Gold Coast topples Broncos
The Gold Coast has turned has back the clock almost 20 years with the Titans upsetting premiers Brisbane 28-16 in an historic win for the NRL newcomers.
"It doesn't get much better than coming to the premier's home ground and beating them," said rookie coach John Cartwright after the Titans had repeated the Gold Coast Giants upset over the Broncos in 1988.
"You can't put a value on a win like that. What that win will do for us, I don't know."
What the loss will do to Brisbane is perhaps a bigger question, especially for coach Wayne Bennett who expects to have up to six players named this weekend to play in Friday night's Anzac Test against New Zealand - 48 hours before the Broncos tackle a pumped up Newcastle determined to prove they can win without Andrew Johns.
Asked what he had to do to turn Brisbane's form around, Bennett said: "Start praying."
Asked if he could make changes following the club's fourth loss in five games he said: "We're in a bit of chaos now, how can we pick a side, we've got five or six players up for Test duty and we could be struggling for players come Friday night.
"We've got to back up within 48 hours and we're not in a position to think about who we leave out ..... I'm concerned about who we are going to get into the team (to play Newcastle).
Bennett said it was "pretty weird" Brisbane could be at the bottom of the NRL ladder and supply as many as six players for Test duty.
"They (selectors) can't be watching the games I've been watching," said Bennett who was critical of his players' execution, especially in the first half when they continually turned over possession cheaply.
Two tries in two minutes to forward Mark Minichiello (27th minute) and centre Brett Delaney (29th) gave the Titans a shock lead which they never surrendered.
When prop Michael Henderson scored in the 59th minute, the Titans had an unassailable 22-6 advantage.
Henderson's elation at scoring his first try of the season turned to agony 15 minutes later when he broke his leg in a tackle which left him screaming in pain.
Titans forward Luke Swain also found himself on report for a late and high tackle on Brisbane halfback Shane Perry who finished the game with a bruised sternum.
Titans co-captain Scott Prince, who was terrific again against his former club, said his team was starting to get some confidence.
"It's great to come here and get the two points. Our attack is starting to gel but there's a long way to go and we've got Manly next week so it is on again."
Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer refused to blame a lack of effort or commitment from his players for the loss.
"It was disappointing but it was hard to stay positive when you're making mistakes," he said.
"But those things are fixable, you've just got to have the right attitude."
Bailey was like a rock up front for the Titans, making 39 tackles and carting the ball up 11 times for 105 metres while Prince and fullback Preston Campbell created problems around the rucks.
Brisbane's best was giant prop Petero Civoniceva who made 26 tackles and 16 hit up for 165 metres.
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