Brendan Piakura knocked out trying to score as Broncos seal Des Hasler's future

Brisbane's 26-14 win over the Gold Coast Titans was soured by a scary moment when Brendan Piakura was forced to go off the field after appearing to score a try.

Piakura chased after a kick in the 11th minute and put the ball down but slammed his head into the turf and didn't get up.

The second-rower was awarded a try as teammates checked on him.

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"He's not in a good way here, Piakura," Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.

However, the decision was sent to the Bunker with Piakura ruled to have knocked the ball on as he left the field with an obvious bruise.

The Broncos star was ruled out after failing his HIA.

Prior to that incident, Adam Reynolds kicked a penalty goal in the third minute to deliver a lead.

It was a dour affair for most of the second half with another penalty goal this time to the Titans.

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Broncos forwards Ben Talty and Jack Gosiewski scored late to make it 14-2 at the break.

Reece Walsh crossed when play returned but the Titans made it interesting with a Jojo Fifita double.

Billy Walters putting the icing on the cake in the 61st minute to seal a Brisbane win.

The Titans have won concern with Moeaki Fotuaika on report for a high shot early in the match.

The loss for the Gold Coast means a contract clause for Des Hasler can be activated.

The club can part company with Hasler now that it's mathematically out of the hunt for the eight. It's been widely reported Hasler will retire anyway.