Halfback Albert Kelly was the chief beneficiary as Gold Coast’s plan worked to perfection in their stirring 24-12 NRL away win over Canberra on Sunday.
Widely lambasted for their porous defence in a 42-12 home loss to Wests Tigers last week, the Titans looked a totally different and much more determined side at GIO Stadium.
They virtually tackled themselves to a standstill as they clung onto a 14-12 lead late in the second half.
With the clock showing less than five minutes left, Kelly displayed great opportunism to clinch the game for his tiring side.
Two late breakaway tries to the nippy halfback broke the Raiders hearts and rewarded the Titans for their stout defensive endeavours.
“That was the plan to defend well and hopefully make them make a mistake before us and we capitalised on it,” Kelly told AAP.
“The ball bounced into my hands and I finished it off.”
His brace of tries swelled his tally for the season to four in three games. “Last year was a pretty good start (for me), I was hungry and this year I am even hungrier to start better,” Kelly said.
“It’s just working on the finer points of my individual game, defence and attack, both sides.
“I’m learning every day.”
dallas
Guest
Yea even if they give him a spot on the bench first up and see how he goes. He can play half, 5/8,hooker, fullback and probly on thw wing if he had to. He would definitely be a worry for the qld forwards late in the game more so than reynolds. He is a good defender aswell
moleman
Guest
haha Mac could not agree more, Perace has had 5 series of chances... Maybe that is the x factor NSW needs when the game is close like that, a lil bit of Alby magic just like Qld have Inglis and Thurston
Mac
Guest
Hopefully we'll see this kid playing for NSW in the not too distant future. If only his last name was Pearce ;)
TGGOA
Guest
Very good player is Albert Kelly, all the skills, good to hear hes looking to improve on the little things. A shame to see Idris leave the Titans, they couldve formed one of the great partnerships, anyways good win Titans.