Key three: Titans show promise as BK continues milestone tradition
The Titans put up a gallant second half fight against the Cowboys, but it wasn't to be in Townsville with the home side proving victors 35-22 on Sunday afternoon.
In an improved showing as the team continues to grow under new coach Des Hasler, the charge was led by inspirational tries from milestone men Brian Kelly and Beau Fermor among a flurry of four-pointers to get within six of the opposition.
An intercept try to Kyle Feldt with 11 minutes to go made things extra difficult, and a Chad Townsend field goal iced things for North Queensland to notch up a 13-point victory.
Here are the key three talking points from the game:
Kelly continues magical milestone tradition
Brian Kelly loves scoring in milestones and he made it a perfect four from four when scoring the Titans opening try in the 45th minute.
After finding the line in his NRL debut in 2017, before backing it up in his 50th, 100th and now 150th, the Titans centre continued his perfect strike rate in his own milestone matches.
Kelly was one of the better performers for the Titans who toiled in Townsville, with two line breaks, four tackle busts and two offloads alongside his four-pointer to kick-start the flurry of points in the second 40.
Brimson inspires on both sides of the ball
AJ Brimson was again a shining light for the Titans as he showed his strong defensive capability at right centre, regularly shutting down the Cowboys' Origin edge of Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi, before shifting to five-eighth and having an immediate impact of energy.
With Foran off injured, the versatile Brimson moved to the left side of the field and took on the playmaking duties, getting things starting with his sharp step, slicing through and setting up fullback Jayden Campbell for his side's second try.
From that moment on, his team looked like a different side, reflecting the energy of the man they call the 'Prince of Palmy.'
Injury plagues Foran in Townsville again
North Queensland hasn’t been the happy hunting ground for Kieran Foran during his time with the Titans with injury troubling the veteran playmaker for the second year running.
Only getting through 22 minutes in his maiden Gold Coast clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2023 – succumbing to a calf injury in that clash – the 33-year-old was again forced off the field in Sunday’s clash in only the 27th minute, this time with an ankle complaint.
The 285-game half will be sent for scans upon his return home; but his departure opened the door for AJ Brimson to show his prowess at five-eighth, flourishing in the final 40 minutes.
