Key three: Fifita lives true to Lenihan's word as Titans go down fighting in Canberra

Despite the loss, David Fifita epitomised his coach's thoughts with another inspirational performance and AJ Brimson showed why he deserves a call-up to replace Reece Walsh for Origin Game III, but a costly error in the second half tipped the match in the Raiders favour.

Here are the key talking points from the match: 

The defining play that shows David Fifita is ‘becoming a man’

Titans interim coach Jim Lenihan last week described David Fifita as a player who was quickly maturing as an all-round rugby league player and the Coast’s first try is the best example of why.

Running a hard line on the edge to link with Kieran Foran, he then took a shot for his troubles whilst getting a pass away to Brian Kelly, which opened up the defensive line for him to continue on his run and dive on a deft grubber from Alofiana Khan-Pereira for the side’s first points.

It was a play of brilliance that showcased not only his flashy talents through the scoring of the four-pointer, but his willingness and desire to work hard and take the tough carries as well as be a player everyone is mesmerised by week-in, week-out.

He once again showed his skills in a 39th minute try that was later disallowed by the Bunker, but the effort play was still on full show despite not being on the scoreboard.

The 23-year-old finished the game with a try, try assist, 177 run metres, three offloads, eight tackle breaks and 29 tackles.

Play to the whistle

The Titans were taught a very valuable lesson in the 49th minute when Alofiana Khan-Pereira attempted to score a four-pointer which saw him lose the ball.

Whilst almost everyone in the ground thought the ball was dead… not experienced flyer Jordan Rapana, who scooped up the loose ball and found Matt Timoko to run away and score a crucial four-pointer and give the opposition an eight-point lead and stifle the momentum the Gold Coast had down in the red zone.

Regardless of whether the right call was made in regard to if the advantage was played, it was a crucial reminder to always play to the whistle.

Maroons No. 1 jersey is AJ's for Game III

AJ Brimson proved to Billy Slater he should be in the Queensland fullback jersey for the Origin decider after a strong performance at the Titans custodian in their clash against the Raiders.

Running 172 metres, and breaking eight tackles; the dynamo was also peppered by torpedo bombs from both Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty, but the 24-year-old defused them without incident, even with the parochial Canberra faithful hammering him with taunts from the sidelines.

Part of the Maroons setup for Game II as the 18th man, his performance in the clash and the suspension of Reece Walsh should all but guarantee Brimson will be wearing maroon in Sydney next Wednesday week.