Titans deliver statement win over knights as Campbell & Tino star

The Gold Coast Titans have recorded their first victory of the 2025 NRL season with an emphatic 26-6 win over the previously unbeaten Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.

Led by a standout performance from Jayden Campbell and a powerful display from skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the Titans overcame hot and humid conditions to deliver one of their most complete performances under coach Des Hasler and as the $1.82 bookmaker favourites.

Campbell scored a try, kicked five goals and was involved in everything, while Fa’asuamaleaui laid the foundation with relentless effort through the middle.

The pair were instrumental in the Titans’ first-half dominance, with the hosts taking a 12-0 lead into the break and extending it to 26-0 before the Knights managed a late consolation.

“It was the response we were looking for after last week,” Hasler said post-match. “I thought we managed the game well. The spine was particularly good, and the forwards laid a strong platform.”

The Titans absorbed early pressure from the Knights, defending their line with purpose before striking through Jojo Fifita in the 17th minute.

Campbell crossed for a solo try just before halftime, then added two penalty goals to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Second-half tries to Beau Fermor and David Fifita put the result beyond doubt.

NRL Round 3: Titans v Knights highlights

Fa’asuamaleaui, who was instrumental in both attack and defence, said the team had taken last week’s loss to heart.

“It hurt massively… but we worked hard during the week, and I’m glad it paid off. That’s only the start — we’ve got to keep building,” he said.

Newcastle Knights were left to rue a litany of errors and ill-discipline, particularly in the opening half, where they squandered several attacking opportunities.

“We didn’t come here without effort, but we put it into the wrong areas,” Knights coach Adam O’Brien said.

“We chased big plays instead of sticking to what works for us. It’s a lesson we’ll take into the bye week.”

Knights captain Kalyn Ponga admitted his side lacked patience.

“The energy was there but we made errors that put pressure on ourselves. It’s disappointing because we know we’re better than that,” he said.

While Newcastle will look to regroup after their first loss of the year, the Titans have a short turnaround before facing the Roosters next Friday night — a challenge Hasler says they’re now better placed to meet.

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