The Gold Coast Titans secured a commanding 38-18 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons at Kogarah on Sunday, clinching back-to-back wins for the first time under coach Josh Hannay.
The Dragons had extra motivation with co-captain Clint Gutherson playing his 250th NRL game, the permanent appointment of coach Dean Young, and Old Boys' Day celebrations. Despite an early deficit, the Titans overcame the challenge to win by 20 points.
Titans leap out of bottom four
Gold Coast's victory lifted them above three other clubs and out of the competition's bottom four for the first time since the round-eight bye, while all but confirming the Dragons' first wooden spoon in history.
“When you’re coming into an environment like this, it felt like we were walking into a trap with them having so much to play for, so I just loved how we went about it,” Hannay said.
“We have had some tight losses and haven’t had a lot of reward at different times. There have been a few instances where we have had a level game at halftime and we’d flinch in the second half. I feel like this group, little by little, are growing.”
Jayden Campbell stars in five-eighth role
Playmaker Jayden Campbell was the architect of the Titans' attacking brilliance. In a dazzling display, he produced three try assists in a 15-minute first-half period and scored his own try midway through the second half to seal the result.
Campbell’s move to No.6 continues to pay off, with rookie halves partner Zane Harrison also impressing in the top grade. Harrison’s kicking game has allowed Campbell to play freely.
“In a short amount of time, the combination they have built has been massive,” Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“We have an experienced pack being told what to do by a young spine, including Keano (fullback Kini) and Olly (hooker Oliver Pascoe) up the middle, has been so good and refreshing.”
Match summary
The Titans responded to an early try by Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan with a 50-metre long-range effort, finished by winger Phil Sami. Four minutes later, Campbell set up centre Jaylen De Groot for a try, and De Groot scored again in the 26th minute as the Titans repeatedly exposed the Dragons' right-edge defence.
A try to Dragons halfback Kyle Flanagan made it 18-12 at halftime, but two penalty goals from Campbell and a try to hooker Oliver Pascoe extended the lead after the break. Campbell confirmed the result with an untouched try midway through the second half.
