To'a brilliance helps Future Titans to win over Auckland

A strong player of the match performance from young gun Taylan To'a helped guide the Future Titans to a 28-16 win over Auckland in Saturday's showdown at Cbus Super Stadium.

Played in front of a building sell-out crowd for the Titans v Broncos NRL clash afterwards, the talented back-rower helped stop a number of four-pointers throughout the encounter on the left edge, as the home side came home strong from a close 12-8 lead at the break to win the contest by two converted tries.

Earning the Macca's player of the match honours in a narrow choice between him and Jojo Fifita's younger brother Viliami, To'a was proud to get the win after a hard-fought clash.

"It was tough against Auckland. They put on a really good fight," he said.

"Their middles were strong and they had some tough carries, but I’m glad we got the job done."

Coming back from two tries down in the opening 15 minutes, right centre Devin Bates crashed his way over in the 18th minute to kick-start the points-scoring frenzy, followed by Beau Hartmann who was on the end of a well-timed shift from right to left, beating defenders to take the lead at the break.

Only two minutes into the second stanza, Donte Tahuhu-Wilson ran a precise under to have Jimmy McCombie set him up for the Titans' third try.

Auckland reduced the deficit to just four points with 20 minutes to play, before a deft grubber allowed Bates to bag his double to further extend the lead and Jai Bilish added the cherries on top with a skilful scoot from dummy-half to seal the deal.

Earlier, Auckland got the spoils over the Future Titans Under 17 girls, winning 24-16 in a tight affair.

Outside back Carleigh Pio was judged the Macca's player of the match for her brilliance in the centre; meanwhile Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, India Seeto, Yamun Kelly and Danielle Tutakangahau all troubled the scorers with a four-pointer each.