Gold Coast Titans dug deep to win 36-34 against Brisbane Broncos at Lang Park on Sunday afternoon.
It was a showcase in the sunshine in Brisbane on Sunday. The battle between the two fullbacks Keano Kini and Reece Walsh headlined the contest but the main takeaway was a gritty win for the Gold Coast Titans.
Broncos showed their hand early in the game with some long breaks. Reece Walsh was in scintillating form headed into the Origin period and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball.
The hosts were the first on the scoresheet with their fast start. It was a simple short pass to Payne Haas at the line which saw the prop plunge over followed by Madden converting for 6-0.
The Titans first four-pointer was the stuff of dreams for Tony Francis. The winger was on the end of a backline move and touched down in the corner before he was subbed off due to an arm injury.
Broncos were enjoying a rare day time game and it showed in their football. They broke down the wing again through Josiah Karapani then he turned it inside for Corey Oates for the four-pointer.
Next, it was an all effort try from the Broncos. Selwyn Cobbo rose highest to catch then ball, offloaded to Ezra Mam who kicked for Deine Mariner but the winger was taken out in the contest. Bunker then determined it would be a penalty try.
Titans continued to show fight though. Backrower turned centre Beau Fermor just did it all himself to bring it back to 18-12. He scooped it up from dummy-half, threw a dummy and went over.
Walsh continued his stellar half with another try assist. He took the ball to the line then sent the short pass to Brendan Piakura who strolled over to take it back out to a 12 point lead.
The visitors struck again on the stroke of half-time. They kept the ball alive on the right before it was swung inside for Erin Clark. The interchange forward just kept pumping his legs until he put it down.
The Titans further reduced the deficit after the break. It was a move on the left side which saw David Fifita do some ball playing before Chris Randall sliced through for 24-22.
In true Titans fashion though, they handed Broncos a four-pointer. Tom Weaver kicked it straight to Ezra Mam who won the foot race against the Titans chasers to stretch it past a converted try.
The game continued to be a see-saw affair. Titans scored back-to-back tries through Keenan Palasia against his old club then Brian Kelly finished off a backline move for 32-30.
Titans were in full flow and went ahead by six points. The high kick created the contest, Mariner spilled it and it was sent out to Alofiana Khan-Pereira who produced a fabulous finish.
There was a final twist left in the game with the Broncos getting back within two. Walsh was the architect again with a delightful short pass for Selwyn Cobbo to go over. Jock Madden missed the conversion.
That set up a frantic final few minutes. The Broncos tried to pull off the comeback but they were held at bay by a gutsy Titans outfit who win their third game of the season.