5 things we learned from Gold Coast’s 26-14 win over Brisbane

A MARQUEE MAN goes missing, some former Broncos stand up and a nice headache for Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan — it’s all here in five things we learned from Broncos-Titans.

Dale Copley of the Titans celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the Round 4 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, April 1, 2018. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

A MARQUEE MAN goes missing, some former Broncos stand up and a nice headache for Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan — it’s all here in five things we learned from Broncos-Titans.

DONE: McLean’s season could be over

ERRORS: Brisbane fall apart

1) THE Broncos underestimated the Titans.

Brisbane was out-enthused by the Gold Coast, who were coming off a 54-8 hiding by the Dragons last week.

The Broncos were never in the contest, made poor errors and lacked defensive starch in their first loss against the Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium since 2007.

Brisbane never got going.

2) BRISBANE’S $3 million recruit Jack Bird went missing in his first home game at Suncorp Stadium.

Bird didn’t make a run until the 33rd minute.

The ball may not have gone his way much but he needs to go looking for it and do some hard yards.

3) RISING Broncos winger Jamayne Isaako came crashing back to earth.

Isaako has been a star of Brisbane’s start to the season but was caught out in defence, sent a kick-off out on the full and made two errors in a tough night.

Young winger Phillip Sami scored three tries.

4) EX-BRONCOS forwards Jai Arrow and Jarrod Wallace stepped up in a big way to help deliver the Titans victory last night.

Arrow was outstanding, particularly in defence, while Wallace improved on last week’s performance and returned to his metre-eating ways.

Arrow made 35 tackles and missed none while Wallace ran for 107m. What a statement.

5) WHERE does Bryce Cartwright fit into the picture for the Titans?

The Gold Coast recruit played just one minute in the win, coming off the bench when Kevin Proctor was sent for a HIA right before halftime.

He did not return after the break and after the performance of the other Titans forwards it’s hard to see how Garth Brennan will use him moving forward.