A rampant Gold Coast has thrashed Brisbane to continue the Broncos' horror NRL run, scoring 36 unanswered second-half points to secure a 46-18 win over their southeast Queensland rivals.
Young guns Keano Kini and Jojo Fifita were the standouts for the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday as they romped to their biggest win over the Broncos, who slumped to their eighth defeat in nine games.
Compounding last year's grand finalist's woes, Payne Haas suffered a suspected Lisfranc injury, Ezra Mam hurt an ankle just before halftime and three Broncos (Corey Jensen, Brendan Piakura, Kotoni Staggs) were all placed on report.
Kini scored two and set up two more, including a phenomenal effort at the start of the second-half, while winger Fifita scored a hat-trick as the Titans simply ran rampant over a hapless Broncos outfit.
The day started brightly for the Broncos when Reece Walsh sparked the game to life with a brilliant double in the first 15 minutes.
The flying fullback's first was all his own work, stepping and accelerating into a gap in the Titans defence before kicking ahead, regathering and scoring.
Five minutes later it was all Walsh again who sent a high kick towards the Titans' line, outjumped Kini and scored to put the Broncos up 12-0.
Kini then started the hosts' fightback, setting up Fifita's first and scoring another to reduce the margin to two points before some Adam Reynolds magic allowed Kobe Hetherington to score his first try of the year and ensure the Broncos led 18-10 at halftime.
Kini marked his return from a sin-bin just before halftime in sensational fashion, grubbering a tap back by Jojo Fifita from a kick before re-gathering and diving over at pace with the touchline looming large.
The Titans hit the front in the 50th minute when a Kieran Foran break led to broken play and Brian Kelly dived over.
The home fans were then in delirium when Jayden Campbell appeared to have scored moments later before the four-pointer was wiped out by the Bunker, only for Kini to stand up the Broncos' defence and set up Jojo Fifita for his second of the game off the subsequent set.
Corey Jensen had a chance to get the Broncos back into the contest with 17 to play but spilt the ball over the line as he tried to ground it.
Nothing stopped the Titans from that point, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Fifita, Phillip Sami and Beau Fermor all crossing the line as the Broncos defence - and possibly season - fell to pieces.
The Titans also had an injury worry with Sam Verrills (ankle) coming off in the second half while Brian Kelly was placed on report.
The Titans’ 36 unanswered points in the second half are a testament to their dominance and the Broncos’ struggles. The result effectively eliminates Brisbane from the finals race with five games remaining. It was a dismal performance by the Broncos, who were clearly missing the presence of Payne Haas and Ezra Mam, who left the game with a foot and ankle injury respectively.
The Titans, on the other hand, showed their resilience and adaptability, with Keano Kini and Jojo Fifita leading the charge. Kini’s two tries and two try assists were vital in turning the tide of the game. Fifita’s hat-trick highlighted the Titans’ attack and their ability to exploit the Broncos’ weak defensive line.
The Titans will be looking to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a finals spot. Meanwhile, the Broncos will need to regroup quickly and find a way to bounce back from this crushing defeat.
Payne Haas' Injury: A Major Setback for the Broncos
The Broncos' hopes of a finals berth suffered a major blow with the suspected Lisfranc injury suffered by Payne Haas. Haas, a key pillar of the Broncos' pack, was forced out of the game early in the first half. While the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined, initial assessments suggest a Lisfranc injury, which could potentially sideline Haas for the rest of the season. This loss is a significant setback for the Broncos, who are already struggling with a series of other injuries.
Titans' Dominant Second Half Performance
The Titans’ second half performance was a display of attacking brilliance and defensive resilience. They dominated the Broncos, scoring 36 unanswered points and completely dismantling their opposition. The Titans' attack was fluid and creative, with Kini and Fifita leading the charge. Their defensive intensity was also impressive, forcing the Broncos into errors and preventing them from finding any rhythm in their attack.
The Road Ahead
The Titans now have a chance to build on their momentum and continue their charge towards a finals spot. They face a tough run of games in the coming weeks, but their recent performances suggest they have the ability to compete with any team in the competition.
The Broncos, on the other hand, face a daunting task of trying to rebuild their season after this devastating loss. They will need to find a way to overcome their injury woes and find some consistency in their performances. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Broncos, who will be looking to salvage something from what has been a disappointing season.
Titans Surge Towards Finals
The Titans have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with. They have a strong squad with a blend of experience and youth. Their recent performances have been impressive, and they are showing that they are capable of challenging for a top-eight spot.
Broncos Face a Tough Road Ahead
The Broncos are facing a tough challenge as they try to navigate a difficult period of the season. They are dealing with a number of injuries, and their recent form has been disappointing. They will need to find a way to overcome these challenges if they want to finish the season on a positive note.
