Second half sizzle guides Titans to big win

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Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights

The Gold Coast Titans have reversed a stunning Round 2 loss to Newcastle by trouncing the Knights 38-8 which saw them score 32 unanswered second half points at Cbus Super Stadium.

The 10,000+ crowd on hand was given a shock in the first half when the less-fancied visitors took first blood in the 13th minute, Sam Stone crashing over. Brock Lamb converted and soon after added a penalty goal for the Knights to carry an 8-0 lead.

Gold Coast managed to steady the ship just after the 20 minute mark, getting on the board through a cheeky Jarryd Hayne try, sneaking a quick tap off a penalty 11m out.

The scoreline held at 8-6 through til halftime despite the best efforts of both sides, but after the break the Titans wasted no time getting in front - and staying there. Konrad Hurrell bagged a brace, Hayne his second, while Kane Elgey and Ryan James also getting their names in the tryscorers column. The only blip on the Titans' radar was the kicking boot of Ash Taylor, who handed duties to Elgey after kicking two from four, the latter ending up three from three by fulltime.

The loss leaves the Knights with just one win from their last 27 NRL matches and ensures they'll sit alone at the foot of the table over the rep round. In a fortnight they're at home to the Raiders, while the Titans continue their climb up the ladder and will rate their chances against Melbourne as part of the Round 10 double header at Suncorp Stadium a fortnight from today.