The Gold Coast Titans produced a stunning comeback to sink the Newcastle Knights 24-20 at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night, May 9, 2025. Trailing 20-0 late in the first half, the Titans managed to claw their way back into the contest with four unanswered tries, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The Knights, riding high after a dominant 30-4 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the previous round, appeared to be in control early in the match. Their momentum was evident as they drew first blood with a penalty from Kalyn Ponga just three minutes into the game. The home team further asserted their dominance when back-rower Dylan Lucas broke through a weak tackle from Titans’ Jayden Campbell to score the first try in the 17th minute.
Seven minutes later, Fletcher Sharpe, the Knights’ five-eighth, capitalized on a left-edge raid to score his seventh try in eight games this season, pushing Newcastle’s lead to 14-0. The Knights continued to apply pressure, and a crashing try from bench forward Mat Croker in the 31st minute extended their lead to a seemingly insurmountable 20-0.
However, the Titans showed they weren’t ready to back down. Just before halftime, they managed to regain some momentum with a try from centre Phil Sami, allowing them to close the gap to 20-4 as the teams headed into the break.
As the second half unfolded, the Titans came out with renewed energy. Sami scored his second try just seven minutes into the half, reducing the deficit to 20-12 and igniting hope for the visitors. The Titans’ captain, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, was celebrating his 100th NRL game, and his teammates were determined to make it a memorable occasion.
In the 67th minute, AJ Brimson scored his first try of the night, bringing the Titans within two points at 20-18 after Jayden Campbell successfully converted the try from near the sideline. The Knights were now feeling the pressure, and their situation worsened when winger Greg Marzhew limped off with an injury in the final ten minutes, leaving Newcastle with a makeshift backline.
With the clock winding down, the Titans completed their remarkable comeback. Alofiana Khan-Pereira kicked ahead, and Brimson won the race to the ball, scoring the match-winner in the 78th minute. This was a pivotal moment for the Titans, as they took the lead for the first time all game, finishing the match at 24-20.
Brimson’s double not only secured the victory but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure. After the game, he commented on the team’s resilience, stating, “We just kept believing in ourselves. The game isn’t over until the final whistle, and we showed that tonight.”
The victory marked the Titans’ third win of the season and provided a much-needed boost for coach Des Hasler, who faced speculation about his future at the club. “It’s a great feeling to get this win, especially after being down by 20 points. The boys really dug deep,” Hasler said post-match.
Meanwhile, the Knights will be left to ponder what went wrong after such a promising start. The defeat is a significant blow to their aspirations of climbing the ladder, especially after their recent form. Coach Adam O’Brien expressed his disappointment, stating, “We had control of the game and let it slip away. We need to learn from this and come back stronger.”
As the NRL season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match. The Titans will take confidence from their comeback, while the Knights must regroup and address their defensive lapses to ensure they don’t suffer similar setbacks in the future.
In other NRL action on the night, the South Sydney Rabbitohs were set to face off against the Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium, with both teams eager to secure vital points in the competition. As the Rabbitohs struggled to find their rhythm early, the Broncos took an early lead. Adam Reynolds kicked a penalty goal to put Brisbane up 8-0, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
With the NRL season heating up, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense rivalries as teams vie for a better position in the standings. The Titans’ dramatic victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of rugby league, where anything can happen until the final whistle blows.
