Kieran Foran returns with a bang
It had been a long time coming but finally Kieran Foran was fit and ready to debut for the Warriors. Not only did Foran free up Johnson to give him some freedom to play like he used to but he ran it hard to the line and straightened up the attack. Foran helped set-up a try in the first half and scored a crucial try in the second half as the Warriors were chasing the Titans lead at a 10 point deficit to level it at 22-22. Fans have been waiting for Foran and Johnson to make some magic together and they weren’t disappointed as the two combined talents and sent Hoffman over the line for the match-winning try at the 78th minute.
“When he (Foran) steps up we just run off him, because that allows Shaun and I to run free and find opportunities, and Foz directs us” – Tuivasa-Sheck
Warriors defence is not consistent
The first half saw the Warriors struggling with their defense which allowed the Titans to score try after try. Their weak defense has been a major problem for the Warriors for the past few weeks and clearly the issue has not been corrected by the state of their performance during the first half. The middle was particularly slow as Sam Lisone allowed Titans players to run through him while Kata and Ayshford were not much better. Thankfully they tightened up their defense in the second half but the Warriors need consistency, you can’t win games with on and off defense.
Titans struggled second half
The Titans have the equal third-best attacking record in the competition and they proved it – in the first half that is. The second half was a different story as the team struggled to get out of their own 20. The Warriors kept them down their own end of the field for majority of the second half which meant they were unable to attack and hold onto the lead.
Titans plagued with injuries
The Titans went into round 5 missing Nathan Peats, Pat Politoni, John Olive, Jarryd Hayne, William Zillman, Dan Sarginson, Agnatius Paasi and Konrad Hurrell due to injuries and Sundays match only caused them to add to the never-ending list. Three Titans players were unable to finish the match, fullback Tyrone Roberts (knee), back-rower Joe Greenwood (concussion) and prop Nathaniel Peteru (foot). Hooker Ryan Simpkins was taken off but came back on and played with back spasms throughout the game.
Final Score
Warriors 28
Tries: Shaun Johnson, David Fusitua, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ryan Hoffman
Goals: Shaun Johnson (4)
Gold Coast Titans 22
Tries: Dale Copley, Daniel vidot, Kane Elgey (2),
Goals: Ashley taylor (2), Tyrone Roberts
