Sets up easy win
A common theme throughout the first half was that one six-again call was quickly followed by another.
Rule changes during the NRL’S coronavirus hiatus included the way ruck penalties were awarded.
The move was designed to cut down on wrestling in the ruck, however it became clear it would take some adjusting to for the playing group.
With no chance to recompose themselves and their defensive line, frequently the teams were penalised consecutively for the same thing.
The lack of a crowd definitely took something away from the experience.
But football was still to be played and the Cowboys and Titans tuned out the absence of noise to focus on the field.
Without thousands of fans cheering them on, the 34 players were still able to pack a punch with each hit-up and put their feet to the floor once in open space.
Jake Clifford stepped into the No.7 jersey with skipper Michael Morgan on the sidelines.
The Cowboys needed a halfback to steer the ship and control the game, a feat Clifford achieved.
The 22-year-old forced four dropouts to keep the pressure on the Titans.
There was nothing flashy, nothing risky, just a cool head to let his forwards do their job and his backs to finish the job.
It has been a disrupted start to life as a Cowboy, but young gun hooker Reece
Robson showed his vast potential at QCB Stadium.
Long earmarked as a player of the future, the 21-yearold was a constant menace for the Titans’ defence, eventuating in two tries – his first NRL points as a Cowboy.
In the lead-up to game day, Paul Green said he had been pleased with his side’s attack prior to the suspension.
What he was searching for was more intent in defence.
It’s clear he got what he asked for.