The Gold Coast Titans have scored 2 wins over the Broncos in 2020 - the first time they've ever achieved the feat - thanks to a strong first half and some solid defence in the second, finishing 18-6 winners at Cbus Super Stadium tonight.
Brisbane looked set to end their losing run after opening the scoring in just the sixth minute after Sean O'Sullivan's grubber ricochets off Jamal Fogarty and the trailing Darius Boyd was in the right spot to pounce on the loose ball and score near the posts. Kotoni Staggs converted from almost in front.
Five minutes later, the Titans had a glut of possession courtesy of two set restarts either side of a scrum. Mitch Rein scored a typical rake's try when he dived over from dummy half close to the Broncos line to score. Ash Taylor nailed the conversion from out on the right side.
The Titans skipped ahead in the 24th minute when a Fogarty bomb to Corey Oates, was misjudged by the winger. The ball bounced and Sam Stone regathered and grounded it for a try out wide on the right side. Taylor's conversion attempt from near the touchline just snuck in between the sticks.
Gold Coast very nearly crossed right on the stroke of halftime, but Corey Thompson was unable to maintain possession.
They didn't have to wait too long to get on the scoreboard again though, as they scored just 3 minutes into the second half thanks to a scintillating 95 metre team try. Taylor received the ball just 5 metres from his own line, dummied and strolled through the middle of the Broncos defence, then passed inside to Jai Arrow who got the ball inside to Anthony Don. Don then sent a good ball along to Thompson, who drew the last defender and passed to Young Tonumaipea who raced away to score. Taylor converted to give the Titans an 18-6 lead.
The rest of the match was dominated by both sides displaying some poor last tackle options, poor execution, kicks that weren't very threatening and poor ball handling.
In the 63rd minute O'Sullivan chipped shallow towards the posts and found Staggs, who leapt above everyone to take it cleanly. He fell to the ground and looked set to score, but the Titans defence stopped him just an inch short of the line.
Five minutes later, the Broncos very nearly scored again when Cory Paix dived over from dummy half and looked to score for all money, but he dropped the ball over the line in the collision.
The last five minutes was dominated by referee challenges, dropped ball and eventually, a record equalling loss for the Broncos.