Manly slump to shock 36-18 loss to Gold Coast Titans

Manly have slumped to their worst loss since the opening fortnight of the season, going down 36-18 to the lowly Gold Coast Titans.

Ash Taylor returned to form at Brookvale Oval. Picture: Joel Carrett

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Ash Taylor has been baited, battered and bruised but the Gold Coast’s million dollar man hit back to help his Titans claim a comprehensive 36-18 win over Manly.

In a week when respected voices like Gorden Tallis and Andrew Johns called for Taylor to be dropped, the diminutive halfback responded with a classy display worthy of his substantial pay packet.

The Toowoomba-born playmaker guided the Titans around the park while he produced a beautiful 25 metre cut-out pass for Dale Copley’s third try.

Taylor, a proud Aboriginal product, fittingly delivered the much-needed performance during the NRLs Indigenous Round.

Manly started fast but fell apart. AAP Image/Joel Carrett.

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The Titans have now won three straight games against Manly while the 18-point triumph snapped a four-game losing stretch for the embattled club.

Former Sea Eagle Brian Kelly came back to haunt his former team with a try and a try-assist.

Titans coach Garth Brennan was thrilled with the win, especially the effort of his under-siege halfback Taylor.

“I thought Ash was good,” Brennan said.

“He is a talented footballer. We all know that.

“He has battled injuries this year and I have supported him the whole time.

“I know he has been criticised but we are working really hard with Ash.

“But that performance will give him all the confidence, which he needs.”

Fellow indigenous star Tyrone Roberts was the standout for the Gold Coast with two tries, two try assists and two line-breaks.

AJ Brimson put his hand up to hold onto the fullback role. Picture: Mark Evans

Roberts proved unstoppable with his silky skills and footwork.

Brennan lauded his five-eighth’s masterful effort.

“Tyrone was enormous. He really took control of the team.

“When you get a halfback in the zone, then Ash did the right thing and just supported him.

“I don’t think there was a poor player in our team.

“The most pleasing was the 80-minute performance. It was our best and most complete this year. ”

MANLY’S FLAT SPOT

The Sea Eagles’ masterful run had to end eventually.

Des Hasler’s men have been brilliant this season but they couldn’t produce against the Titans.

In the end, Manly lacked the energy that had previously helped them rise to fifth on the ladder without stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic.

Hasler, though, refused to make excuses for the loss.

“We just couldn’t get into the game at all,” Hasler said.

“I thought we were a little bit down on those effort areas. I thought our kicking game was a little bit poor and we didn’t give ourselves a chance with field possession. ”

The home side started the faster of the two teams. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

THOMPSON DENIES SLUR

Social media erupted with 12 minutes remaining when Sea Eagles back-rower Joel Thompson appeared to use an inappropriate word on the field.

Thompson denied it post-match while the NRL will take no further action unless an official complaint is made.

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Dylan Walker has only been back for two matches but he has shown enough to warrant Manly re-signing him.

Walker was heavily involved for the Sea Eagles with a host of illusive runs while he passed for Reuben Garrick’s first-half try.

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BRENNAN’S REPRIEVE

Brennan will be breathing easier.

He is under pressure to keep his job but the Manly win will help for now.

“As far as the board and the reviews, that is no news flash to us,” Brennan said.

“The articles in the media are white noise to me. I have to focus on what my job is.

“I don’t lie awake at night worrying about my tenure or my job. If I do that then I will lose focus.

“I think the boys have been disappointed so far this year but tonight they thought enough is enough and we have to stand up.”

GOLD COAST 36 (D Copley 3 T Roberts 2 A Brimson B Cartwright tries A Taylor 4 goals) bt MANLY 18 (R Garrick B Parker J Taufua tries R Garrick 3 goals) at Lottoland. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Phil Henderson. Crowd: 7,465