Broncos triumph in sloppy contest against Titans
6 hours ago | Justin Davies
Brisbane Broncos won 26-14 against Gold Coast Titans down at Robina Stadium to finish off Round 19.
The game was settled in the periods either side of half-time where Broncos scored three tries to Ben Talty, Jack Gosiewski and Reece Walsh to earn a big win against their local rivals the Titans.
The Broncos took the lead early in the contest after the Titans were pinged for passing off the ground. Adam Reynolds piloted over the gift two points to give them a 2-0 lead.
The visitors had two potential tries chalked off in the first half. First, it was Brendan Piakura who lost the ball then dynamic fullback Reece Walsh was also denied a four-pointer.
After those scares, Titans levelled things up from the tee. Reynolds was pinged for a strip and Jayden Campbell duly put the ball between the sticks for a 2-2 scoreline in an error fest.
The game did find some rhythm late and Broncos profited. A superb short ball from Reynolds sent forward Ben Talty over for his maiden try in the NRL after grinding through the lower grades.
Next, the Broncos extended their lead from range. Kotoni Staggs pounced on a loose pass to put them in range then it was a simple case of numbers out wide, ending with Jack Gosiewski strolling over for a 12-2 lead at the break.
Broncos picked up where they left off in the second half. Walsh created space for Staggs to rumble downfield then he passed back to the fullback to push them further ahead.
Titans reduced the deficit with their first opportunity in the half. AJ Brimson showed off his deft kicking game with a low effort which Jojo Fifita was able to latch onto for 20-8.
The hosts got themselves right back in the contest with 20 to go. Again, it was Jojo Fifita scoring from a superb pass from Chris Randall which set up a grandstand finish.
Broncos kept their local rivals at arms length with another four-pointer. It was a solo effort from Billy Walters who sold the dummy and sliced through the defense to get over.
Gold Coast Titans 14 - Brisbane Broncos 26
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh
Crowd: 24553
Halftime Score: Gold Coast Titans 2 Brisbane Broncos 14
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Reece Walsh
2 points - Kotoni Staggs
1 points - Jojo Fifita
GOLD COAST TITANS (14)
Tries: Jojo Fifita (2)
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Jayden Campbell (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Jayden Campbell (1/1)
BRISBANE BRONCOS (26)
Tries: Ben Talty, Jack Gosiewski, Reece Walsh, Billy Walters
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (1/1)