The Dragons control their finals destiny after Ben Hunt shone without his regular halves partner to down the Titans 32-16 in Wollongong on Sunday afternoon.

Shane Flanagan’s men forced their way back into the top eight without his suspended son and five-eighth Kyle Flanagan, who will miss the rest of the regular season for biting.

If St George Illawarra win their remaining games against the Sharks, Eels and Raiders then they will play finals for the first time since 2018.

Dragons Key to Finals Destiny

The Dragons have played finals just twice since Wayne Bennett left the club at the end of 2011 a year after delivering the joint-venture’s first and only premiership.

“All I wanted from this group was to be in the hunt at the end of the year to play semi-finals and we’re there, so now destiny is in our own hands,” Flanagan said.

The loss on Sunday ended the Gold Coast’s slim chances of playing finals in their first season under veteran premiership-winning coach Des Hasler.

The Titans scored with their very first touch of the ball when lightning-fast fullback Keano Kini raced his side 90 metres down field to put Jojo Fifita over next to the posts.

Kini finished with a club record 332 run metres from 25 carries that produced seven tackle busts, two linebreaks and try assist.

“His progression has been really exciting, we had a couple of injuries in our spine early (in the season) and he’s responded really well,” Hasler said.

“His prospects are very bright.”

But it was all the Dragons for the rest of the first half as they piled on five unanswered tries to lead 26-6 at halftime.

The Gold Coast threatened to mount a comeback after scoring the first two tries of the second half, either side of Jack de Belin getting binned, but were made to rue several missed opportunities.

Dragons big man Francis Molo scored his first try of the year to seal the result in the 77th minute and ensure his side finishes Round 24 in eighth on the ladder.

Hunt and Lomax Combo Leads Dragons

Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is playing the best football of his career at 34 years young and the veteran hit another career-high mark on Sunday.

Hunt produced his 30th try assist of the season - the most of his decorated career - when he put Zac Lomax over in the 28th minute.

It was Lomax’s 13th try of 2024 and the 10th time one that had been set up by Hunt, which marks the best combination in the NRL this season ahead of Cowboys duo Chad Townsend and Jeremiah Nanai.

It’s not a bad record for two players who both requested to leave the club in the past 12 months, with Lomax convinced he was being played out of position on the wing.

Hunt’s concerns were allayed by new coach Shane Flanagan but Lomax is taking his services to the Eels, who are currently trying to avoid the wooden spoon.

“That was a massive win in the context of our season, we jumped into eighth spot and we played some really good footy in that first half but it was definitely the second half that impressed me,” Hunt said.

“They threw a lot at us and it was a good sign we stood up and defended it.

“We’ve given ourselves a shot to play finals footy which is all you can ask for from where we came from last year so it’s up to us to go and get it.

“It’s very exciting times for the Dragons.”

Lomax could have scored another three tries set up by Hunt but the winger couldn’t quite reel in the pinpoint bombs on the Titans’ line.

Since 2007, the best combination in a single season is 13 tries by Tom Trbojevic to Reuben Garrick in 2021 and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in 2023

Disciplinary Errors Cost Titans

Titans fullback Jayden Campbell stripped the ball on halfway and put his side on the attack with his side trailing 10-6 in the 26th minute.

But just two plays later and the ill-discipline that has plagued Hasler’s side all season struck again when Brian Kelly was sucked into giving away a penalty.

Kelly took exception to Jaydn Su’a’s treatment of Campbell on the ground and was then tackled out of dummy-half by the Dragons backrower.

Kelly played the ball and pushed Su’a who took an Oscars worthy dive but it was enough for referee Wyatt Raymond to penalise the Titans while they were in possession.

It proved a turning point as the Dragons rolled down field and scored on the ensuing set to extend their lead and the Titans never recovered.

“In the first half there were one or two tries we gave them that they shouldn’t have got,” Hasler said.

“It was also about us shooting ourselves in the foot, we gave away some dumb penalties as well and we paid the price… we need to play smart footy.”

Foran Marks 300 Games

Titans veteran halfback Kieran Foran became the 53rd man to play 300 NRL games and he saw plenty of action in his milestone match.

The 34-year-old copped a high shot from Jack de Belin in the second half that saw the Dragons prop binned.

But Foran bounced back up with the toughness he’s shown through his career that started in 2009 and the classy playmaker to set up the next try.

Foran threw a beautiful Harbour Bridge ball to put his winger Jojo Fifita over in the 65th minute to keep his side in the contest.

Foran finished with a try assist and two linebreak assists but also produced two errors and missed four tackles while making 24.

“I’ve had some emotional moments through the week, I must say it’s been very humbling, the love and support I’ve received from the rugby league community, it’s been awesome,” Foran said.

“It’s been a week of reflection on the journey to get to this point and hopefully there is still a bit of good to come yet.”

Dragons Take Control of Finals Destiny

The Dragons' victory over the Titans was a crucial one for their finals aspirations. With a strong finish to the season, they can secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2018. However, they will need to remain focused and consistent, especially with key players like Kyle Flanagan facing a suspension for biting. The upcoming matches against the Sharks, Eels, and Raiders will be crucial for their playoff hopes. The Dragons' performance against the Titans showcased their potential and determination, but they must maintain this momentum to secure their place in the finals.