On Sunday afternoon at Toowoomba Sports Ground, the Brisbane Broncos handed the Gold Coast Titans a hefty defeat, clinching victory with an impressive 50-12 scoreline.
The Titans were left reeling after surrendering 53 missed tackles, which laid bare significant deficiencies in their defence.
In an encouraging debut under new coach Michael Maguire, both Cory Paix and Deine Mariner shone brightly for the Broncos, each bagging a brace of tries.
Cory Paix celebrates with his Broncos teammates after scoring a try. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
It was Gehamat Shibasaki who opened the scoring for the Broncos in the 9th minute, executing some nifty footwork and receiving a slick pass from five-eighth Billy Walters.
The decision was sent to the Bunker for review after Walters evaded the defensive line, while Jack Gosiewski appeared to impede David Fifita.
Though the on-field referee initially ruled it a no-try, review official Kasey Badger overturned the call, concluding that Fifita had initiated the contact.
Cory Paix soon crossed for his first try, sneaking through from dummy half to prove to Maguire that he has his eyes set on becoming the starting hooker this season.
Just nine minutes later, he received a clever offload from Corey Jensen close to the try line before being substituted out of the match.
Brendan Piakura also added a four-pointer with a strong finish.
Cooper Bai is tackled during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
Just before halftime, the Titans found a glimmer of hope when AJ Brimson delivered a grubber kick that caught Walters off guard.
Fifita surged through to record the Titans’ only points of the first half, with the Broncos leading 24-6 at the break.
The Broncos continued to build on their momentum in the second half when Deine Mariner claimed a high kick from Jock Madden, managing to maneuver past three defenders to score.
Ten minutes later, he further affirmed his prowess by circling the Titans’ defence again for his second try.
The Broncos kept the tries flowing, with new signing Latrell Siegwalt outpacing Thomas Weaver to dot down, followed by Delouise Hoeter who powered through for another try following some seamless passing.
As Brisbane neared the 50-point mark, powerful prop Benjamin Te Kura barged over for a try.
The Titans did manage a consolation score from fullback Jaylan de Groot in the 67th minute, who deceived the defence to cross over.
However, with the Titans missing 53 tackles compared to the Broncos’ 17 and a staggering difference of 514 run metres, they were consistently unable to put together any threatening plays.
“I’ve never seen numbers like that,” remarked Greg Alexander during his commentary on Fox League.
To top it off, the dismal performance came on coach Des Hasler’s 63rd birthday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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