Parramatta Eels defeat Gold Coast Titans 22-12: Five things we learned

THE Titans still have work ahead, Konrad Hurrell may need more time — but Ash Taylor continues to impress. Here’s what we took from the game in Darwin.

1. THE Titans are playing with plenty of heart, but they must fix some areas of their game to match it with the top teams. They missed 50 tackles in last weekend’s one-point win against South Sydney and made nine handling errors in the first half, which put them under the pump.

2. KONRAD Hurrell’s debut in Titans colours was unspectacular. Hurrell looked a little off the pace in the steamy conditions and the calf injury he carried into the game flared after 60 minutes. He may need some time in the Intrust Super Cup to work on his fitness.

3. TITANS halfback Ashley Taylor doesn’t only have all the tricks in his bag, he also has the football brain to match. Taylor last night did what previous Titans playmakers have never done — kick the ball high to towering winger Anthony Don.

Ashley Taylor continues to impress for the Titans.

4. THE reduced interchange rules this year have made covering for an injured player even tougher. The Titans lost Chris McQueen to concussion after three minutes in Darwin and they battled with fatigue in the 30-plus degree heat. Hurrell’s injury compounded the pain.

5. GREG Bird’s taxing schedule may be starting to takes its toll. Bird’s form has dipped in recent weeks as he deals with a run of games which will see him spend just one night at home in a month. The Titans need Bird firing after the Origin series if they are to make a run to the finals.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels defeat Gold Coast Titans 22-12: Five things we learned