Dolphins Edge Titans 12-10 in Pre-Season Thriller
The Dolphins secured a 12-10 victory over the Titans in Round 2 of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge at Kayo Stadium. Both teams are diligently preparing for the 2026 season with aspirations of reaching the finals.
The Dolphins secured a 12-10 victory over the Titans in Round 2 of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge at Kayo Stadium.
Titans Dominate First Half
The Titans established an early lead, with Lachlan Ilias scoring the first try in the 11th minute. Moeaki Fotuaika extended their lead in the 14th minute, bringing the score to Dolphins 0 - Titans 10.
The Titans maintained this lead through half-time, despite a Dolphins defensive stand in the 31st minute which prevented further scoring.
Dolphins Fight Back in Rainy Second Half
The second half commenced in heavy rain. The Dolphins successfully challenged a late tackle, resulting in a penalty and Tony Francis being placed on report. Titans player Jaylan De Groot was subsequently sent to the sin bin for a professional foul, giving the Dolphins a numerical advantage.
This numerical advantage allowed the Dolphins to score their first points. Tom Flegler, making his return after 677 days due to a shoulder nerve injury, scored a crucial try in the 51st minute, reducing the deficit to Dolphins 6 - Titans 10. Zac Garton then scored in the 56th minute, putting the Dolphins ahead 12-10.
In the 59th minute, a Titans Captain's Challenge for a knock-on was successful, with the Bunker ruling a strip and awarding a penalty to the Gold Coast, but the Dolphins held on for the narrow win.
Player News & Returns
The match marked significant returns and a late withdrawal for both squads.
Tom Flegler played his first game since April 2024 (677 days), a welcome sight for Dolphins fans following his lengthy recovery from a shoulder nerve injury. Tom Gilbert was also set to play his first match since Round 11, 2025, indicating further strengthening for the Dolphins' lineup.
Titans interchange forward Jett Liu was unfortunately ruled out of the game due to a head knock sustained in training.