John Cartwright hailed the Gold Coast’s victory over the Sydney Roosters as one of the best in club’s short history as his injury-hit side stunned the NRL high-flyers on Sunday.
The Titans had to seek permission from the NRL to breach the second-tier salary cap so they could field a side and Cartwright’s players stood up to the challenge and sealed a 30-22 win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the finals.
Bookies were offering $14 on a Titans win with the Roosters paying a $1.03 with one punter losing $30,000 on Trent Robinson’s side.
“You only had to look at what the two sides were paying if you like a bet on your footy, it was a bit of a one-way street,” Cartwright said.
“We showed plenty of character and grit considering we had close to a full side sitting on the bench.
“It would be right up there (as one of the best) considering who we had out and they were full strength at their home ground and not a lot went out way.
“We had to get permission from the NRL for Jordan Atkins to play as we had spent our bottom tier. We have 19 healthy players in the club so there wasn’t much they could do.”
A win over Melbourne next Sunday could secure a spot in the top eight for the Titans if other results go their way and Cartwright said they had nothing to fear going to AAMI Park.
“Melbourne are still a great side but we have seen over the last few weeks that they are beatable,” he said.
“They were beaten last night and whether that is good or bad I don’t really know.
“But it does show that if you get on your own game and pressure the opposition anything can happen.”
Ex-Rooster Brad Takairangi came back to haunt his former side with a storming performance that saw him score the decisive fourth try for his side having earlier set up Anthony Don’s four-pointer with a brilliant flick pass.
The 24-year-old centre, who can also operate in the back-row, was forced out of the club following the signings of Michael Jennings, Sonny Bill Williams and Luke O’Donnell on the eve of the season.
The Cook Islands international said he held no malice towards the Roosters but did admit it was satisfying to get one over his old team.
“I left here on good terms and I still have a lot of friends here but it was definitely sweet to win against them,” Takairangi said.
“There was a big queue of players here and an option for me to cement my spot in an NRL team.
“It’s been a good move for me.
“It was just before the first trial so it happened pretty fast but I am very settled on the Gold Coast with my young family.”
The only sour note on a good day for the Titans was the injury to Queensland star Myles who heard a crack in his ankle after being hit high by Sam Moa, who was placed on report.
“He’ll have an MRI tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good,” Cartwright said.
Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson was fuming after the game but adamant they could turn things around ahead of next week’s minor premiership decider against South Sydney.
“It hasn’t been good, hasn’t been up to standard. We’re about to find out how good we really are.
Willy D
Guest
Dave Taylor was outstanding! MoM for me!!
Riley Fletcher
Guest
A Titans team, with 1 out of 5 of their regular backline, as well as missing their starting Lock and 2nd Rower, and Ioane, still managed to beat "The best team in the comp". If only the Titans didn't get riddled with injuries, they'd surely be in the Top 5, possibly going for a Top 4 Spot. They were going great until the Idris injury, and slumped up until a few weeks ago. They should of beat the Warriors at home, that was an embarrassing loss, and getting one over the Cowboys was a much needed win, yet despite all odds they failed. If they make the top 8, it will be both a miracle and a deserved placing. I say goodluck to the Titans, and hope both the Knights and Cowboys lose, with a win to the Warriors! That'd do me!!
Pot Stirrer
Guest
What a shambles, A near full strength rooster side with the SOO halves and couldnt beat the depleted titans. Give Ingliss the Trophy now
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Yes Ryan James has finally started to live up to his potential. If only he and Dave Taylor could play good consistent footy like that each and every week. And Johnny Cartwright, stop talking, hand in your resignation, we need a new coach next year
The Koomz
Guest
Ryan James to replace Tamou as Blues and Kangaroo prop!
jack
Guest
Good on the Titans, but what a disgraceful team effort by the roosters they have just shown they are not grand final material another team that needs to have a good look at itself is Cronulla how can a team play so completely different in a week they also wont be there on grand final day. Three teams are now playoff certainties Souths Manly and Storm jack
oikee
Guest
The Titans were wonderful, but why was that spear tackle not put on report. Did we just not see O'Donnell get charged for a lifting spear tackle. ? Mate he had his arm around the leg. Gus really has to stop crooning over Sonny, he is embarrassing our code. Sonny is going back to Union, along with 3 other players all now off to union. Bringing Sonny back was a huge mistake to this code. It will haunt this code for years.(another brown bag deal) The Rabbits are going to roll over this mob, and the Burgess boys are coming to get ya Sonny (4 of em), not going to be so Sonny next weekend, hahahahaha.