Ashley Harrison and Luke O'Dwyer. Into the final 20 minutes and the Titans lead 18-10

Josh Reynolds gave the small crowd of Bulldogs fans slight hope of victory as he broke free of the Titans chasers off a Krisnan Inu offload. The scores tight, 18-16 inside the final 7 minutes.

Man of the match, Greg Bird secured the match as he popped a pass through a tackle of four Bulldogs to send Kevin Gordon over for his third try. The Gold Coast sealed the two competition points in the 80th minute as Sezer slot a penalty goal.

The Titans jumped into the NRL top 8 and kept their finals hopes alive with a 26-16 victory. Next week the Titans will look to continue their form as they head north to 1300SMILES Stadium to battle the Cowboys. Meanwhlie the Bulldogs will hope to bounce back with a trip to the National capital to face the Raiders who are also fighting for a top 8 spot.

Match Details
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16 Gold Coast Titans 26
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Crowd: 10373
Halftime Score: Gold Coast Titans 12-6

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Greg Bird
2 points - Ryan James
1 point - Nate Myles

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (16)
Tries: Sam Perrett, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Reynolds
Field Goals:
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (2/2), Krisnan Inu (0/1)
Penalty Goals:

GOLD COAST TITANS (26)
Tries: Kevin Gordon (3), David Mead
Field Goals: Aidan Sezer (0/1)
Conversions: Aidan Sezer (3/4)
Penalty Goals: Aidan Sezer (2/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Welcome to LeagueUnlimited's LIVE coverage from ANZ Stadium as the Bulldogs host the Titans. Tonight the Dogs are battling for a top 4 spot, while the Titans are looking to push into the top 8.

Earlier in Holden Cup, Under 20s, The Bulldogs claimed a massive 54-20 win over the Titans.

Team News for the Bulldogs: Josh Jackson and Sam Kasiano start, Tony Williams and James Graham move to the bench

A positional change for the Titans sees Luke Douglas move to the bench, which gives Ryan James a starting spot in the 13.

1. Sam Perrett 2. Mitch Brown 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Krisnan Inu 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Ennis (c) 16. Sam Kasiano 11. Frank Pritchard 15. Josh Jackson 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 10. James Graham 12. Tony Williams 14. Dene Halatau 17. Dale Finucane

