The Gold Coast Titans became the second team to concede 50 points in the first round of the NRL season on Saturday – effectively ending their chances of winning the comp. But thankfully they won’t lose inspirational skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to suspension after he escaped with a fine for a shoulder charge.
The Titans were woeful in a 50-10 loss to the Cronulla Sharks, and coach Josh Hannay has flagged more pain to come. No team has ever won the competition after conceding 50 points in a game that season.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was in hot water after the Sharks put 50 points on the Titans. Image: AAP/Getty
The Titans were little chance to go all the way in 2026, but the 50 points conceded against the Sharks has effectively ended their season after just one game. They became the second team to suffer the fate in Round 1 after Parramatta lost 52-4 to Melbourne on Thursday night.
To make matters worse, Fa’asuamaleaui was seemingly facing a stint on the sidelines for a shoulder charge on Blayke Brailey. Fa’asuamaleaui rushed out of the line and hit Brayley with what appeared to be a blatant no-arms tackle after the Sharks hooker had passed the ball.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui hit Blayke Brailey after he passed the ball. Image: Fox League
Fa’asuamaleaui was placed on report, but escaped with a fine on Sunday. The match review committee hit Fa’asuamaleaui with a Grade 1 offence and a $1500 fine.
“It doesn’t look good when you watch it back,” Jared Waerea-Hargreaves had said on Fox League. Cooper Cronk added: “I don’t think it’s in the multiple-weeks suspension [range]. He might just miss one or two (games).”
Briton Nikora also copped an $1800 fine for dangerous contact on AJ Brimson, while Tukimihia Simpkins was fined $1000 for a high tackle.
Josh Hannay’s grim prediction for Titans’ season
Hannay’s arrival in the off-season had brought hope for the Titans, as well as the re-signings of Fa’asuamaleaui, Jayden Campbell, Cooper Bai and Beau Fermor. But the Sharks brought them crashing back to earth.
“Physically, we were beaten to the punch,” Hannay said after the game. “When we were under pressure, some bad habits popped up.
“Win or lose tonight, tonight wasn’t going to define us this year. I know this playing group are capable of better, but I’ve also said to them, there’s going to be pain. You don’t know when it’s going to present, but there’s going to be pain for us this year. We’re on a journey here.
“I don’t for one moment accept the performance or the result, it doesn’t sit well with me or the players at all, but the reality is, we’re going to have nights like tonight. Our response to nights like that is probably more important than anything.”