Key three: Tino injury, Doueihi's heartbreaker overshadows Campbell's class against Tigers
An Adam Doueihi field goal at the death has broken the hearts of the Titans in a 21-20 epic at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.
A bitter pill to swallow after leading 14-12 at the break and having scored four tries to three, the visitors couldn't stop the Wests Tigers from surging home in front of a packed Wayne Pearce Hill in what was the 100th game for the joint-venture at their spiritual home.
Despite the tough result, Jayden Campbell once again proved his playmaking potential with a strong showing in the first half, but rubbing salt into the wounds of the thriller is the fitness of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who came from the field midway through the first half.
Match: Wests Tigers v Titans
Round 20 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
11th Position
away Team
Titans
17th Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Hear are the key talking points of Round 20:
Heartbreak at the death
The script was written for a fairytale finish in the Wests Tigers' 100th game at Leichhardt Oval and Doueihi played the role of the protagonist perfectly.
All squared up having missed a kick to win it from the sideline only moments earlier, the Balmain junior rose from the ashes with the crucial one-pointer, delivering victory for the home side and sending the eighth wonder of the world in hysteria.
Round 20 highlights: Wests Tigers v Titans
Campbell shows playmaking potential
Despite the loss, anyone who has questioned Jayden Campbell shift from fullback to the halves just has to watch the highlights reel of this clash.
The 26-year-old had the ball on a string throughout the contest, building a crafty combination with Jaylan De Groot for two four-pointers in the first half - setting the young flyer up with a pinpoint pass only three minutes in before delivering a deft kick to his chest to take the lead in the 33rd minute.
That pass is poetry in motion
Lauded in commentary by experts Kevin Walters and Nathan Hindmarsh at half-time, he also received praise mid-game by experienced playmaker Kieran Foran who ran out for his 311th appearance.
"He’s going from strength to strength," he told Fox League at half-time.
"He’s an exceptional player. He’s still got yards to go in his game so if he can keep doing that for us [today], we’ll find ourselves in front."
Foran also proved he's not shying away despite this being his final season, helping setup Gold Coast's second try by playing right to the line and copping a shot for his troubles, much like he has his entire career.
Tino awaits advice on knee
Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is expected to be sent for scans ahead of next week's trip over the ditch to New Zealand after coming from the field in the 25th minute.
Missing his influence for a majority of the game, the inspirational forward was kept warm throughout the second half to be ready if needed, but Des Hasler chose not to risk the Origin representative after suffering what is believed to be a lateral knee injury.
Further medical advice upon landing back on the Gold Coast will determine the severity of the injury, if any, before the Titans head to Auckland on Wednesday.
