Warriors bounce back with a much needed win over a disappointing Titans side.
MATCH DETAILS
There wasn’t really any point trying to put too much thought into tipping or betting on this game, no one really knew what would happen with two inconsistent teams with a long way between their best and worst performances. The home team was just way too good on the day, with a much better attitude in defence and David Fusitu’a getting his first points of the season. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was inspirational again, with a massive game including a try, try assist and eight tackle busts. The Titans had their chances, but looked clunky on both ends of the field. Hard to pinpoint what the exact problem is with the Gold Coast franchise, but the only clear thing is that they are in deep trouble and can’t continue on like this.
FOUR POINTERS
Warriors defence steps up
They may have let in 80 points over the previous two rounds, but they looked like a different team in defence against the Titans. The Titans had a number of opportunities but couldn’t convert it into points until they scored two late tries. The scoreline flattered the Titans, the Warriors were well on top all game as could have won by a lot more.
Titans get the band back together
Both teams were desperate for a win and had key changes. The Titans had their first choice halves for the first time this season with Ash Taylor making his first appearance this year and joined by his mate Tyrone Roberts, who was playing for the first time since going down with an achilles injury 12 minutes into round one. Coming off a promising second half against Souths, with their halves back, and the Warriors also low on form, many people (myself included) expected the visitors to get the W but once again they were their worst enemy. Passes to no one, errors, silly penalties and a lack of variety in attack meant they never looked remotely threatening.
Warriors rookie shines
Big call this week with Adam Keighran being replaced with fellow rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita, and the young fella was certainly impressive, with some very nice goal kicking to go with a line break, four tackle busts and laying on a try for Tohu Harris to wrap the game up after a bit of fightback from the Titans. There is doubt over how Blake Green will pull up after he was taken out in a dangerous tackle from Moeaki Fotuaiak. Harris-Tavita looked very good and would be tough to leave him out.
Titans continue to struggle
Where to from the Titans? In their review I wrote last week I praised their second half effort against the Rabbitohs, but they were garbage against the Warriors. There isn’t a nice way for me to say it, but I can’t make excuses for much longer. On paper, the roster is quite good, but something is clearly wrong in the club, and everyone is under the microscope. Questions are being asked about the coaching systems in place as well as the team he selects each week, but at least they didn’t have Phillip Sami sitting on the bench for 75 minutes.
THE RESULT
WARRIORS 26
Tries: Peta Hiku, David Fusitu’a, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris
Goals: Chanel Harris-Tavita 5/6
TITANS 10
Tries: Dale Copley, Anthony Don
Goals: Ash Taylor 1/2
SQUADS
WARRIORS:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. David Fusitu’a
3. Peta Hiku
4. Solomone Kata
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Blake Green
8. Agnatius Paasi
9. Karl Lawnton
10. Leeson Ah Mau
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Tohu Harris
16. Lachlan Burr
Interchanges:
13. Adam Blair
14. Jazz Tevaga
15. Bunty Afoa
17. Ligi Sao
TITANS:
1. Michael Gordon
2. Anthony Don
3. Tyrone Peachey
4. Brian Kelly
5. Dale Copley
6. Tyrone Roberts
7. Ash Taylor
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Ryan James
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. Jai Arrow
Interchanges:
14. AJ Brimson
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Shannon Boyd
17. Keegan Hipgrave
