Five things we learned: Ash Taylor not needed in Titans victory

It was the first win of the season for the Titans, and they did it the hard way without Ash Taylor on the field. Read the five things we learned from the match with CHRIS HONNERY.

Ashley Taylor of the Titans grimaces.

It was the first win of the season for the Titans, and they did it the hard way without Ash Taylor on the field. Read the five things we learned from the match with CHRIS HONNERY.

Ashley Taylor grimaces after sustaining an injury. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

NO ASH, NO PROBLEM

1. The Titans showed they don’t have to rely on star playmaker Ash Taylor to win them matches. The halfback copped a corked right calf in the second minute of the game and only played 28 minutes. In his absence, up stood the rest of the Titans team. The backs in particular lived up to the hype being touted about in the off season with each player from No.1 to No.6 scoring a try or having a hand in one.

LIFE’S A PEACH

2. It’s taken five rounds of the competition but Titans centre Tyrone Peachey has finally lived up to his potential. The off-season recruit was described during the week as the Titans’ “X-factor” and he showed that last night. He ran for 113m, broke six tackles and set up a try.

Michael Gordon gets in for the try against the Panthers. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

MILESTONE MAGIC

3. Milestone man Michael Gordon celebrated his 250th match in style. A dropped catch early in the game was his only fault in a match to remember. The former Panther played his best game yet this season, breaking the line on two occasions and got his first try of 2019.

FLICKING THE SWITCH

4. Last night showed the benefit of scoring points in the opening quarter of the game. The Titans failed to score a single point in the opening 20 minutes from their opening four matches. But last night they started the game strong and were up 12-6 after 20 minutes.

Jarrod Wallace celebrates a try after a dominant performance. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

WALLACE A WONDER

5. Jarrod Wallace is knocking on the door for another Origin call up. He played his best game of the season last night, running for 143m off 15 carries. With five tackle breaks, a linebreak and a four-pointer during his 44min stint, he showed why he is in line for yet another Origin selection.