Playmaker helps team overcome Gold Coast
First match for Warriors highlighted by second half try which levelled the scores
They did it the hard way. After opening the scoring through an early Johnson try, they quickly let the advantage slip, with the Titans snatching a pair of tries to Dale Copley and Daniel Vidot out wide on the left.
A try from Fusitu’a saw the Warriors reclaim a two-point lead only for Elgey to score twice in three minutes to put the visitors ahead 22-12 lead at halftime.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored a much-needed try early in the second-half that set the Warriors on course for victory and afterwards was pleased both with Foran’s contribution and the cohesion among the side’s key playmakers.
“When he [Foran] steps up, we just run off him, because that allows Shaun and I to run free and find opportunities, and Foz directs us.”
The Warriors dominated possession and territory throughout the second half but despite some promising attack, poor execution and determined Titans defence held them at bay.
Foran provided the circuitbreaker, bringing the crowd and his teammates to life after breaking through to dive over for their fourth try, with Johnson's conversion setting up a heart-stopping finish.
All eyes were on Foran to cap a fairytale return off the boot, but it was Hoffman who clinched the result and sent the crowd into raptures, with Johnson’s fourth conversion icing the cake.
Foran admitted to being short of a gallop after such a long layoff but was already looking forward to next Sunday’s home encounter against the Eels outfit he captained last year.
(Shaun Johnson, David Fusitu'a, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kieran Foran, Ryan Hoffman tries; Johnson 4 cons)
Warriors 28 Titans 22
(Dale Copley, Daniel Vidot, Kane Elgey 2 tries; Ash Taylor 2 cons, Tyrone Roberts con).