1. David Mead 2. Kevin Gordon 3. Brad Takairangi 4. Jamie Dowling 5. Anthony Don 6. Ashley Harrison 7. Aidan Sezer 15. Ryan James 9. Beau Falloon 10. Nate Myles 11. Ben Ridge 12. Mark Minichiello 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. David Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 16. Luke O'Dwyer 17. Sam Irwin
1 min: We are UNDERWAY at ANZ Stadium as the Gold Coast Titans kick off, the Bulldogs will get first use of the ball
1 min: First penalty of the game goes to the Bulldogs, Nate Myles holding down in the ruck too long. Trent Hodkinson kicks for touch and the Bulldogs attack from halfway
2 min: Josh Reynolds ends their set with a grubber kick through the Titans line, Michael Gordon cleans up in the field of play to begin the Titans set
3 min: Penalty to the Gold Coast for Sam Kasiano ruled offside at the ruck as the Titans cleaned up Hodkinson's kick inside their 10 metre line. Titans kick for line and attack 30 metres off their goal line
6 min: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Kevin Gordon. Conversion attempt by Aidan Sezer unsuccessful.
Aidan Sezer rocketed a bomb high on the last tackle for the Titans, Kevin Gordon flew through the lead to leap through Sam Perrett to reach and plant the ball down. Aidan Sezer with the conversion pushes it across the face of goal
Gold Coast Titans 4-0
7 min: Penalty to the Titans against Josh Jackson and Sam Kasiano for lifting the legs. Titans 40m out from the Bulldogs try line
9 min: Nate Myles concedes his second penalty of the night, this time for offside at the ruck. Bulldogs attack on halfway
10 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Krisnan Inu makes an unforced error.
Krisnan Inu has been ruled to have knocked on as he charged for the goal line. Scrum feed packs 10 metres off their own line
11 min: Time off here with Greg Bird getting assistance with the trainer after a twist of the ankle from Greg Eastwood.
11 min: Play continues with Greg Bird remaining on the field. Titans short of halfway on the 3rd tackle
13 min: Great kick chase from the Titans, Josh Morris is trapped in goal. Line drop out for Titans
14 min: Time off here, Ryan James is down grabbing at his head, Video referee having a look at this tackle
14 min: Sam Kasiano had Ryan James in an awkward tackle, no penalty and play continues with the Titans mid-set 20 metres out
15 min: Penalty to the Titans as the Bulldogs were ruled offside on the goal line. Titans 10m out
16 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Mitch Brown makes an unforced error.
Mitch Brown jumped off the line quickly, he fails to take the intercept ball. Scrum Titans 10m out
16 min: Greg Bird attempted an offload and the Bulldogs jump on the loose ball. Dogs with possession on the zero tackle 20 metres off their own line
17 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Josh Reynolds makes an unforced error.
Josh Reynolds came flying through off the bomb from Trent Hodkinson and in the contest knocked the ball into a Titans' player and it's a scrum for the Titans.
18 min: Penalty to the Titans against the Bulldogs for a leg pull in the ruck. Count at 4-2
20 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Titans, Gordon has scored. We have a TRY, looking at obstruction & grounding
21 min: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Kevin Gordon. Conversion attempt by Aidan Sezer successful.
Kevin Gordon has been awarded his try as he dived in the corner and planted it down one-handed following a solid pass from David Mead. No obstruction was found in the lead up play as there was just a poor read in defence from Krisnan Inu. Aidan Sezer nailed the conversion from the sideline
Gold Coast Titans 10-0
24 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs, Titans markers not square. Bulldogs attacking 40m off their line
25 min: Penalty to Bulldogs for a lifting tackle on James Graham. Put on his head, but is okay. Dogs 15m out
25 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Bulldogs. Looking at obstruction. Sam Perrett has scored
26 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Sam Perrett. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Sam Perrett has been awarded his four-pointer as the Bulldogs spread across the field. Josh Morris managed to offload the ball as he was tackled for Perrett to dive over in the corner. Trent Hodkinson with the conversion nails the goal
Gold Coast Titans 10-6
29 min: Dave Taylor ruled offside at marker. Bulldogs with a helper out of their red zone
30 min: Bulldogs spread the play to the right and Kevin Gordon took the intercept pass but was tackled to ground immediately
30 min: Penalty to the Titans as Krisnan Inu lifted and slammed down Dave Taylor
31 min: Josh Reynolds is penalised for being inside the 10 metres. Titans attacking inside the Bulldogs red zone
32 min: Third penalty in a row. Bulldogs ruled too slow in the ruck. Titans attacking still 10m out
33 min: Penalty against Ashley Harrison for an obstruction, clear cut call there as the hole opened. Bulldogs lucky not to concede a try after having 3 straight penalties against them.
34 min: Kevin Gordon is now penalised for a strip. Bulldogs attacking 30 metres. Count at 7-all
34 min: That is the 15th penalty of the game now. Titans too slow in the ruck. The official referees warning given
35 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Tony Williams makes an unforced error.
