The Gold Coast Titans concluded their season with a disappointing six wins, mirroring their struggles from 2025. In a nail-biting match on Friday night, they faced off against the Dolphins, who secured a 24-20 victory at Robina, marking their seventh consecutive win.
The clash was marked by an irregular sequence of events that left Titans coach Josh Hannay fuming. Several contentious decisions from the referee sparked frustration among the Gold Coast camp, notably when fullback Keano Kini received a sin-bin for pushing Dolphins winger Tevita Naufahu out of bounds in the 23rd minute.
Hannay criticized this decision, stating it was "incredibly harsh," especially considering how the Titans had conceded multiple penalties earlier without consequence. In contrast, the Dolphins capitalized on Kini's absence, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth scoring during that period, allowing the visitors to lead 14-12 at halftime.
The Dolphins struggled initially, as they had been kept scoreless in the opening 20 minutes for five straight games. Despite these slow starts, coach Kristian Woolf expressed satisfaction with their ability to secure wins, reflecting, "We've won seven games in a row… I am happy."
In the second half, the Dolphins regained momentum, with Tabuai-Fidow scoring a crucial try following impressive passes from halfback Isaiya Katoa and Kurt Donoghoe. Despite a disallowed try for the Dolphins and a thrilling intercept from Titans' Jayden Campbell, who rushed 70 meters to score, the game ended with the Dolphins prevailing.
Noteworthy performances included Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who scored twice, and Jamayne Isaako, who completed the season as the leading points scorer. Isaako finished the regular season with 288 points and played his 96th consecutive game for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins will now have to address their slow starts as they advance to the finals, where they will face either Penrith or the Warriors away.