Hand of Kev inspires Titans to record win over Cowboys
A rejuvenated Kevin Proctor produced a miracle try assist as the New Zealand international and fullback Alexander Brimson continued the Titans' revival under rookie head coach Justin Holbrook.
Gold Coast edged closer to avoiding the wooden spoon - and emerged as the leading Queensland side in this year's competition - with a commanding 30-10 win over the struggling Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.
The off-contract Proctor engineered one of the most remarkable tries of the season when he swatted a Jamal Fogarty kick back infield at full stretch leading to a Brian Kelly try as the Titans ran in six tries to two.
It revived memories of Greg Inglis' famous flick over his head leading to Mark Gasnier's try for Australia in the 2008 Centenary Test against New Zealand at the SCG.
The Titans' win - their biggest over North Queensland - continued promising signs under Holbrook, who will welcome Brisbane behemoth David Fifita, Melbourne young gun Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Newcastle's Herman Ese'ese to the holiday strip next year.
Brimson bagged two tries and played a part in others in just his second match back from a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to injury, one of his four-pointers coming from a rapid inside ball from Proctor.
Proctor scored his own try as Cowboys captain Michael Morgan's own comeback from injury was a sour one, just three days after he became a father for the first time.
Interim coach Josh Hannay's unhappy stint at the helm of the Cowboys following Paul Green's exit continued as his side trailed 20-0 at the break.
Proctor's remarkable effort to keep Fogarty's kick in play only added to their pain three minutes into the second half before wingers Kyle Feldt and Justin O'Neill added a shred of respectability to the scoreboard.
Kevin Proctor of the Titans was at the centre of one of the most remarkable tries of the NRL season.Credit:Getty
Anthony Don scored his 84th career try for the Titans, which pushed two-time defending premiers the Roosters to the edge last week.
GOLD COAST TITANS 30 (Alexander Brimson 2, Anthony Don, Kevin Proctor, Brian Kelly, Phillip Sami tries; Jamal Fogarty 3 goals) defeated NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 10 (Kyle Feldt, Justin O'Neill tries; Feldt goal) at Cbus Super Stadium. Referee: Chris Sutton.
Sport newsletter
Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.