The Cowboys send Thurston out as a winner in his final game of his career, coming back in the second half to win 30 points to 26.
MATCH DETAILS
The Gold Coast Titans were dominant in the first half, and it didn’t look as though the Cowboys were in it to win it. The score was 18-6 at half time, with the Titans looking dominant and confident, in both attack and defence.
However, the Cowboys turned their performance around in the second half and were capitalising on the opportunities presented to them.
The margin ended up being closer than what was imagined at half time, both teams having their highlights, however the Cowboys were simply too good in the end, allowing JT to retire with a win under his belt.
FOUR POINTERS
Errors Changed the Game
It truly was all the Titans in the first half. Having a fair portion of the possession in the first half, and defending with a lot of confidence, the Gold Coast side gave their fans something to cheer about. Going into the tunnel at half time, it looked like it could continue to be a good night for the Titans. However, during the second half they had little possession and conceded too many errors to keep the Cowboys from scoring to get to and maintain a lead for the rest of the match.
Future Looks Bright for Brimson
Gold Coast fullback Alexander “AJ” Brimson made his NRL debut this year for the Gold Coast Titans, and has been a great addition to the club. He has shown plenty of promise and potential heading into his NRL career. Against the Cowboys he scored a try, made one line break and four tackle breaks. If the Titans had performed consistently throughout the entire 80, the 19-year-old could have done more for the side. Despite the match not being their best, Brimson showed his potential as a first grade player and has a bright future ahead of him.
2018 is Officially Over…
…for these two clubs. After a not so successful season for either the Titans or the Cowboys, North Queensland came up with the win in their final match of the year. It was an entertaining match, and both sides played with confidence, however neither performed for the full eighty minutes, which was a shame. Neither club had anything to play for in this match, considering how far from the top eight they were. But regardless, both the Gold Coast and North Queensland had moments of promise that they can take with them into the off-season in the lead up to the new season.
Farewell to a Legend
After 323 career games, 90 tries, 932 goals and 2222 points, we say goodbye to Johnathan Thurston who has retired at the age of 35. Thurston made his NRL debut in 2002 with the Bulldogs before making his way to North Queensland just two years later. After an incredible career, Thurston played with the same intensity and confidence as always in his final match of his career against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
THE RESULT
Gold Coast Titans
Tries: Alexander Brimson, Kane Elgey, Mitch Rein, Brenko Lee
Goals: Ash Taylor 5
North Queensland Cowboys
Tries: Shaun Fensom, Ben Hampton 2, Gavin Cooper, Gideon Gela-Mosby
Goals: Johnathan Thurston 5
