Key three: Inspirational skipper helps Titans dethrone Knights to keep Cbus streak alive

But they then hit their stride with an impressive opening try by Jojo Fifita in the 15th minute; before further four-pointers to Jayden Campbell and Beau Fermor got the lead to beyond three tries by the 60th minute.

David Fifita brought up his 50th career try in style in the 68th minute; sealing victory to bank their first win of the season - jettisoning back into the top eight after three rounds with the Roosters in sight next Friday night in Sydney.

Here are the key talking points from the Round 3 clash:

Ponga 'suffocation' keeps Knights dethroned at Cbus

Des Hasler called for his side to limit Kalyn Ponga's time and space with the ball and that's exactly what the Titans did.

Having been a key catalyst to Newcastle's 2-0 start to lead the Dally M count at the beginning of the round, Gold Coast kept the running machine at bay through the entirety of the night - which thwarted the visitors' ability to penetrate and score points.

The remarkable quest to keep the Queensland dynamo quiet helped extend their incredible record against the Knights to now a 10-year winning streak at Robina - the Novocastrians not having been able to win on the Gold Coast since 2015.

Tino's inspiring return home leads defensive masterclass

It's hard to believe it's been 378 days between games at Cbus Super Stadium for Fa'asuamaleaui, who put in a herculean effort in his second game back from an ACL injury.

With plenty of mullets in the crowd to celebrate his return, the Titans leader made 140 running metres, two offloads and 29 tackles across a solid 55-minute stint to inspire his troops and help lead them to victory.

Only conceding the one try in the final minutes of the game - the side came up with a number of gritty defensive plays in the red zone to frustrate the visitors and keep them to nil across the 80 minutes.

Adam, how's your ribs?

It didn't take long for Titans fans to be entertained at home with one of the great bone rattlers by Moeaki Fotuaika in the opening set of the game.

Usually known for his big back fence carries from the kick-off, the 143-gamer showed what he can deliver in defence, absolutely laying out Newcastle's Adam Elliott in a shot that will be replayed time and time again as a contender for tackle of the year.

The prop bounced back from a stomach bug through the week to deliver a solid performance across two stints - making 100 metres and 33 tackles; including that absolute bellringer in one of the first collisions of the game.