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Gold Coast Titans Split Results: Victory Over Panthers, Heavy Defeat to Sharks; Captain Fined

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Gold Coast Titans: Mixed Results and Captain Fined

The Gold Coast Titans recorded a narrow 19-18 victory over the Penrith Panthers before suffering a 50-10 defeat to the Cronulla Sharks. Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was fined for a separate incident.

Titans Edge Out Panthers 19-18

The Gold Coast Titans defeated the Penrith Panthers 19-18 in their NRL match on Saturday night. Rookie halfback Zane Harrison, aged 20, kicked the winning field goal with 13 seconds remaining.

  • Harrison scored the decisive field goal from the right side, which is not the preferred side for a right-footed kicker. He had missed a previous field goal attempt earlier in the match.
  • This was Harrison's sixth first-grade game, having debuted in Round 10.
  • In addition to the match-winning field goal, Harrison recorded three try assists.
  • The Panthers rested players Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, and Isaah Yeo following their State of Origin commitments.
  • Titans winger Jensen Taumoepeau suffered a fractured ankle during the match.

"I backed my skill and preparation to make the winning kick." — Zane Harrison

Titans coach Josh Hannay said Harrison's composure in training and matches is notable, and that the winning play was not surprising given his preparation. Harrison credited coach Hannay for honest communication and for supporting young players.

Titans Suffer Heavy Defeat to Sharks; Captain Fined

In the opening round of the NRL season, the Gold Coast Titans suffered a 50-10 defeat against the Cronulla Sharks. This result made them the second team to concede 50 points in Round 1, following Parramatta's 52-4 loss to Melbourne.

  • The Titans were down 34-0 at half-time.
  • The Sharks extended their lead, with Nicho Hynes scoring a late try to bring their total to 48 points before a successful conversion.
  • This match was Josh Hannay's first game as coach of the Titans.

Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey during the first half. Following a review, Fa'asuamaleaui received a Grade 1 offense and was issued a $1500 fine. If he contests the charge and loses, the fine will be $2000.

Other fines issued from the match included Briton Nikora receiving an $1800 fine for dangerous contact on AJ Brimson, and Tukimihia Simpkins receiving a $1000 fine for a high tackle.

Coach's Comments on Season Opener

Coach Josh Hannay commented on the team's performance, stating they were "beaten to the punch" physically and that "bad habits popped up" under pressure. He stated it is necessary to examine what went wrong, learn from the experience, and respond. Hannay indicated he would not dwell on the loss but would not ignore it.

"We're still on a journey here. One game will not define our season." — Josh Hannay

Hannay maintained that he is not discouraged by a single performance, emphasizing that the game would not define the team's season. He acknowledged the high hopes built over the preceding months but reiterated that one game would not diminish team capabilities. He concluded that although the performance was unacceptable, the team's response to such nights is paramount.

For the upcoming match against the Dolphins, the Titans may be without Sam Verrills due to a sternum injury. Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui expressed confidence in his availability for the following week. The Titans' next match is against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.