Key Three: De Groot delivers in debut as errors prove costly for Titans
After a promising start to the game, the Titans have gone down to the Newcastle Knights 36 - 14 at McDonald Jones Stadium this afternoon.
Down by 8 points at the half, the Titans had few answers for the fast-finishing Knights as they ran in 5 tries in the second half to claim victory.
Strong displays from Jojo Fifita, Beau Fermor and debutant Jaylan De Groot were silver linings for Gold Coast fans, but errors and penalties continue to plague Des Hasler’s side.
Here are the key three talking points from the game.
De Groot delivers in debut
Named to debut late in the week in place of an injured Keano Kini, Jaylan De Groot became Titan #192 in the Hunter Valley this afternoon.
De Groot looked impressive with ball in hand, supporting Jayden Campbell to score his first NRL try in the seventy-first minute.
The 21-year-old looked right at home in the Titans backline, making 174 metres from 19 runs with five tackle breaks.
A product of the Future Titans pathways, Jaylan has impressed this season as fullback for Titans feeder club the Ipswich Jets.
Errors prove costly yet again
The Titans were their own worst enemy in sweltering conditions, conceding five penalties and making eight errors to gift Newcastle valuable field position.
Despite completing at 85% for the game, the Titans were unable to capitalise on their opportunities to catch the Knights, letting in seven tries after a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes.
Both sides were willing in defence, but it was the Knights who made the most of their opportunities in the match.
Jojo continues purple patch
Jojo Fifita has continued his strong form in 2024, running for a game-high 272 metres from 22 runs.
The 21-year-old was solid under the high ball and made several try-saving tackles to keep his team in the game.
Scoring the Titans’ first two tries this afternoon including an impressive solo display, Fifita now has eight tries for the season.
The Titans will look to finish their 2024 season with a victory this Saturday as they take on the Penrith Panthers at BlueBet Stadium at 7.30pm.
