By Nick Wright
David Fifita has inspired an early triumph in the Gold Coast’s post-Justin Holbrook era, tormenting Brisbane’s right-edge defence to clinch Sunday’s local derby.
Fresh off celebrating a Queensland State of Origin series triumph, Fifita stood up in the absence of rested skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to orchestrate a Titans boilover — scoring a try and setting up another in the 18-12 victory.
Holbrook’s shock axing, which triggered the recruitment coup of two-time premiership winning coach Des Hasler from 2024 and beyond, dominated the lead-up but caretaker coach Jim Lenihan launched his own head coaching career in fine style at Suncorp Stadium.
And it was Fifita at the heart of the action, coming to life in the back end of a grinding opening half which did not reap points until the 29th minute.
The Broncos were ultimately first to score through Tom Flegler, who combined with his Maroons teammate Pat Carrigan to cross and send the home crowd of 42,249 into raptures.
In the shadows of half-time, however, Fifita’s combination with Kieran Foran — who returned from an injury lay-off — proved fruitful when the former latched onto a short pass close to the line to level the scores.
David Fifita had a day out against the Broncos.Credit: NRL Photos/Scott Davis
The Tongan World Cup hero was then at it again early in the second term, busting through a pair of Brisbane tackles in attacking territory before offloading for Brian Kelly to put the Titans in front.
The 23-year-old went on to finish with 135 running metres, nine tackle busts, a linebreak, a linebreak assist, a try assist and 29 tackles in an emphatic display which breathed life back into the Gold Coast’s finals push with consecutive victories.
The Broncos were twice cruelled by the Bunker in the second half, with Brendan Piakura denied first after Corey Oates was found to have got the smallest of touches on an Adam Reynolds bomb.
Shortly after Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs linked up to cross again, however Brisbane were pulled back after Fifita was ruled to have been obstructed by Jordan Riki.
Patrick Carrigan got on the board for the Broncos in front of more than 42,000 home fans.Credit: Getty
At last the Broncos were able to score, after going the length of the field following a denied try to Titans centre Aaron Scoupp.
Centre Herbie Farnworth went within a whisker of scoring, before the play shifted to the right and Ezra Mam cut the margin down.
Two more tries were then stripped within a minute, with Kelly found to have fumbled an intercept attempt before livewire winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira raced away for what he thought was his second try of the afternoon.
Yet off the scrum, a Walsh pass to put Oates through a hole was ruled forward, before a late Titans penalty goal gave them some relief and kept their season alive.
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