‘Titanic Tussle’: Titans-Cowboys Showdown Marred by ‘Obvious’ Forward Pass Controversy

The Gold Coast Titans delivered a powerful first half against the North Queensland Cowboys, but not without a contentious moment surrounding a try from Beau Fermor.

The home team struck first in Townsville, with halfback Jake Clifford opening the scoring. However, the tide soon turned in favour of the Titans.

Jojo Fifita and Brian Kelly both crossed the line for the Titans before Fermor found the try line in the 17th minute.

Nevertheless, the pass from Tino Fa’asuamaleaui raised eyebrows as Fermor burst through the Cowboys’ defence to touch down.

“No doubt that was forward,” remarked Greg Alexander on Fox League.

“That was a glaring error; the ball was clearly forward. It’s difficult to overlook a pass that was as obviously forward as that.”

The drama continued in the 30th minute when Jake Clifford was shown a yellow card.

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This decision followed what appeared to be another try for Fermor. However, he was deemed offside from Tom Weaver’s kick. Weaver wasn’t spared either, as Clifford’s tackle resulted in a professional foul, leading to a penalty goal for the Titans, extending their lead to 18-6.

Even with the Cowboys a man down, Jeremiah Nanai managed to score for North Queensland.

The intensity didn’t let up, with another player sent to the sin bin just before half-time as Titans prop Jaimin Jolliffe was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

“What a chaotic first half it has been,” said commentator Dan Ginnane at the half-time break.