Titans beat Eels in scrappy trial
In a mistake riddled game, the Gold Coast Titans have recorded their first win, stealing the prize from the Eels in the final 5 minutes. The Titans, behind by 10-4 at the 70 minute mark - then raced in to score three times in the dying stages - Gavin Cooper bagging 2 tries and former Tiger and now co-captain Scott Prince grabbing another. Prince put in an impressive showing and was one of his sides best. Union convert Matt Rogers saw little ball and didn't have the chance to show his wares in a stop start afair.
Rogers didn't actually touch the ball until 12 minutes into the game - but in front of 8,612-strong crowd the environment was perfect for both teams to get the feel of NRL back for 2007.
Eels recruit Brett Finch also only had an average game, and never really took control for Parra at five-eighth. The Eels were hoping his combination with No.7 Tim Smith would be dynamic, but this wasn't the case..
The Eels were only missing Hindmarsh and Tahu, and while they controlled the match for 65 minutes - they really should have closed out the game.
Eels crossed in the 10th minute when Joel Reddy fed the ball for try-scoring machine Jarryd Hayne to score in the left corner.
Burt missed the conversion to leave Parramatta 4-0 ahead.
The first half was constantly interrupted by dropped ball and became a slug fest. Finally some style came through when Titans winger Jake Webster crossed in the right corner.
Titans centre Brett Delaney missed the extras as the scores were locked at 4-all at halftime.
Parramatta again went ahead 10-6 in the 50th minute through a converted try to Reddy after back-rower Todd Lowrie sent a slick pass to the centre, who beat rookie Smith Samau to get over the line in the right corner.
Prince continued to probe for the Titans and setup a nice play for Cooper with a well-weighted grubber in the 71st minute with Cooper finishing off and then scored one himself two minutes later to give the Titans a 16-10 advantage.
Cooper capped a pleasing night when he latched onto a Matt Hilder bomb and scored a double to put the game beyond doubt.
NSW Origin and Eels winger Eric Grothe left the field early in the match with a suspected ankle injury while Titans back-rower Brad Meyers went into the sheds five minutes before halftime with his ankle heavily iced.
The Titans have Penrith at Carrara Stadium while the Eels meet Sydney Roosters in Gosford next weekend.
