Flegler returns with a bang in Dolphins’ loss to Titans
Joel Gould |
Dolphins prop Thomas Flegler returned from a 677-day absence to score a try and turn in a barnstorming display in a 24-12 trial loss to Gold Coast.
In a 20-minute burst, the 26-year-old showcased the vim and vigour that led to him representing Queensland and Australia in a fire and brimstone display at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.
It was an early sign the former Brisbane weapon had made a stunning recovery from shoulder nerve damage that kept him out of the game for almost two years.
“It’s good to finally get back. It has been a long time coming,” Flegler said.
“I’m just happy to finish the game unscathed.
“We had a good pre-season. All the hard work was done. It was just time to get out there, relax and have some fun. Hopefully I will punch out a few more minutes next week.”
The Titans impressed under the stewardship of new coach Josh Hannay, who will be heartened by his side’s grit in defence in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash.
Flegler kept the crowd in suspense for the first half as he stalked the sideline without getting on.
He was brought into the side at halftime with the Dolphins trailing 10-0, and made a big hit with his first defensive play.
Two vigorous runs followed and the big unit went within an inch of scoring with a bustle.
He was back in business.
Another powerhouse effort in defence forced the Titans into a line dropout.
Moments later a trademark hit and spin close to the line secured a try and a grin from ear to ear. More powerhouse surges followed and the Dolphins notably dropped in intensity when Flegler went off.
The Titans dominated the first half with boom 19-year-old lock Cooper Bai and props Moeaki Fotuaika and Klese Haas impressive.
New Titans signing Lachlan Ilias, aiming to reboot his career after two tough seasons, was a livewire at No.6. He was rewarded with an early try after chasing centre Max Feagai’s slick grubber.
Fotuaika, captaining the side, stormed over from close range to make it 10-0.
Flegler got the Dolphins on the board after the break and giant prop Zac Garton gave the hosts the lead.
Gold Coast winger Dean Ieremia and impressive train-and-trial forward Phoenix Steinwede, stepson of Kieran Foran, both scored to give the Titans the lead. Former Canterbury forward Kurtis Morrin sealed the victory.
Centre Selwyn Cobbo, playing his first match for the Dolphins, looked dangerous with limited touches and a slick tip-on almost resulted in a try. One Cobbo run left four defenders on the ground.
Bai, who inked a contract extension last week, rampaged for the opening 25 minutes to reveal why he is so highly rated by the Titans.
The Dolphins also received a wonderful club debut from 18-year-old centre Brian Pouniu, who looked like a rare talent.
AAP
