GOLD COAST TITANS 12 CANTERBURY BULLDOGS 30
Cbus Super Stadium, Friday
PHILLIP SAMI’S hat-trick proved in vain for Gold Coast as the Bulldogs claimed just their second away win of the season.
Jethro Rinakama and Josh Curran – in for the injured Sitili Tupouniua – both scored twice for the visitors, for whom skipper Stephen Crichton was faultless from the tee.
The Bulldogs squandered an early chance before opening the scoring just before the quarter-hour, Rinakama racing over out wide after a neat left-side shift.
And they doubled their lead ten minutes later when back-rower Curran crashed over after scything through the Titans’ defensive line, handing the visitors a 12-0 lead at the break.
The hosts hit back on 52 minutes when Sami was given a walk-in out wide, but Bulldogs were soon back on top.
Rinakima’s second was the pick of the tries, collecting a looping cut-out pass before taking on the defence and twisting his way across.
Max King proved too strong from close range five minutes later, before a resurgence saw Sami touch down twice in three minutes as Titans wrestled the score back to 24-12.
But Canterbury wrapped up victory as Curran broke through to complete his brace with three minutes remaining.
TITANS: 1 Keano Kini, 2 Jaylan De Groot, 3 Jojo Fifita, 4 AJ Brimson, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 Jayden Campbell, 7 Zane Harrison, 8 Moeaki Fotuaika, 9 Oliver Pascoe, 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11 Arama Hau, 12 Beau Fermor, 13 Chris Randall. Subs: 14 Kurtis Morrin, 15 Josh Patston, 17 Jett Liu (not used), 16 Klese Haas, 18 Sam Verrills, 19 Lachlan Ilias (not used)
Tries: Sami (53, 70, 73) Goals: Campbell 0/3
BULLDOGS: 1 Connor Tracey, 2 Jacob Kiraz, 3 Matt Burton, 4 Enari Tuala, 5 Jethro Rinakama, 6 Stephen Crichton, 7 Lachlan Galvin, 8 Max King, 9 Bailey Hayward, 10 Leo Thompson, 11 Josh Curran, 12 Jaeman Salmon, 13 Harry Hayes. Subs: 14 Kurt Mann, 15 Lipoi Hopoi, 16 Jack Underhill, 17 Alekolasimi Jones (not used) 19 Bronson Xerri, 20 Sean O’Sullivan (not used)
Tries: Rinakama (15, 62), Curran (26, 78), King (67) Goals: Crichton 5/5
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-12; 4-12, 4-18, 4-24, 8-24, 12-24, 12-30
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Titans: Phillip Sami; Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton
Penalty count: 4-1; Half time: 0-12; Referee: Todd Smith; Attendance: 13,820