Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Keano Kini produced a stunning late match-winner as the Gold Coast Titans beat Brisbane Broncos 28-23 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday to end a five-game losing streak.
The Brisbane Broncos looked set to escape after Adam Reynolds kicked a 73rd-minute field goal, but Kini chipped ahead from 55 metres, stole the ball from Reece Walsh and raced away in the 77th minute.
For more NRL news, read Cowboys survive bizarre moment as Dolphins chase fifth straight NRL win.
Kini Delivers In Closing Minutes
Kini’s try capped a huge finish from the Gold Coast Titans, who also needed their fullback to knock the ball dead in the final moments to stop a last Brisbane Broncos attack.
“Special players do special things,” Titans coach Josh Hannay said.
“We love that young lad because he might drop a ball early but it doesn’t stop him. He keeps going after the contest, and he went after it right to the very end and came up with a special play.
“There’s a lot of good things happening at the club, but winning is the most important. It gives the players confidence and everyone belief in what we are doing.”
Broncos Title Defence Takes Another Hit
The Brisbane Broncos have now lost five games in a row and sit 11th, leaving their title defence under major strain.
Ezra Mam started on the bench after being moved there by coach Michael Maguire, but entered early when Tom Duffy suffered a category-two head knock.
Brisbane Broncos led 12-0 after Brendan Piakura and Kotoni Staggs crossed, before Kurtis Morrin and Phil Sami brought the Gold Coast Titans back into the contest.
Klese Haas and AJ Brimson helped send Jayden Campbell over after halftime, before Campbell added another with sharp footwork.
Duffy later put Jesse Arthars over, and Piakura created the try for Grant Anderson that levelled the match before Reynolds’ field goal. Official updates are available through the NRL website.