A delayed start to the game couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Sunshine Coast crowd as the Titans took on the Melbourne Storm in their second pre-season trial.
It was back to back wins for Josh Hannay's men as the Titans prevailed 42-12 to finish second in the NRL's pre-season challenge. Only missing out on the big pre-season prize to the Parramatta Eels on for and against.
Trial 2 highlights: Storm v Titans
Titans.com.au ran the rule over the squad across the final match before the season proper commences.
Back Five
An area that has seen significant roster change over the off-season, new faces Siale Faeamani and Max Feagi joined Keano Kini, Phil Sami and Jojo Fifita in the starting side. Kini brought his usual energy and spark at the back, while Fifita's defence was a highlight. Fifita continued to remain involved all night with damaging runs and high involvement before launching above Storm fullback Sua Faalogo to bat the ball back and eventually send Faeamani away to score.
While there is still clearly some work on building combinations, the enthusiasm for defence from both edges was obvious for all to see and they finished off some nice Titans tries.
Highlight: Jojo Fifita's defence.
Halves
Josh Hannay confirmed early in his time on the Coast that he wanted AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell to be his starting halves pairing and early signs were positive with Campbell and Brimson controlling their side and field position. A nice pass at the line from Brimson to Beau Fermor opened the scoring for the Titans, showing glimpses of what that partnership could bring. Brimson mentioned in media earlier in the week he had been working on his kicking game and it showed as it was used as a more than handy backup to Campbell, even causing a spilt Storm ball that resulted in a Sami try.
Lachlan Ilias came on to start the second half in replace of Campbell, taking the lead playmaking role as he did in the first trial, before Zane Harrison joined him with a little over 20 minutes to go. Both earned a second trial game after a strong showing in match against the Dolphins and showed they will be valuable squad members across the key playmaking positions.
Highlight: Depth. All four halves have looked comfortable with their roles in the side.
Forwards
Moeaki Fotuaika picked up from where he left off in last week's trial with strong runs a feature from the first kick-off. His front row partner in Tino Fa'asuamaleaui joined him with the pair completing the opening 20 minutes of each half and forming a strong one, two punch through the middle. For Fa'asuamaleaui it was valuable minutes after joining pre-season laterthan most due to the Australian Kangaroos tour at the end of last year.
Klese Haas was one the first changes in the middle, joined by new recruit Kurtis Morrin and the rejuvenated Tuki Simpkins. Morrin brought his trademark energy, while Haas and Simpkins picked up from last week, maintaining momentum through the middle of the field.
Beau Fermor opened the night with the first try as he looks to build his combination with AJ Brimson, while his second row partner in Josh Patston had his night cut short after a head knock and subsequent failed HIA assessment. It means Patston main pre-season minutes came via his time with the Indigenous All Stars last weekend. Patston's injury, however, gave Arama Hau added minutes and he took his chance straight away, running a nice line off Jayden Campbell to score and landing a bone-crunching tackle in the second half.
Highlight: Moe Fotuaika leading the pack.
Hookers
Sam Verrills played limited minutes in the first trial but was back to his usual starting sport for this hit-out and looked to get his big men on the front foot early. He would be replaced at the 50-minute mark after topping the tackle count with 32. Luke Sommerton, like many of his teammates, picked up from where he left off in the first trial - busy about his work and providing crisp service around the ruck.
Highlight: Sommerton showing he is more than a handy backup for Verrills.
Reserves
With a squad of 24 for the match, the extended bench was always going to see limited minutes, but there were some nice signs across the board. Jaylan De Groot was solid at the back once again after replacing Kini at half time, while Jensen Taumoepeau showed he will provide handy depth in the outside backs. In the forwards, Cooper Bai continued his transition to the top grade with more minutes, while Jett Liu returned to the Titans side after missing the first trial due to a HIA.
While trials, are just that, there have been positive signs across both matches providing reason for excitement for the Titans legion of Members and fans.
It was a clear there was a focus on defence, as it was regularly celebrated across the night. Coach Hannay will likely be just as pleased with the 12 points conceded as the 42 scored as his side tunes up for a round one clash against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday March 7.
