Key Three: Sharks streak snapped as Titans claim honours in Coffs

It’s two on the trot for the Titans, with the Gold Coast side’s hot form continuing with victory over Cronulla in Coffs Harbour.

The Titans won 20 points to 16, backing up the last start 66-6 demolition against the Warriors with another strong performance.

With torrential rain prior to the game and a slippery deck, the Titans ball control and completions were the difference as the side put in a polished performance against a side that has been entrenched in the top-eight for the majority of the 2024 season.

Keano Kini was brilliant yet again.  He’s almost featured in every one of our key three wrap ups in the last month, so tonight we’ve looked elsewhere – but it doesn’t mean Keano was any less impressive.  The classy fullback had 24 runs for 196 run metres and again proved a threat.

Let's take a look at our key three from tonight's win in Coffs.

Sharks streak snapped as Titans continue hot form

Anyone who lives on the Gold Coast knows that the Queensland glitter strip has well and truly got Cronulla covered as the place to be.  However, on the football field in recent years it’s been the boys from The Shire who have had the advantage.  The Sharks had won nine straight games against the Titans and had never lost a match at Coffs Harbour.  Those streaks are snapped.  It also snaps a run of six straight losses in New South Wales for the Gold Coast side and sees the Titans claim back-to-back wins for the first time this year.  The pundits say that 13 wins will get you into the finals, maybe even 12.  The Titans now sit 5-10 with nine games to go.  Believe, Titans fans.

Foran the fine wine

It feels like we write this every second week in 2024, but again Kieran Foran showed that despite being one of the elder statesmen of the NRL he is still one of the most dangerous on any given night.  The 33-year-old pulled the strings, expertly guiding his side around the park.  Foran scored the first try of the match through a brilliant solo play to capitalise after the Titans built sustained pressure and field position.

He then set up the second try, with Chris Randall running a wonderful hole – his game continuing to grow at lock. 

In commentary, the Fox Sports team not only commented on Foran’s influence in attack but highlighted just how courageous he is in defence, as he continued to put his body in front of Cronulla’s big edge forwards.  His 300th game is fast approaching – we can’t wait to put together the highlights reel for him.

Beau the go as a utility option for Queensland

We know Moe will be there.  We hope Dave will be there.  But we also think there is a strong case for Beau Fermor to be there when Billy Slater names his Queensland side for Origin 3.  The Titans backrower was again shuffled into the centres with Phil Sami a late withdrawal with injury.  Fermor again showed his versatility.  He was strong in attack, but again showed that he has the speed and defensive ability to play one spot wider than usual as an outside back.

Add to that, a tackle that Blocker Roach called in commentary "probably the tackle of the season" from Fermor to stop a late Cronulla charge, and it was a strong audition from the 25-year-old.