Ahead of State of Origin, Gold Coast winger David Fifita sent a powerful statement by putting on a barnstorming performance that helped set up an incredible 36–34 comeback victory over his former team, Brisbane.
Fifita, who is certain to be picked for the Maroons on Monday, had a huge impact and ran 173 meters before being forced off the field with five minutes remaining in the match due to a head hit.
After the game, Fifita’s coach, Des Hasler, verified that the player had suffered a category-two HIA and passed it.
Fifita was “a different animal out there today,” said to Titans captain Moeaki Fotuaika.
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“He was grabbing the opening runs. It’s encouraging to see that aspect of him surface.”
The Broncos lacked self-control and made bad decisions that caused them to bleed themselves dry.
“We weren’t present at the races today,” stated Kevin Walters, the coach of the Broncos.
“We tried to shoot it out against the Titans, which is never going to work.”
In front of 44,221 spectators at Suncorp Stadium, Titans fullback Keano Kini enjoyed the finest performance of his career, setting up three tries.
Reece Walsh, a fullback from Brisbane, was a great asset to the Maroons offensively.
After missing a week due to a knee injury, the 21-year-old returned and scored two line breaks in addition to dishing out five assists. He’s expected to be chosen Queensland’s fullback.
Walsh made a number of mistakes during the game, like he always does, but he also sent a message to NSW about the threat he presents.
Queensland lock and the Broncos When the charge sheet is released on Monday, it would be surprising if Pat Carrigan was given more punishment than a fine for his high shot on Josiah Pahulu in the first half.
Before Titans winger Tony Francis hurt his right shoulder attempting to tackle Walsh, Brisbane prop Payne Haas opened the score. Fifita was on a tear, but Francis heroically stayed on the field long enough to score a try.
With his 121st career try for the team, Broncos winger Corey Oates moved into third place all-time.
Winger Deine Mariner scored a penalty try after Broncos wideman Ezra Mam executed a beautiful punt. Before Mariner could score, Titans center Beau Fermor tackled him.
After coming from the back row, Fermor had his greatest game of the season, sprinting 10 meters to score and keep his team in the race.
Walsh used a beautiful pass to score a try off Titans bench forward Erin Clark, who then hauled four people over the line to cut the lead to eight points. Piakura is an expert at running holes.
Titans substitute No. 6 Chris Randall lost control on a deft Fifita pass.
Mam’s 90-meter run gave the Titans hope, but attempts from Brian Kelly and Klese Haas gave them the advantage back.
Walsh put Selwyn Cobbo up for a game-ending try to guarantee a thrilling conclusion.
After taking a hit to the head, Fifita departed the field in the 75th minute for evaluation, but the Titans managed to hold on thanks to a last-minute cover tackle on Oates by half Tom Weaver.
“We persevered there. It was an excellent quality, according to Hasler.
They have been engaged in combat for eighty minutes for the past seven weeks. We made two really significant and admirable points.
It conveys a lot about the team’s strategy and style of play.
