Titans defeat Knights 26-6 as Gold Coast edge closer to finals footy

GOLD Coast edged a step closer to their first finals appearance in six years but lost star signing Jarryd Hayne to concussion in a 26-6 win over Newcastle.

GOLD Coast edged a step closer to their first finals appearance in six years but lost star signing Jarryd Hayne to concussion in a 26-6 win over Newcastle at Hunter Stadium.

Titans prop Ryan James, who many believe was fortunately to be playing after being found guilty midweek of a high shot last weekend that broke James Tedesco’s jaw, crossed for two first half tries in a match the Titans never looked like losing.

James, Greg Bird and centre Conrad Hurrell were among the Titans best.

Ryan James reaches out to score for the Titans.

The win consolidated their position in the bottom half of the top eight for at least another week heading into a showdown with Penrith at home next weekend.

Hayne, who didn’t figure prominently during the game, was replaced 15 minutes from time following a head knock after coming off second best in a tackle on Knights forward Jacob Saifiti.

The Titans went into the game without halfback Ash Taylor but welcomed back Tyrone Roberts for the game against his former club.

There was plenty of effort from the home side but they conceded several soft tries with the loss their 16th in succession.

Hayne certainly had a quieter game than last week.

The Knights had an early opportunity to post first points but winger Brendan Elliot was denied by some desperate Titans defence from David Mead and Jarryd Hayne in the opening minutes.

But from the moment James brushed aside a poor attempted tackle from Korbin Sims to score a simple try under the posts after 10 minutes, the visitors took charge.

It was 12-0 seven minutes later when Chris McQueen pushed past Trent Hodkinson and Mitch Barnett with embarrassing ease to cross and 18-0 a short time later when James posted his second try from another close range effort.

A big disparity in possession was a telling factor with the home side battling for any sort of defensive control at the ruck with the Titans enjoying all the footy.

Chris McQueen inflicts further damage on Newcastle.

A fourth try appeared on the cards when the visitors went on the attack again inside the Knights quarter.

But a loose Mead pass changed the momentum.

Looking to find an unmarked teammate out wide, Mead’s pass was plucked out of the air by Nathan Ross and the Knights winger went 90 metres untouched to get his side on the board.

At 18-6 at halftime, the Knights weren’t out of it but Luke Douglas gave his side further breathing space 10 minutes after the break.

After earning a penalty for his side, the Titans prop had the presence of mind to take a quick tap

and caught the Knights defence napping to pinch a try under the posts.

Tyrone Roberts converted again for a 24-6 lead.

Fulltime GOLD COAST 26 (R James 2 L Douglas C McQueen tries T Roberts 5 goals) bt NEWCASTLE 6 (N Ross try T Hodkinson goal) at Hunter Stadium. Referee: Chris Sutton, Grant Atkins. Crowd: 10,960.

Originally published as Titans defeat Knights 26-6 as Gold Coast edge closer to finals footy