Titans v Cowboys: Five things we learned

A host of heroes stood up for the undermanned Cowboys, but the Gold Coast were let down in several key areas — here’s what we learned from the ‘other other’ Queensland Derby.

Ashley Taylor endured a tough day out for the Titans. Picture: AAP

A last-gasp tackle in the corner by Kyle Feldt helped secured an undermanned North Queensland a hard-fought NRL win over Gold Coast.

Here’s what we learned from the Cowboys’ 6-4 victory against the Titans.

1. The Titans paid the price for an ultraconservative kicking game in the first half when they had all the momentum but opted for unimaginative grubbers into touch which took the pressure off the undermanned and back-pedalling Cowboys.

2. The next time sharpshooting Gold Coast fullback Michael Gordon is out injured, extra goalkicking practice is a must for his fill-ins. Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts both missed gettable shots in the second half that would have levelled the scores.

Ashley Taylor endured a tough day out for the Titans. Picture: AAP

3. With their Origin stars missing, the Cowboys needed a host of heroes. Jordan Kahu kept them in the contest with two try-saving tackles in the first half, Kyle Feldt produced a cover defending match-saver on the bell, John Asiata was defusing kicks and Jason Taumalolo scored the matchwinner.

4. Cowboys coach Paul Green should bottle whatever he said to his troops at halftime. North Queensland were lacklustre in the first 40 minutes but returned with greater desperation in defence and more purpose in attack. An ugly but beautifully gutsy win.

5. The ‘other other’ Queensland Derby deserves better than the graveyard shift in a pre-Origin split round. The Titans and Cowboys should be Queensland’s Anzac Day match, starting next year at the new stadium in the army-stronghold of Townsville.

Originally published as Titans v Cowboys: Five things we learned