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Key three: Dogs bite hard in second half to claim win

The Bulldogs have fought back in a spirited second half performance to deny the Titans victory in Sydney.

The Canterbury side claimed victory at the death, moving off the bottom of the ladder with a 20 points to 18 win.

The Titans took a 14 points to nil into half-time, before the boot of Matt Burton saw the Dogs claw to within four points early in the second half.

The game see-sawed through the second half, but it was a Jayden Okunbor try in the 77th minute that proved the match-winner.

Here are the key talking points from the clash.

Heartbreak as Dogs bite back

After again taking a strong half-time lead, the Titans were again run down with the Bulldogs having the run of play in the second half.

With plenty of controversial moments that will generate debate post-game, the second half was a tale of penalties and possession. 

Phillip Sami scored the only second half try for the Titans, while the Dogs managed four tries after the break to fight their way back into the contest.

Given the congested nature of the table, the Titans remain just one win outside of the top-eight but missed a chance to climb closer to the top teams and now sit four points behind the ladder leaders.

Queeeeenssllaaannndddeerrrrr (said in true Billy Moore style)

The Titans Queensland Origin hopefuls all fired, with the three F's (Fa'asuamaleaui, Fotuaika and Fifita) all putting in strong performances against the Dogs.

With the retirement of Maroons veteran Josh Papali'i, Fotuaika did his best to remind selectors of his stunning 2023 form with another strong performance.

The 23-year-old notched 161 run metres during his 65 minutes on field, again leading the pack with his energy and effort.

Fifita claimed the first try and again worked hard, doing his Origin chances no harm.

Captain Fa'asuamaleaui again led from the front, with 141 run metres in a 66 minute performance.

Aside from the forwards, Phillip Sami was again strong, pushing his selection claims with another good performance.

Tino on report

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is expected to be one of the first picked for the Maroons, but he will have a slightly nervous wait after being reported in the match.

Fa'asuamaleaui was put on report for a lifting tackle on Tevita Pangai Junior.

Given the commentary around the incident, this will likely be one of the main talking points post-game.

Now we wait...

Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.