It was hot and humid affair as the Gold Coast Titans toppled the Melbourne Storm 38-34 at Cbus Super Stadium today.
We take a look at the key three talking points out of the match:
1. Six Cbus debutants make their mark
The Titans saw six players make their Cbus Super Stadium debut after joining the club over the off-season and they all certainly made their mark.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira troubled Will Warbick all day, scoring two tries in the first half including some dazzling footwork and Aaron Schoupp also added his name into the book of four-pointers with a key breakaway to take the lead just after half-time.
Kieran Foran got involved early on the left edge, Chris Randall tackled the house down with 31 tackles and Joe Stimson is the modern day sham-wow, absorbing contact after contact in his new role as the Coast's right back-rower.
Finally, it was emotional scenes for the Fa'asuamaleaui family as little brother Iszac made his NRL debut alongside Tino, with the 21-year-old getting through a solid 26 minute stint, running 66 metres - 31 of those post-contact and making 13 tackles at a perfect 100 percent efficiency.
2. Titans take the two points, but defence remains a focus
It was high-scoring affair at Cbus Super Stadium and while the heat can be part to blame for both sides it will be focus ahead of Round 4.
The Titans head to Townsville next Saturday, where the sweltering heat will continue against last year's top four outfit.
A key focus over the off-season, a number of injuries have disrupted the Titans line up, but they will be looking to get back to their key defensive ways of the Round 1 victory over the Tigers.
For the Storm, they take on the Wests Tigers and will be looking to right the ship after a shaky start to the 2023 season.
3. Kelly makes up for lost time
Returning from a four-match suspension, Brian Kelly repaid the faith Justin Holbrook put in the strike centre upon his recall, playing a formidable role at his familiar left centre position.
Coming up with a try right before half-time, he also had a hand in Khan-Pereira's first four-pointer of the game, making the pivotal line break to link up with Brimson and the speedster for the try.
Making 101 metres over his stint, his first game of the season also saw him break two tackles and get away an offload. Defensively, he also made an impact with seven tackles.
Getting an early mark in the heat to get Kieran Foran back in the action, it was a solid return for the 26-year-old.
The Titans will return to Cbus Super Stadium in Round 6 when they take on the St George-Illawarra Dragons. Tickets via Ticketek.
