Brisbane show signs of life as two-paced Titans capitulate

At last, there are signs of a beating heart at Red Hill. The Broncos, pilloried for their lack of heart all season, have produced a remarkable comeback to erase a 22-0 deficit and stampede over the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadiums.

With former Brisbane back-row star David Fifita largely a non-factor for the Titans, the Broncos rallied behind fullback Jamayne Isaako, a strong middle platoon and fiery halfback Tyson Gamble to pour on 36 unanswered points in a 36-28 victory that showed more than enough passion to please new coach Kevin Walters.

Corey Oates after sprinting 90 metres to put the Broncos in front for the first time.Credit:Getty

The Titans were finding holes everywhere they looked from that point and the short kicks were causing havoc for the Broncos as Isaako was constantly found out of position. AJ Brimson scored next, then Tyrone Peachey and they were lining up to score at 22-0 after 13 minutes.

It looked to be heading for one of the all-time demolition jobs but as soon as Brisbane found themselves with decent ball in Gold Coast territory, the rickety Titans defence gave way. After giving up big scores to Souths and Manly in recent weeks, they were about to give the same saloon passage to the Broncos.

Herbie Farnworth opened the Brisbane account, then it was Isaako, who went from a defensive liability to Darren Lockyer reincarnated in the space of a few minutes. He crossed again before the break, as did Xavier Coates, and score was locked at 22-22 by half-time.

The Titans were missing AJ Brimson for the final 10 minutes of the first half for what was a soft sin-binning on Gamble, who was really starting to get under the Gold Coast’s skin. He’s a combative player, huge for a halfback, and might just be the right man at the right time for the Broncos this season.

In-form winger Corey Thompson left the field early in the second half with an ankle injury and with that, some of the zip went out of the Gold Coast attack. Not so the Broncos, who were playing inspired football across the park as Corey Oates nabbed Taylor’s pass and strode 90m to score.

Jess Arthars completed the try-scoring for Brisbane as they produced a performance that won’t save their season but might guide it towards the path of respectability.

Sport newsletter

Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.

Most Viewed in Sport

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article