Cbus Super Stadium was transformed into a field of dreams on Easter Sunday, with the Titans Physical Disabilities Rugby League team producing some excellent football in their exhibition match against a Gold Coast Invitational side.
The Titans, playing just their second game together, ran out convincing 16-4 winners on a glorious morning at Robina, showing great skill and some resolute defence against the legends team that included Preston Campbell, Clinton Toopi, Nathan Friend and Ben Hannant.
Liam Reen was a popular choice as man of the match, after a wholehearted display to help lift his team to victory.
The Titans squad was boosted by the late inclusion of NRL star Jarrod Wallace, who was unable to play against the Knights in the NRL match, but was still able to get his footy fix for the afternoon playing with the newest Titans team.
After training together for six months in preparation for this game, the excitement among the team was palpable as they went through their pre-game warm-up. Skipper Terry Litton said the match had been worth the wait.
“It is just an incredible feeling to be out here playing football, and to be playing against these guys today is just really special,” he said.
After a traditional softening-up period, that included one big hit that sent Hannant reeling backwards, Anno Pitt got the scoreboard moving by crossing in the corner just a minute from halftime.
The Titans piled on three more tries in the second half – including a strong try to Liam Hourigan, who rolled over in the tackle of two defenders over the line – to lead 16-0, before a late consolation try to Toopi got the Invitational team on the board.
Despite the hot conditions, the skill level on display was very high – with barely an error being made by either team in an entertaining start to the day at Cbus Super Stadium.
TITANS PDRL 16 (Anno Pitt, Callan Saunders, Liam Hourigan, Kane Ridgely tries) d GC INVITATIONAL 4 (Toopi try) at Cbus Super Stadium.
