The Josh Hannay era on the Gold Coast is off to a successful start after the Titans toppled the Dolphins at a sold-out Kayo Stadium on Thursday night.
The visitors played with a physical, defensive mindset to showcase the toughness Hannay has spent the summer building within his squad.
New recruit Lachlan Ilias and rookie halfback Zane Harrison pulled the strings in an impressive outing for the Titans.
The visitors dominated the first half to hold a 10-0 lead at the break before the Dolphins fought back in the second.
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Welcome back Flegler
Inspired by the return of Tom Flegler from a 677-day injury lay off, the hosts hit the front courtesy of tries to the prop and emerging talent Zac Garton.
From there, Harrison took over and the halfback orchestrated an exceptional finish to the game for the visitors.
Three tries in the final 15 minutes saw Gold Coast turn a 12-10 deficit into a 24-12 victory in their opening game of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge.
Follow all the action from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com’s live blog.
Dolphins v Titans at Kayo Stadium
Full-time: The Josh Hannay era at the Titans is underway with a win after his side produced an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Dolphins at a sold-out Kayo Stadium. The visitors were dominant throughout the first half and jumped out to a 10-0 lead before the Dolphins came storming back to take a 12-10 advantage. Rookie halfback Zane Harrison then took over and the Titans scored the final three tries of the clash to claim a 24-12 victory. Dolphins 12 – Titans 24.
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Kurtis Morrin Try
79th minute: Gold Coast have slowly turned the screws throughout the past 10 minutes and the Dolphins eventually cracked under the pressure. A one-on-one strip led to another Titans attacking opportunity, with Kurtis Morrin crashing over from close range to seal an impressive win for his side. Dolphins 12 – Titans 24.
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Phoenix Steinwede Try
70th minute: The Titans have made it two tries in four minutes, Phoenix Steinwede picking up a loose ball and going over in the corner. The four-pointer came after the visitors rolled down the field and forced a repeat set of six with an attacking bomb. They now lead by six with less than 10 minutes to play. Dolphins 12 – Titans 18.
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Dean Ieremia Try
66th minute: The Titans have capitalised on good field position courtesy of a penalty, with halfback Zane Harrison orchestrating a well-executed short-side play. Jaylan De Groot produced a superb pass under pressure to winger Dean Ieremia who put his side back on top. Dolphins 12 – Titans 14
59th minute: Now it’s the Titans turn to lodge a Captain’s Challenge after they were ruled to have knocked the ball on. The Bunker has ruled it was a strip and Gold Coast receive a much-needed penalty from deep inside their own half. Dolphins 12 – Titans 10.
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Zac Garton Try
56th minute: The Dolphins have made the most of the extra man and have hit the front for the first time tonight. Zac Garton ran a superb line to step off his left foot and charge through a big gap to score the try. It’s been an impressive second half from the hosts, with Kristian Woolf taking off most of his starters and turning to the next generation. Dolphins 12 – Titans 10.
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Thomas Flegler Try
51st minute: This time the Dolphins break through and it’s a fairytale return for Tom Flegler who crashes over from close range. The prop was denied by desperate Titans defence moments ago, but produced a big hit to win back possession for his team and he’s been rewarded with a try in his first game since April 2024. Dolphins 6 – Titans 10.
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De Groot sent to the bin
47th minute: A Felise Kaufusi error brought an end to the last attacking opportunity but the Dolphins are back on the attack and they have a one-man advantage after Jaylan De Groot was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. Conditions are tricky in the rain, but the next 10 minutes will go a long way towards determining the outcome of this match. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
44th minute: The Dolphins have lodged a Captain’s Challenge, alleging a late tackle by the Titans. Replays show they are bang on the money and they receive a penalty, with Tony Francis placed on report for the late, high shot. The hosts have a prime attacking opportunity now to cut the deficit. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
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Welcome back Flegler
Kick-off: Heavy rain is falling at Kayo Stadium as the second half gets underway and it’s a special moment for Dolphins forward Tom Flegler. The 26-year-old has ended a 677-day stint off the field after suffering nerve damage in his shoulder in Round 5 2024. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
Half-time: That’s time on an impressive 40 minutes by the Gold Coast Titans. Halves Lachlan Ilias and Zane Harrison have pulled the strings, while the forwards have muscled up in defence to force the Dolphins on to the back foot. The hosts have struggled to handle the relentless pressure and their ball control has let them down throughout the first half. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
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What a take from Taumoepeau
31st minute: Just as the Titans were looking to build some sustained attacking pressure, the Dolphins defence stood tall to force an error. It was a crucial defensive stand for the hosts, who are looking to close the gap before the break. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
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Averillo gets things going
25th minute: We’re off to the Bunker for the first time tonight, with Jamayne Isaako diving over in the right corner. The ball looked to have received a touch from a teammate before reaching the winger and video replays confirmed it went forward off Elijah McKay’s hand before Isaako plucked it out of the air. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
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The Titans show some grit
20th minute: Selwyn Cobbo is doing his best to inspire his side in his first appearance as a Dolphin. The centre came up with a barnstorming carry to earn his team some attacking territory. A few plays later and Cobbo produced a tip-on to winger Tevita Naufahu. The youngster raced for the corner, but was unable to beat the desperate Titans cover defence and spilled the ball. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10.
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Moeaki Fotuaika Try
14th minute: The Titans have all the momentum now and they’ve gone back-to-back. An excellent set after points led to an attacking kick, which Dolphins fullback Jake Averillo dropped. The error handed the visitors a fresh set of six and Mo Fotuika crashed over from close range to extend his side’s lead. Dolphins 0 – Titans 10
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Lachlan Ilias Try
11th minute: It’s been an end-to-end start to the contest and it’s the Titans who strike first. An error handed the visitors a chance to attack and they were contained until the last tackle, when Max Feagai grubbered the ball back in field as he was being bundled into touch. Lachlan Ilias stayed alive on the inside and won the race to ground the ball in the in-goal. Dolphins 0 – Titans 4.
Kick-off: The second week of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge is underway at a sold out Kayo Stadium, with Isaiya Katoa leading a star-studded Dolphins side as they take on the Titans. Five-eighth Lachlan Ilias has a chance to impress in his first game for Gold Coast, while boom rookie Cooper Bai starts at lock.
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Tino’s focus turns to footy
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Dolphins v Titans: Week 2
Late Mail: No changes for the Dolphins, with Tom Flegler set to play his first game in 677 days as he completes his comeback from a nerve injury in his shoulder. Tom Gilbert is also in line for his first match since Round 11 2025 after rupturing his pectoral. One change for the Titans, with interchange forward Jett Liu ruled out after suffering a head knock at training this week.