Titans turn in a team effort without Tino

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Gold Coast Titans v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Gold Coast Titans flexed their attacking muscles in the first half before backing their defence in the second to record a 28-8 upset victory over the Manly Sea Eagles.

Coming into the game on the bottom of the ladder and without both of their starting front-rowers - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika - the Titans showed tremendous resolve to post their fourth win of the season in front of 13,708 supporters at home.

Stand-in captain Kieran Foran was a standout for the victors, setting up his side's first try and complementing the attacking instincts of his younger spine members, while Daly Cherry-Evans failed to ignite the Sea Eagles in his first performance since being dropped from the Queensland team for State of Origin II. 

A poor start from the home side allowed the Sea Eagles to capitalise on back-to-back errors with Reuben Garrick (4th minute) burrowing over from close range for a try in his 150th appearance for the club.

The Titans returned serve with three tries in the span of ten minutes as wingers Allan Fitzgibbon (11th minute) and Alofian Khan-Pereira (15th and 19th minutes) used their speed to turn a 0-4 deficit into a 16-4 advantage; Khan-Pereira's first try saw the speedster equal the record held by Semi Radradra in scoring 50 tries in the fewest number of first grade appearances (52).

Garrick (26th minute) managed to keep the visitors in the contest midway through the opening half, only for AJ Brimson to find Jayden Campbell (31st minute) backing up in support to take a 22-8 lead to the break.

The Sea Eagles were dealt a double dose of disappointment on the hour mark with Haumole Olakau'atu losing the ball over the try line and dislocating his shoulder in the process.

After close to 40 minutes without a try from either side, the scoring drought came to an end through Chris Randall (69th minute), who spun his way over the line, despite the best efforts of Ben Trbojevic, to score his first try of the season.

Next week, the Titans will face the Eels on Sunday evening at Commbank Stadium, while the Sea Eagles will have their second bye of the season.