Dolphins win 36-10 over Titans to get first win of the season

Titans coach Des Hasler has slammed the NRL’s high shot crackdown, claiming it spoiled the contest, as Isaiya Katoa stared to relieve some pressure on Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Max Plath celebrate a Dolphins try. Picture: Getty Images

Gold Coast Titans head coach Des Hasler has slammed the head-high sin-bins which he claims spoiled the contest between the Titans and the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Playing in front of 13,167 fans at Cbus Super Stadium, the Dolphins were a class above from start to finish, claiming a 36-10 win.

Players from both sides were sent to the sin bin during the contest with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Raymond Stone both spending time in the bin.

The Titans captain was penalised just 90 seconds into the contest, with Hasler slamming the motive behind the calls.

Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was sin-binned in the first two minutes of the game. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I just think with the playing at the head, I just think it interferes with what the game’s about,” he said.

“I’m not going to use the excuse, we got through the 10 minutes but it’s just uncalled for, it’s not the first time it’s going to be stated but it’s a forceful game.

“I don’t get it, obviously the pressure’s coming from somewhere but I think we’re just too reactive at the time and I haven’t been critical of anybody, I haven’t been critical of referees, so I don’t expect a $25,000 fine either.”

Dolphins forward Ray Stone was also sent to the sin bin. Picture NRL Photos

Hasler was also critical of a call which saw Beau Fermor penalised for high contact during a try-saving tackle in the second half.

“The Beau Fermor tackle, that is a great play, that’s a great rugby league play,” he said.

“To come from the other side of the field to get across there and to come up with a try-saving tackle and then get something and the referee’s saying ‘oh no you’ve tapped him there on the head’.

“Where’s the intention, it’s just a really spoiling part of the game, not quite as bad as Magic Round two years ago but I find it’s disappointing, I think it’s an area that they’ve got to look at.

“It’s not in my paygrade, it’s something that they’re just going to say, ‘they’ve just got to lower their target’ it’s not as simple as that, lowering your target. “It’s spoiling the game and I say the fans because at the end of the day, it’s the fans that turn up, pay their money to see a game of football, and I don’t think they’re getting a fair deal at the moment.”

Isaiya Katoa was denied a try late but starred for the Dolphins in the win. Picture: Getty Images

HAMMER IS BACK

After a disappointing opening four games of the season, Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow broke his duck for the 2025 season with a runaway try in the 10th minute of the game to give the visitors the lead.

The Queensland State of Origin star ended the game with 183 run metres from 16 runs and made a try assist for Jamayne Isaako.

“As I said last week, I think Hammer’s been improving every week,” Woolf said.

“We’ve got a responsibility as a group to make sure we get him the ball, we did that a little bit more tonight, and you could see how dangerous he was with the ball and how well he was moving.

“I am sure it helps him, he likes scoring tries you can see that, so he enjoyed that one tonight and he’ll enjoy getting plenty more.”

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Max Plath celebrate a Dolphins try. Picture: Getty Images

KATOA A CLASS ABOVE

Dolphins young gun Isaiya Katoa put on a clinic in the halves as the Titans had no answer for him.

The 21-year-old ran for 192 metres and showed his class as a playmaker with a strong passing and kicking game as he helped his side storm out to a 28-0 lead after 64 minutes.

“He’s been one of our best over the first five weeks, he’s been really good,” Woolf said.

“ You can see him growing in confidence, you can see him running the footy more, you can see him playing what he sees a little bit more.

“He’s obviously an excellent player in the making, he’s such a good young man to back that up as well.”

With just under 10 minutes left in the half, Dolphins’ Raymond Stone was sent to the bin after he made high contact with Beau Fermor.

Unlike the Dolphins, the Titans were unable to make the most of their extra man advantage as the visitors kept Gold Coast scoreless while they were down to 12 players.

David Fifita ran for less than 50m from five runs in a tough afternoon. Picture: Getty Images

POOR DISCIPLINE HURTS TITANS

Along with captain Fa’asuamaleaui’s sin bin, Gold Coast did itself no favours, with several simple errors and unnecessary penalties conceded.

The Dolphins managed to add six points from penalty goals alone, including a late two-pointer which put the game beyond doubt in the 73rd minute.

The Titans made 10 errors but more importantly, conceded nine penalties, which laid down the platform for the Dolphins attack on several occasions.

Originally published as Dolphins win 36-10 over Titans to get first win of the season