Laybutt’s pass hits the ground, allowing Fifita to recover the ball. Securing a try at this moment could be pivotal, as the Titans have been controlling the game in recent minutes.
Brimson maneuvers through the defense, eyeing the try line, but Drinkwater manages to bring him down just in time. On the final play, Campbell’s kick is mishandled by Burns, giving the Titans another chance to attack.
Campbell opts for a short pass to De Groot, who skillfully delivers a one-handed pass to Sami, leading to a try in the corner for the Titans. This well-orchestrated play from Gold Coast puts them on the scoreboard, although Campbell misses the conversion, making it 12-4 in favor of the Cowboys.
Clifford catches a high kick and sends a pass back to Cotter, who crosses the line; however, referee Adam Gee disallows the try due to a forward pass, and further complicating matters, Cotter is also deemed offside.
The Titans narrowly evade a setback and continue to stay competitive. A deflection from Taulagi gives the Titans a fresh set of tackles as they advance into the attacking zone.
A high tackle allows them to build some momentum. On the last tackle, Brimson attempts a delicate kick through, but Ieremia struggles to convert the opportunity into points.
The Cowboys resume play from their 20-meter line. A set restart propels them back into scoring territory. Purdue breaks from dummy half and connects with Clifford, who charges through for an easy try, demonstrating a weak defensive effort from the Titans. Drinkwater’s successful conversion stretches the lead to 12-0 swiftly.
As the Titans receive the kickoff, Taumalolo loses possession while attempting to return the ball, placing the Titans back into an attacking position. However, they fail to capitalize and turn the ball over after an error late in the set, allowing the Cowboys to maintain their lead.
Drinkwater executes a perfect 40/20 kick, placing the Cowboys back in an advantageous position. Shortly after, Luke offloads to Taumalolo, who forces his way over for a try, marking his first score in four years. Drinkwater converts, putting the Cowboys ahead 6-0.
The Cowboys initiate the game, moving from right to left. Despite their recent struggles, I predict a Cowboys victory by ten points, with Jason Taumalolo expected to score first.
Gold Coast has made a couple of adjustments, with Lachlan Ilias benched, AJ Brimson shifting from center to halfback, and Jaylen de Groot taking a position out wide. Sam Verrills will start at hooker, while Oliver Pascoe moves to the bench, and Josh Patson enters the second row with Arama Hau now on the sidelines.
The Cowboys make a single change, adding John Bateman to the bench and dropping Kaiden Lahrs.
Another Thursday night means another live blog for fans. Tonight features an all-Queensland matchup as Gold Coast takes on North Queensland.
This clash holds significance as the Cowboys seek redemption following an astonishing loss where they allowed 82 points against the Roosters last week, marking one of the most significant defensive failures in league history.
The Titans, motivated by recent improvements, are eager to secure another win. Stay tuned for the live blog to keep updated with all the latest statistics, as well as our live radio coverage.
