Koni Set to Become King of Cbus Super Stadium
Titans fans may have become accustomed to watching on in horror as Konrad Hurrell tore the Titans defence to shreds, previously winning all four of his games on the Gold Coast as a Warrior. However, on Saturday night the Gold Coast faithful welcomed the midseason recruit to his new home with open arms, and the barnstorming centre ensured that he gave the fans plenty to cheer for. In the 5th minute of the game Hurrell powered through four defenders to cross the line for his first try in Titans colours, and his 6th on his new home turf. He later went on a lengthy charge downfield, and in the 71st minute he cleverly darted out of dummy half close to the try line, drawing in two defenders before flicking the ball out to Chris McQueen who crossed for his second try of the evening.
Injury Woes just Keep Coming for the Eels
In the post-match press conference, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur expressed his frustration at an ever growing injury list, claiming “We’ve got probably three quarters of the salary cap sitting on the sidelines.” He wasn’t exactly exaggerating, as Beau Scott was ruled out pre-game with an ankle injury, before Isaac De Gois limped off the field with a leg injury in the 65th minute. The duo join a long list of injured stars, adding to what has been a disastrous season both on and off the field for the Eels.
Finals Looking More and More Likely for the Titans
Almost no one would have predicted that the Titans would be in finals contention at all this season, however at the culmination of Round 20, the Titans find themselves sitting in 7th place, with a first finals appearance since 2010 becoming increasingly likely. Following their victory over the Eels, the Titans should now be able to make the finals with just 3 more wins out of their final 6 matches, in order to meet the 28 point cutoff that usually determines the top eight. They face a relatively tough draw with games against the Sharks, Warriors, Panthers and Cowboys, however if they continue to display the form they have in recent weeks, the Titans should be there come September.
McQueen Finally Gets First Double
In a statistic that came as quite a shock, experienced Titans back rower Chris McQueen crossed for his first career double, a lengthy 8 years after making his NRL debut. At a time when players such as Suliasi Vunivalu have scored five doubles and two hat-tricks in just his first season of the NRL, it comes as quite a shock that it took 8 years for a player of McQueen’s calibre to cross the paint twice. The former Origin representative has been in brilliant form since joining the Titans this season, with Saturday night’s double taking his tally to 5 tries for the year.
In the Sheds
Titans veteran Nathan Friend was forced off the field with a hamstring strain that could see him miss several weeks. Parramatta also lost their hooker Isaac De Gois to a leg injury.
Scoreboard
Gold Coast Titans 34
Tries- Hurrell, Don, McQueen 2, MacDonald, Taylor
Goals: Taylor 4/4, Roberts 0/2
Parramatta Eels 14
Tries: Edwards, French, Robson
Goals:Gordon 1/3
