Garth Brennan says Gold Coast must build on Brisbane upset after week of off-field drama

Garth Brennan was a man under siege this week. But the Gold Coast coach couldn’t help a smile after his side’s stunning upset over Brisbane.

Titans players react after Tyrone Roberts scored a try during the Round 13 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 9, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Garth Brennan was a man under siege on Sunday morning.

But the Gold Coast coach can breathe a little easier after his side’s upset win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

The Titans preparation couldn’t have been worse with Ash Taylor ruled out indefinitely and Tyrone Peachey reportedly seeking a return to Penrith.

Yet the visitors proved a class above their Queensland rivals, handing the Broncos a 26-18 reality check largely orchestrated by skipper Tyrone Roberts.

Tyrone Roberts was sublime for Gold Coast with a try and five from five off the goalkicking tee. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

The five-eighth shook off the loss of regular halves partner Taylor to produce a 14-point man-of-the-match performance and take his career tally to above 600.

Roberts’ form so often mirrors the Titans and it was no different in front of a vocal crowd of 30,048.

The Indigenous All-Star’s weaving run in the 23rd minute left Matt Lodge, Payne Haas and opposing skipper Darius Boyd clutching at thin air while a perfect afternoon off the tee ensured there would be no repeat of last week’s goalkicking yips.

“He got some practice in this week,” Brennan said of Roberts slotting five from five.

Titans players react after Tyrone Roberts’ try during their Round 13 NRL match against the Broncos. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“Last week he got thrown in there in the deep end and hadn’t got any practice in but he’s a more than capable goalkicker and he nailed them pretty well today.”

Roberts’ general kicking was equally impressive as was his wide-passing game while centre Brian Kelly thoroughly deserved his two-try haul.

Moeaki Fotuaika’s efforts also didn’t go unnoticed with Brennan favourably comparing his young prop to rising NSW and Brisbane star Payne Haas

“He doesn’t come with the fanfare or the raps that a lot of other front rowers in the competition do but I’ll tell you, I wouldn’t swap him for too many others in the game.” Brennan said.

Moeaki Fotuaika was one of Gold Coast’s best in an upset win over Brisbane. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

Kevin Proctor and the returning Nathan Peats also impressed in defence with Ryley Jacks offering solid support to Roberts in the halves.

But pleased as he was, Brennan refused to dramatise their drought-breaking win.

It’s a win and it’s great and we’ll take it and enjoy it but we can be better,” he said.

“There’s some areas in our game we need to improve on and we’ll keep working on that.

“I’ve got no doubt we’ll enjoy the win, it’s a very pleasing win and a gutsy win at times.”

Tyrone Peachey (left) tackles Tevita Pangia Jnr during the Titans’ eight-point win at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

Whether the win is enough to keep Tyrone Peachey on the Glitter Strip remains another matter with Brennan distancing himself from contract negotiations during his post-match press conference.

“I haven’t spoken to Tyrone or his management, I’m leaving that to mal to deal with that,” he said.

“I don’t know myself what’s going on or the details behind it, I’m focused on coaching the footy team.

“Tyrone played well today (and) that’s all I’m focused on, him as a player.”