In a thrilling encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Gold Coast Titans pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat the Newcastle Knights 24-20 on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Titans, who were staring down the barrel of a sixth consecutive defeat, rallied from a daunting 20-0 deficit to secure a much-needed victory, marking a pivotal moment in their season.
The match started off poorly for the Titans, as Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga opened the scoring with a penalty in the third minute. The Knights quickly followed up with their first try in the 17th minute when back-rower Dylan Lucas broke through a tackle, giving Newcastle a 6-0 lead. Just seven minutes later, Fletcher Sharpe scored his seventh try in eight games this season, extending the Knights' lead to 12-0. Mat Croker then crashed over for another try, pushing Newcastle ahead 20-0.
However, the Titans were not ready to give up. With their backs against the wall, they began to claw their way back into the match. Phil Sami got the Titans on the board with a try just before halftime, leaving the score at 20-4. This momentum shift proved crucial as the Titans entered the second half with renewed determination.
Seven minutes into the second half, Sami scored again, narrowing the gap to 20-12. The Titans' resurgence continued when AJ Brimson crossed the line for his first try in the 67th minute, with Jayden Campbell converting from near the sideline to bring the Titans within two points of the Knights.
As the match approached its final minutes, the Knights faced a setback with winger Greg Marzhew limping off with an injury, leaving Newcastle with a makeshift backline. This proved to be the turning point in the game. In a dramatic finish, Alofiana Khan-Pereira kicked ahead, and Brimson won the race to score the match-winner in the 78th minute, sealing a stunning 24-20 victory for the Titans.
After the match, Titans coach Des Hasler expressed his relief and optimism, stating, "It’s a start. It’s a really good start, considering where we were at half-time, and what we had to do and overcome." This victory not only ended the Titans' losing streak but also provided a much-needed boost to their confidence.
On the other side, Knights coach Adam O’Brien was left frustrated by his team’s performance. He admitted, "It’s a bit embarrassing, to tell you the truth," acknowledging that his players fell apart late in the first half and struggled to regain control after the break. Newcastle skipper Kalyn Ponga echoed this sentiment, saying, "At the end of the day, it’s not good enough ... everything just seemed to compound."
In a further boost for the Titans, veteran playmaker Kieran Foran could make his first appearance of the season next week against Canberra. Foran, who has been sidelined due to a ruptured biceps suffered during the pre-season trials, is expected to undergo a fitness test, with Hasler indicating there is a “very good chance” he will be ready to play.
The Titans also celebrated a milestone as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui marked his 100th NRL game with a win. Hasler dismissed speculation about his future and that of other key players, stating that the headlines were “tomorrow’s fish and chip wrappers” that were outside his control.
With this victory, the Titans have the opportunity to turn their season around, and the upcoming match against Canberra will be crucial. The Knights, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back from this disappointment and maintain their position in the league standings.
This match showcased the unpredictability of the NRL, with the Titans demonstrating resilience and determination to fight back from a seemingly impossible position. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the season progresses, and both teams will be looking to build on their performances in their upcoming fixtures.
As the Titans celebrate their comeback victory, the stage is set for an exciting matchup next week, with both teams eager to prove themselves in the competitive landscape of the NRL.
