Titans defensive mettle ends Cowboys streak

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Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys

A solid second half showing from hosts Gold Coast has seen them finish 22-13 victors over an in-form North Queensland at Robina on Sunday.

Behind 13-10 at the break, the Titans were able to score twice and keep their opponents scoreless - the first time they've done that to any opponent since the start of 2022 - delivering a streak-breaking win for both themselves (after four losses) and the Cowboys (after five wins).

While the Titans were first on the board - AJ Brimson scoring the opener off a Khan-Pereira break and kick - the Cowboys steamed into the lead before the 20 minute mark, taking advantage of an injury-enforced departure by Brimson to lead 12-6. Semi Valemei and Coen Hess were the visiting side's tryscorers.

At the 24 minute mark, Phil Sami pegged back the margin to two points with the hosts taking advantage of Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes being sin binned after a shoulder charge.

While they still trailed by two, the Titans looked every bit in the contest, holding the Cowboys to all but a last-minute halftime field goal from Chad Townsend. That had North Queensland leading 13-10 at the change of ends.

All the remaining points were scored inside the opening ten minutes of the second stanza - Jayden Campbell scoring after just forty seconds after play resumed.

When Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored at the 46th minute, the Titans were up by nine and looking solid.

A classy and consistent defensive display rounded out the game, with the final half-hour an entertaining but scoreless tussle.