Gold Coast Titans score famous 36-34 victory over Brisbane Broncos

The Titans claimed arguably their most famous victory in 17 years of M1 derbies, with the depleted side raising questions about Brisbane’s premiership credentials.

Reece Walsh. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Titans have shocked the Broncos 36-34 in a famous Queensland derby on Sunday afternoon.

David Fifita terrorised his old club with one of his finest NRL performances, silencing the 42,221 at Suncorp Stadium in a 70-point bonanza as depleted Gold Coast raised questions about Brisbane’s premiership credentials.

The Titans star busted seven tackles in a barnstorming 173m effort to help the Titans to arguably their most famous victory in 17 years of M1 derbies.

“He was a different animal out there today,” Titans skipper Moeaki Fotuaika said.

“He was taking kick-off runs. It’s good to see that side of him come out.”

TITANIC SHOCK

The Titans shocked the Broncos in the corresponding match last year and upstaged their big brother once again.

Missing Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran, the Titans looked destined to remain equal last on the ladder after the Broncos bounced out to an 18-6 lead.

But Des Hasler’s Titans refused to go away, trading tries all afternoon before they eventually hit the lead for the first time in the 65th minute through Brian Kelly.

Led superbly by Maroons prop Fotuaika (14 runs, 111m), Queensland contender Beau Fermor (19 runs, 159m) and rising fullback Keano Kini (25 runs, 167m), the Titans gallantly held on for their third win of the year.

“We hung in there, it was a really good trait,” Hasler said.

“The last seven weeks they’ve been staying in the fight for 80 minutes. We showed some good character, it was an important two points.

“It says a lot about how the side is attacking and approaching the game.”

The Titans celebrate a try. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

BUMBLING BRONCOS

The Broncos had won five of their past six matches and looked to be hitting form, but this result raises serious questions about Brisbane’s title credentials.

They looked disinterested in defence and had some unusually quiet performances from the likes of Pat Carrigan (64m) and Selwyn Cobbo (77m).

Maroons lock Carrigan was placed on report for a high shot on young Titans prop Josiah Pahulu, but should be facing a fine at the most.

Cobbo is fighting for an Origin recall and had an opportunity to dominate, but couldn’t get into the game consistently.

Maroons hopeful Brendan Piakura (59m) started strongly with a first half try but was sent to the bench early in the second half after giving away two penalties.

“We weren’t at the races today,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.

“We tried to shoot out against the Titans which is never going to work.

“We weren’t ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard to explain. I don’t have any answers now.

“Defence is a big one for us and it was non-existent. Some of the tries…you’ve got to stop them.

“I don’t think it’s a respect thing. I’m not sure what it was.

“We tried to bluff our way through today and got caught out.”

Moeaki Fotuaika takes on Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

MAROON MAM

Ezra Mam is expected to lose the battle with Tom Dearden for the Queensland No. 6 jersey but it won’t be long before he wears Maroon.

With the Titans surging and looking set to overturn a 24-22 deficit, Mam latched on to a poor kick from Tom Weaver and raced 92m to score a special try.

Dearden is set to get the nod to replace Cameron Munster for Game One but Mam’s speed and instinct would be deadly in the Origin arena.

His hat-trick in last year’s grand final proved he is born for the big stage, however his defence needs to improve before he goes up a level after he missed nine tackles.

“Ezra has shown what he’s done as a quality player over the last two or three years,” Carrigan said.

“If he gets picked, he thoroughly deserves it. I know he’ll be just as disappointed as I am about today’s performance.”

Reece Walsh showed flashes of brilliance in the loss. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

WALSH WARMING

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh warmed up for his return to the Origin arena with a fine performance.

Despite seeming somewhat restricted by a nagging knee problem, Walsh came up with a staggering five line-break assists and two try-assists.

His speed was too lethal for the Titans and caused debutant winger Tony Francis to suffer a shoulder injury when he tried to grab a flying Walsh.

Walsh missed last year’s third Origin through suspension, but he will be back to haunt the Blues in Game One.

Originally published as Gold Coast Titans score famous 36-34 victory over Brisbane Broncos