NRL News
Titans burn Panthers 26-8 in slick display
The Gold Coast Titans tonight notched their first win in their home state, with an impressive victory over the Penrith Panthers. The newly formed NRL club put in a solid display despite lacking their first choice forward pack and crushed the Panthers 28-6.
Carrara Oval on the Gold Coast was abuzz as 13,500 vocal fans packed in to see their new team go round. Both teams put in an impressive defensive display for such an early season game, however it was the Titans attack that will have everyone talking.
Wave after wave of Titans attack was sent towards the Penrith line. With Chris Walker, Preston Campbell, Matt Rogers, Scott Prince and Luke Bailey all scoring tries for the local side.
The Panthers had to defend for long periods and did well to repell many early raids, however they couldn't sustain the pressure and eventually the Titans broke through with a Campbell intercept and continued to grow in confidence as the match wore on. The outing will be beneficial to both sides, with the Panthers walking away with a notebook full of faults to work on - most notably their ball handling and structure in attack.
The Titans will take plenty of confidence from the game, and their combinations seem to be getting better each week as they move to their second win from 3 outings. Chris Walker played solidly for the Titans again and also landed several conversions in rotation with regular goal kicker Brett Delany.
For the Panthers Brett Firman scored the sole try and played solidly for his new club, with Panthers youngster Peter Wallace taking the conversion.
NRL News awarded the man of the match title to Preston Campbell, who was at his scheming best - proving a constant headache to his old Panthers team mates and fitting in well to his test at hooker. Every win for the Titans eases the pressure the new club faces as they enter the big time stage of NRL.
We'll be back tomorrow night where the blow torch will be on the South Sydney Rabbits. Showcasing 8 internationals tomorrow night and coming off a strong off-season program - many will be waiting to see how the Rabbits come out of the blocks in the big game.
The Saints are fielding only an average side on paper, and anything less than a win for Souths even at this early stage will see pressure mount for the NRL kickoff. Check back tomorrow night for all trial information as it breaks.
Source: NRL News
