Titans star given standing ovation for sin bin in fiery finish
Updated . First published
A “shocking decision” and a late sin bin have cruelled the Titans in a 24-20 loss against the Dolphins.
At Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night, the Titans were out to a strong 14-0 lead in the Queensland derby before Keano Kini was sin-binned for a professional foul.
Jack Bostock and AJ Brimson’s aerial contest. Fox League
Kini’s departure in the 22nd minute led to a Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow try before that was followed by a controversial Herbie Farnworth four-pointer.
Before Farnworth scored, the Dolphins had taken the ball back off a kick with AJ Brimson ruled to have knocked the ball on in a kick contest with Jack Bostock.
The Dolphins had three tackles before Farnworth pierced a gap in the Gold Coast defence and went over the line.
Immediately, the replay showed the contest with Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach saying it was a “lucky call” for the Dolphins.
As more replays came, his criticism grew stronger.
“That’s a shocker, that’s a shocking decision,” he said on Fox League.
The contest was too far back in the tackle count for the Bunker to overrule the decision and therefore the try stood with the Titans leading 14-12 at half-time.
After the break, the Dolphins surged ahead to a 24-12 lead following tries for Ray Stone and Tabuai-Fidow.
The Titans put themselves in the hunt with eight minutes left when Jayden Campbell scored an intercept try to tighten the margin to four points.
With just under two minutes left, the home side was attacking the line when Mo Fotuaika ended any chance of a comeback.
The Titans prop was hit hard and put on the ground before offloading, then copped a big hit to the back from Kurt Donoghoe.
Fotuaika slapped Donoghoe over the head which led to a melee between the sides.
The contact from Donoghoe was cleared which led to a sin bin for striking against the Titans prop.
Moeaki Fotuaika hits Kurt Donoghoe over the head. Fox League
Despite the punishment, the home fans sounded their appreciation for Fotuaika.
“A standing ovation from the Titans fans,” caller Matt Russell said.
On Saturday morning, the NRL’s match review committee offered Fotuaika a $3000 fine.
The Dolphins finished 24-20 winners as they now prepare for an inaugural finals campaign.
