The future is bright on the Gold Coast with an Alofiana Khan-Pereira double helping put 18 unanswered points on the Broncos to draw level with the M1 rivals at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday.
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Broncos
8th Position
away Team
Titans
9th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
The Broncos hit the accelerator in the first half with four tries to one setting up a 24-6 lead against a Titans outfit who were without new recruits Kieran Foran and Sam Verrills for the match.
The Titans hit back, however, as the Broncos opted to rest several of their key players in the second half.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh made a stellar return to the Broncos, opening the scoring with a solo effort on the right edge before producing a goal-kicking masterclass in breezy conditions at the venue.
Jojo Fifita flies high to score
He did, however, leave the field in the second half after a facial knock that may require scans on Monday in the only concern for Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who would otherwise have been buoyed by what he saw from Walsh's efforts.
Walters played most of his stars named for the first 40 minutes while Justin Holbrook left star back-rower David Fifita on the paddock for 60 minutes.
Holbrook also tinkered with Jayden Campbell's position, using the 23-year-old at left centre with Keano Kini playing most of the match at fullback, in a possible sign the Titans coach may start Campbell in the centres with Brian Kelly suspended.
A double to Jordan Pereira, including a stunning effort before half-time, had the Broncos on the front foot but the Titans hit back twice in the second half through Jojo Fifita and Vaka Sikahele to make it a 12-point ball game.
A double to Alofiana Khan-Pereira levelled the scores late with neither team too desperate to opt for a one-pointer later in the game.
Khan-Pereira sneaks one into the corner
Match snapshot
- Broncos stars Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs were among those to take the field for their first Pre-season Challenge match.
- Titans coach Justin Holbrook started Toby Sexton and Tanah Boyd in the halves as he looks to settle on a playmaker to partner Kieran Foran.
- Broncos forwards Brendan Frei and Shalom O'Ofou (high tackle) were placed on report during the match with O'Ofou sin-binned in the 55th minute.
What's next
The Titans will head to Redcliffe for a match-up against the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium on Sunday night with Kieran Foran expected to play his first game in club colours.
