Farah homecoming spoiled as Titans down Wests Tigers

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Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans

The Wests Tigers fans turned out in droves at Leichhardt Oval to welcome back Robbie Farah in his first game back at the club against the Titans, but the result wasn't to work in his favour with the visitors finishing 30-12 winners.

The Tigers played with a lot of energy in the opening twenty minutes, capped by a great opening try to Kevin Naiqama, as he ran onto a great ball at the line by Lawrence. Marsters converted.

The Titans hit back 5 minutes later when Peats dished a crash ball to James on the Tigers line, who then pushed over the one defender in his way to score under the posts. Gordon converted.

It was only 4 minutes before the next try was scored. Ash Taylor's pass went to ground and Naiqama cleaned it up 20 metres from his own line. From the next tackle, the Tigers spread the ball right, before Farah made a half break then got a good ball to Reynolds who then ran 65 metres to score in the corner. A great broken field try and the crowd went nuts! Marsters converted from out wide.

Just on the half hour, Lawrence rushed up to put another big hit on Ash Taylor, but is checked by the decoy runner legally. Taylor hits the gap and scores to the right of the posts. Gordon added the extras to give the Titans a 6 point lead at the break.

The Tigers in the second half were shocking. They constantly turned the ball over, especially early in sets, a number of times through ill-discipline. In the 59th minute Gordon kicked a penalty goal and from the restart the Titans tap back a high kick. The ball goes to Brimson who runs 25 metres to score near the posts untouched. Gordon added the extra 2 points.

With ten minutes remaining, the Tigers were on the attack, when they turned the ball inside to Naiqama, who dropped it cold. Don picked it up and raced 80 metres to score, despite Aloiai going toe-to-toe with him the whole distance. Gordon failed to convert from out wide.

The game was put beyond doubt when the Titans scored, again capitalising on another Tigers turn over. Arrow stopped with the ball in hand, 10 metres from the Tigers line, looked for a runner but none appeared, so he took off and fell over the line for a good but soft try. Gordon converted and the Tigers season was all but ended.

Wests Tigers now have the bye next week while the Titans will host Brisbane next Sunday afternoon.