North Queensland Cowboys defeat Gold Coast Titans 30-8, bounce back from heavy loss

North Queensland Cowboys rebounded from last week’s 82-12 thrashing by defeating Gold Coast Titans 30-8, moving into the NRL’s top eight. The Cowboys led 18-4 at halftime despite the Titans dominating possession and territory. Halfback Jaxon Purdue was sin-binned but returned to score a 70-metre try and set up another win. The Titans lost their second straight match, remaining in the bottom four. Coach Josh Hannay’s gamble shifting AJ Brimson to halfback backfired, while the Cowboys moved closer to securing a finals berth.