Gold Coast Titans, Suns unite a city amid coronavirus struggles

The Gold Coast Titans and surging Gold Coast Suns are being credited with giving the city a much-needed mood lift as it reels from the impacts of unprecedented coronavirus restrictions.

THE Gold Coast Titans and surging Gold Coast Suns are being credited with giving the city a much-needed mood lift as it reels from the impacts of unprecedented coronavirus restrictions.

The Titans toppled marquee NRL side the Brisbane Broncos side in a local derby at the latter’s stronghold Suncorp Stadium before the Suns scored their third win in a row at Metricon Stadium.

Both Glitter Strip clubs gave their supporters plenty to smile about and relief from the stress of the pandemic. The Titans defeated the struggling Broncos 30-12, in a performance that was so dominant it left Brisbane fans booing their own side off at halftime.

The young and exciting Suns team notched up their third consecutive win for only the fourth time in the club’s history beating the winless Fremantle Dockers.

Matthew Rowell of the Suns (centre) is seen following the Round 4 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Fremantle Dockers at Metricon Stadium. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Mayor Tom Tate, who watched the Titans-Broncos clash, said “what a Saturday night for the Gold Coast”.

“You just have to watch the way both teams are playing to see they are bursting with talent and enthusiasm – much like the city they represent,” he said.

“These wins are such a wonderful unifying event for a city that has been doing it really tough.”

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The wins come as signs of normality returns to the Gold Coast with the reopening of cinemas, major parts of the hospitality industry including even a nightclub - R&B venue Havana in Surfers Paradise - and popular Village Roadshow theme park Sea World.

Gold Coast Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt, who has also served as director and chairman of the Brisbane Broncos, said while it was only one victory at the weekend it was an indication the club was heading in the right direction.

Mr Watt said the gutsy performance against an outplayed Broncos side, and the Sun’s success gave the community something to be proud of.

“Everyone’s been doing it pretty tough and we all understand the power of sport to unite and inspire, so it really is heartening for the supporters of the Gold Coast teams to see their sides winning at the national level,” he said.

MAYOR’S CHEEKY DIG AT TITANS’ RIVALS

Ashley Taylor of the Titans celebrates a try during the Round 7 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said the club was just taking it one week at a time but the club was continuing to improve.

“We’ll keep making steps forward and it’s going to give the Gold Coast community a fantastic side to get behind as we’re building to the future in the coming years,” he said.