Dolphins overcome Titans with stunning second half
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The Dolphins produced the equal biggest comeback win in Premiership history as they beat the Titans 28-26 on Sunday afternoon.
Things had looked grim for Wayne Bennett's side at the end of an opening 40 minutes in which they had just 38 percent of the ball and were outscored four tries to one, but come the second 40 minutes the Titans had no answer for their energy and relentless attack.
The Dolphins' interchange was a key difference, with bench men Mark Nicholls and Jarrod Wallace getting the scoring going early in the second half, in addition to each running for over 100 metres.
Here come the Dolphins
After earlier blowing two golden scoring chances, – the first of which saw him fall and surrender to a last tackle, and the second a knock on in-goal – Robert Jennings then got over for his second try, which Jamayne Isaako converted from the sideline, to make it a two-point game with 15 to play.
Euan Aitken's try six minutes from time secured a memorable victory for the competition newcomers at Suncorp Stadium.
Earlier the Titans ran riot in the first half, with tries to Chris Randall, Isaac Liu, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Tanah Boyd setting up what looked a likely winning lead at the break.
Tino walks it in
But they were made to pay for a sloppy second half which saw them allow the Dolphins too much second phase, while their goal-line defence failed to absorb pressure when the heat came on.
It marked the second 26-point comeback for a victory in Premiership history, following on from the Cowboys' 36-28 over the Panthers in 1998, which came after North Queensland had trailed 26-0 after 43 minutes.
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 8 -
home Team
Dolphins
7th Position
away Team
Titans
11th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match Snapshot
- The game changed thanks to the impact of the Dolphins' interchange, with Mark Nicholls running for 115 metres in addition to a try, and Jarrod Wallace setting up a try, scoring one and powering through 154 metres.
- The Titans completely dominated the first half, enjoying 62 percent possession and completing 18 of 20 sets to lead 26-6.
Wild finish in Brisbane
- In his first game back from a layoff with a hamstring injury, AJ Brimson caused problems for the Dolphins' defence, running for 192 metres and making three line breaks from fullback.
Randall opens the scoring
- In a worrying trend, the Dolphins have now conceded 122 points in their past four games.
- Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has won 12 of his past 13 games coaching against the Titans.
Play of the Game
Most will still be wondering how Jarrod Wallace held onto this ball, and had he spilled it over the line instead of grounding it there is every chance it would have killed off his side's momentum at a key time.
Wallace scores a wonder try
What They Said
"Not much [was said at half-time]. They showed some wonderful qualities, they had to, they put themselves in that place. I was obviously pleased with that. The way they went out and re-grouped themselves in the second half and played the whole second half, it was excellent and a complete contrast to the first half." – Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett.
Dolphins: Round 8
"Extremely disappointed. We completely got dominated in that second half, they just got on a role, offloading the ball, we were just camped down on our try-line and then did a few reckless things ourselves. [Changes to the team] are something we have got to look at." – Titans coach Justin Holbrook.
Titans: Round 8
What's Next
The Titans head to 4 Pines Park, where they boast three wins in their past four trips, to face the Sea Eagles up next, while the Dolphins are bound for Wagga Wagga where they'll play the Raiders for the second time in 2023.
