Key three: Brilliant Brimson steers Titanic turnaround against Sea Eagles
A superb showing from AJ Brimson has helped Gold Coast conjure the perfect response with a 28-8 victory against the Sea Eagles at Cbus Super Stadium.
The dynamo was instrumental in the Titanic performance, making amends after last week's disappointing derby - joining with Kieran Foran who wound back the clock against his former side with the 'c' next to his name.
It was a night of accolades - the Titans breaking the record for most bandannas worn in one place to raise awareness for children's cancer charity Canteen - and Alofiana Khan-Pereira also notched up a personal milestone with his 50th career try in 52 games.
It keeps Gold Coast well in touch with the top eight - only now three points outside the top heading into the weekend.
Here are the key points from the Round 15 clash:
Brilliant Brimson leads Titans turnaround
Against the odds, it was the perfect response from Hasler's men after the mentor questioned their intent and effort following last week's derby defeat; and it was one of Gold Coast's favourite sons to lead the charge.
His third game in the No. 1 this season, Brimson topped the run metres tally with a whopping 260 - alongside two line breaks and an incredible try assist that put Jayden Campbell over for a crucial four-pointer underneath the posts.
Leading from the back, he also showed up in defence helping keep the defensive line in check to only concede two tries in an inspiring performance, thanking the Legion faithful at full-time for turning up in numbers despite the balmy conditions.
Foran also showed he's still as hungry as ever with his showing - relentless in the halves alongside Jayden Campbell to bring up a try assist and line break assist.
The old dog still has new tricks to offer and showed that in spades.
Khan-Pereira Manly's kryptonite
The try-scoring machine loves playing Manly, notching up his third double against the Sea Eagles in only his fourth battle with the boys from Brookvale.
Bringing up 50 tries with his first four-pointer of the night, it wasn't long before the reigning Ken Irvine Medallist crossed again for the 51st time in only his 52nd appearance.
His first half haul brings his total to now seven tries in the four times he's faced Manly and the flyer also jettisons back into the top 10 for try-scorers with nine to his name so far in 2025.
Keeping in touch with the eight
It's been a tough month for the Titans but the win puts them well in touch with the top eight now only three points outside eighth position.
Their fourth win of the season, it was a much needed two points for the home side, who now enjoy a long turnaround ahead of their trip to Sydney, facing the Eels on Sunday night at CommBank Stadium. They'll also expect to welcome back Fa'asuamaleaui and Fotuaika who will re-join the group from Perth after Origin next Friday.
A crucial fortnight awaits before Gold Coast's final bye - facing Parramatta and then the Cowboys on consecutive Sundays before launching into the final run of 2025 starting with the Broncos derby at home.