KNOCK ON, Tony Williams has charged for the line but lost it at the death as he slid in. Scrum packs for the Titans 10 metres off their own line
37 min: STOLEN! Titans with a strip and on the next play another penalty to the Titans. Two points coming up
37 min: INJURY UPDATE: Sam Kasiano is limping off the field and walking to the sheds. Ankle injury it appears
38 min:
The Gold Coast Titans took the option for the penalty goal to extend the lead as the Bulldogs conceded their 8th penalty.
Gold Coast Titans 12-6
40 min: After a double charge down from both teams, the first half ends as Mitch Brown is collected on half way. AT the break, the Gold Coast Titans lead 12-6 over the Bulldogs
41 min: Second half is UNDERWAY at ANZ Stadium as the Bulldogs kick off and trail the Titans 12-6.
42 min: UNFORCED ERROR GOLD COAST TITANS
Dave Taylor makes an unforced error.
Dave Taylor has coughed up possession as he charged forward on the 2nd tackle. Bulldogs attacking 20m out
43 min: VIDEO REFEREE for Bulldogs, Tony Williams has scored. We have NO TRY as he is ruled short
43 min: Tony Williams has been penalised for a double movement, as according to the referee ruled he promoted the football.
44 min: Aidan Sezer is penalised for a strip. Penalty count is now 18, 9-all
46 min: Jamie Dowling forces the ball dead off the kick contest in goal, line drop out is ruled for the Bulldogs
49 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Trent Hodkinson. Conversion attempt by Krisnan Inu unsuccessful.
Trent Hodkinson has darted between the defence on the last tackle to reach out and plant the ball over the line. Krisnan Inu given the kicking tee for the conversion and his attempt hits the post and it's away
Gold Coast Titans 12-10
50 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs for the Titans holding down through Greg Bird. Count at 19 now
51 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Bulldogs, Josh Reynolds has scored. We have NO TRY. Looking at no try
51 min: NO TRY! Josh Reynolds gets RED LIGHTS, not enough evidence to overturn it. On replay it appeared Josh Jackson didn't touch it. Bulldogs should have been awarded that try
53 min: Penalty count up to 20 with Ash Harrison penalised for tackling in the air.
55 min: Josh Morris knocks the ball dead off the kick from the Titans. Line drop out for the Titans
57 min: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by David Mead. Conversion attempt by Aidan Sezer successful.
David Mead has crossed for the Titans as the Gold Coast ran a standard block play featuring Ashley Harrison and Luke O'Dwyer. Aidan Sezer with the conversion from the sideline, nails the goal
Gold Coast Titans 18-10
60 min: Penalty for a strip in the ruck. Count at 21 now, Bulldogs 11 Titans 10. Gold Coast attack 20 metres out from the Bulldogs line
61 min: UNFORCED ERROR GOLD COAST TITANS
Brad Takairangi makes an unforced error.
Knock on against the Titans. Messy attempt at the play of the ball. Scrum for the Bulldogs
62 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
KNOCK ON! Frank Pritchard charged into the defence and loses the ball. Titans with it on halfway
62 min: UNFORCED ERROR GOLD COAST TITANS
Beau Falloon makes an unforced error.
Beau Falloon comes up with a mistake too, Bulldogs back on the attack now
66 min: Kevin Gordon with an easy catch in goal to end the set for the Bulldogs. Titans with a 20 metre tap
67 min: Time off here, Nate Myles and Mitch Brown have collided. Brown with the trainer
67 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Mitch Brown makes an unforced error.
Knock on ruled against Mitch Brown as he lost the ball in the head clash with Myles. Titans attacking from a scrum feed 10 metres out
68 min: VIDEO REFEREE, Beau Falloon has dived over. Looking at a driver here
68 min: No penalty for a driver on Ryan James. Bulldogs change over on the 10 metre line
70 min: Mitch Brown took the kick in goal on the full, 20 metre tap for the Bulldogs
73 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Bulldogs, Josh Reynolds has a TRY. Looking to be a forward pass in there
73 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Josh Reynolds. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Josh Reynolds is awarded the try as he bolted away off an offload from Krisnan Inu. The video referee happy with the play as Josh Morris didn't get caught up in the middle of the pass for a knock on. Trent Hodkinson quickly converted from in front
Gold Coast Titans 18-16
75 min: Bulldogs caught in goal. Line drop out for the Titans
78 min: TRY GOLD COAST TITANS
Scored by Kevin Gordon. Conversion attempt by Aidan Sezer successful.
Kevin Gordon has won the game for the Gold Coast after Greg Bird managed to get an offload away in the tackle of four Bulldogs. Aidan Sezer from the touchline slots the goal to put it beyond doubt
Gold Coast Titans 24-16
79 min: UNSUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL GOLD COAST TITANS
Field goal attempt by Aidan Sezer unsuccessful.
Aidan Sezer with a snap field goal attempt is charged down by Michael Ennis, but he is penalised for being offside.
Gold Coast Titans 24-16
79 min: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL GOLD COAST TITANS
Penalty goal attempt by Aidan Sezer successful.
Aidan Sezer closed out the game for Titans with a successful penalty goal
Gold Coast Titans 26-16
80 min: FULL TIME at ANZ Stadium as seen an upset victory to the Gold Coast Titans over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 26-16
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