Gold Coast Titans start well but lose 38-18 to Melbourne Storm

When Brenko Lee found himself on his way to opening the scoring for Gold Coast just 90 seconds into their home NRL clash with Melbourne, it seemed an overdue good afternoon could be on the cards for Titans fans.

WHEN Brenko Lee found himself on his way to opening the scoring for Gold Coast just 90 seconds into their home NRL clash with Melbourne, it seemed an overdue good afternoon could be on the cards for Titans fans.

Lee had been in the wilderness of reserve grade since Round 2 but was suddenly, and surprisingly, given a chance ahead of stalwart winger Anthony Don and he was in the right place at the right time when Storm star Cameron Smith came up with a rare clumsy pass.

The sense of optimism only grew stronger when Nathan Peats went mightily close to burrowing over before Jarrod Wallace successfully barged under the posts to open up a 12-0 lead inside six minutes.

Brenko Lee on his way to an early try. Picture: AAP Image

There had been a different, more intense energy around Titans training all week in the wake of Garth Brennan’s axing.

Interim senior coach Craig Hodges promised to shake things up and the initial response was promising.

Whether it could be sustained was the big question and the answer gradually became clear – and not in a positive light, as the competition leaders ran away 38-18 winners.

A Storm side missing Cameron Munster, Will Chambers, Josh Addo-Carr, Felise Kaufusi and Christian Welch ground their way back into the contest and bit by bit broke down the home side.

Titans players look on after conceding another try. Picture: Getty Images

The Gold Coast defence looked brittle as ever, with Ryan Papenhuyzen particularly posing a threat with every touch. Melbourne relentlessly exposed them around the ruck.

The team’s inability to handle momentum swings has been well documented and the problem reared its head again on Sunday afternoon.

There was one especially glaring passage of play when, on the back foot at 12-12, the Titans had a golden chance to wrestle back momentum upon being awarded a penalty coming out of their own end.

But a horrible shank on Tyrone Roberts’ attempted kick for the sideline, directly followed by Kevin Proctor being penalised for a crusher tackle, put them right under the pump once more.

Sam Stone was strong on debut. Picture: Getty Images

They escaped on that occasion but the Storm would not let them off twice, punishing Nathan Peats’ kick out on the full soon after with a go-ahead try to Sandor Earl.

That sequence of bungles by experienced players is indicative of the Titans’ problems and the harsh reality of the situation is that they are now officially on pace for their worst ever season.

There were some glimpses of hope, such as Sam Stone’s debut and typically strong efforts from the likes of Brian Kelly and Moeaki Fotuaika.

Nonetheless, it’s clear there is no quick fix as Hodges and his staff try to give their fans some reason to cheer in 2019.