Momentum

It is back-to-back wins for the Gold Coast for the first time since March last year, and it feels as though the vibes are high amongst this Titans’ squad.

After a hard-fought victory against Manly last week, the message from Josh Hannay was clear. As much as he was happy to come out victorious 38-32 over a quality side, he emphasised how he was not pleased with the Titans’ defensive performance.

You can see how Hannay is transforming the mentality of this side game by game. He doesn’t overly care about the result; he wants Gold Coast to be a tough side to break down defensively. Everyone knows this is the foundation for winning Rugby League.

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The Titans travelled down to Kogarah to face the Dragons, in what felt like a trap game. But it was anything but, with the Titans putting on a dominant display to secure a reasonably comfortable win.

Jayden Campbell was once again the star of the show, as he continues to evolve into one of the game’s most damaging players with ball in hand. Two linebreaks, three try assists and a try of his own. You could see the confidence of JC in both his running and kicking game as he really took over this contest from the start.

His intent to challenge the line was evident early on, as he set up two early tries down that left side, both with his short ball. He then scored late, dancing across the field, selling a couple of dummies, and slicing straight through the Dragon’s defense.

His connection with Beau Fermor continues to grow before our eyes. Fermor himself had an electric first half with offloads to set up both of the Titans’ early tries.

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Keano Kini was impressive once again. We have all come to know his impressive running ability, but it was his support play that impressed me this week. He was always in the right place at the right time and punished the Dragons’ middles as they tired.

Speaking of support play, it would be rude not to mention Oliver Pascoe. His hard work got him on the scoresheet again, but it was a play just before he scored that impressed me more. Sloan broke through the line and put a chip in over Kini’s head. Pascoe was the first man to get there, chasing the ball, picking it up in the in-goal and getting an offload away to De Groot to avoid the line drop-out. Gutsy effort.

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Another who led through his work ethic and was rewarded with a late try was Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. It was another brave outing from the captain, leading from the front with a monster 198 run metres, 93 of those coming post-contact.

Tino and the Titans will now turn their attention to Saturday afternoon, where they will host the New Zealand Warriors, in what is a great chance to make a proper statement.