Walsh magic sinks Titans as Broncos win five in a row
Joel Gould |
Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh came up with the big plays to sink Gold Coast and heap further pressure on Titans coach Des Hasler.
The Broncos won their fifth game in a row at Robina on Sunday, winning 26-14 to stay fifth and keep their top-four hopes alive.
Gold Coast had chances to win, but the NRL’s bottom side failed to ice the key moments.
It was a far from convincing display by the Broncos, who were error-riddled in the first half. Luckily for them, their opponents were no better.
Brisbane did show great fight in defence and that is what pleased coach Michael Maguire most.
“It was just nice to get the win,” he said.
“They have quality across the park. I was pleased with the way we defended and the way the boys worked for each other.
“One thing I have seen is the hard work is starting to get rewards now off the back of what we’re doing.”
Walsh scored a try and set one up when the match was on the line, while centre Kotoni Staggs was a powerhouse and the best player on the field.
The scores were locked at 2-2 until the Broncos scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 14-2 halftime lead.
Brisbane finally went over in the 34th minute, and it was rookie 26-year-old prop Ben Talty who scored his first NRL try in just his second match.
Staggs swooped on a loose pass minutes later when it appeared the Titans would score, and back-rower Jack Gosiewski crossed at the other end after a Walsh pass.
Walsh started and finished a long-range try after the break for a 20-2 lead and topped it off with a back-flip somersault to boot.
Two tries to Titans centre Jojo Fifita inside nine minutes lit up the 24,553 fans. An AJ Brimson grubber and a superb interchange between half Jayden Campbell and forward Chris Randall set up the four-pointers.
The Titans went close to levelling before Broncos hooker Billy Walters scored at the other end.
Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura knocked-on early while attempting to score after an Adam Reynolds kick and was concussed in the process. He failed his HIA and did not return.
Speculation has been intense that Hasler is a dead man walking in regard to his future prospects at Gold Coast, despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
His side played with commitment on Sunday, but also a lack of attention to detail.
Titans centre Brian Kelly had a shocker, with five errors costing his side dearly.
“There were characteristics where we showed great grit and effort. There were a lot of moments in that game where we were able to get back into the game,” Hasler said.
“The issue is the game is 80 minutes and there were sections of the game where we didn’t execute well. We put ourselves under pressure.”
AAP
