Titans’ New Star Emerges in Drought-Breaking Victory
The Gold Coast Titans have unearthed a potential game-changer in the form of barnstorming second-rower Arama Hau, who played the hero in their hard-fought 22-14 win over St George Illawarra. The victory marked a significant milestone for new Titans coach Josh Hannay, securing his first win of the season and lifting a considerable weight off the team’s shoulders. Hau’s two-try performance was the catalyst, with his second, a spectacular 50-metre individual effort in the 74th minute, snatching the lead for the home side for the first time on Sunday night.
The match was marred by a concerning injury to St George Illawarra five-eighth Kyle Flanagan. In the 61st minute, Flanagan collided heavily with teammate Hayden Buchanan while attempting to tackle Gold Coast debutant hooker Oliver Pascoe.
The playmaker remained motionless on the ground for several minutes, sparking immediate concern. Thankfully, he was observed moving his arms as he was carefully placed onto a medicab and transported from the field. Flanagan, sporting a neck brace, was subsequently taken to hospital in an ambulance directly after the game.
Dragons coach and Kyle’s father, Shane Flanagan, provided a grim update post-match. “He’s not good. He was taken to hospital. He was unconscious for what someone said was five minutes, so that is a big concern,” he stated. “He rang his mum and rang his wife and they are taking precautionary X-rays. He has got feeling in his legs and movement, so let’s hope he is OK.”
For the Dragons, the loss compounds their woes. Currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder and winless, they have now matched their club’s worst-ever losing streak. This eighth consecutive defeat, stretching back into last year, mirrors the eight-game losing trot experienced in 2021.
Hannay, however, was understandably jubilant following the breakthrough win. “It’s good to get that monkey off the back,” he commented. “I am really happy for the players. They are working really hard. I’d defy anyone at the moment to watch this team and say they are not a gritty, tough and connected group. We have got to improve in a lot of areas, but I am really proud.”
A Match of Twists and Turns
The opening exchanges saw the Dragons strike first. Tyrell Sloan, recalled to the side for his first NRL appearance of the season and a prolific try-scorer last year with 17 tries, crossed out wide within the first four minutes. This was set up by a slick pass from centre Valentine Holmes.
The Titans responded in spectacular fashion. Winger Phil Sami, who is set to join St George Illawarra on a three-year deal from 2027, produced a stunning 90-metre intercept try. He managed to snare a Holmes pass intended for Sloan that would have almost certainly resulted in a try for the visitors.
However, the Titans’ night under the high ball proved challenging for fullback Keano Kini. His first handling error preceded the opening Sloan try, and a subsequent spill handed Dragons hooker Damien Cook a gift try on a platter.
The tide began to turn in the second half. Halfback Jayden Campbell proved instrumental as a provider, putting the rampaging Hau into a gaping hole. The 21-year-old, showcasing a power reminiscent of former Titans behemoth David Fifita, stormed 30 metres to score his first try.
The Titans thought they had extended their lead when Sami crossed in the corner, but a controversial decision from The Bunker disallowed the try. The review ruled that Sami had knocked the ball into Sloan before grounding it.
With 10 minutes remaining, Campbell levelled the scores at 14-14 with a crucial penalty goal, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. It was Hau who ultimately delivered the decisive blow, embarking on another powerful run after another incisive pass from Campbell to score the match-winner.
The victory not only secures vital competition points for the Titans but also injects a much-needed dose of confidence into the squad, with Arama Hau emerging as a shining light for the club’s future.
