Dolphins recruit Herbie Farnworth scored in an impressive club debut but Wayne Bennett's men have plenty to work on after a 26-14 win over an understrength Gold Coast.
The Dolphins recruited Farnworth for his genuine strike power as a centre and didn't have to wait long for him to unfurl his talents at a sold out Sunshine Coast Stadium.
In the eighth minute Farnworth carried four Titans over the line after a slick ball from No.6 Isaiya Katoa.
The England international played 60 minutes, mostly at right centre, and his combination with winger Jamayne Isaako looked promising.
Farnworth played 20 minutes at fullback in the second half and looked equally at home.
"I thought Herbie looked really good," Dolphins assistant coach Kristian Woolf said.
"Him and Jamayne have a great combination on that right edge. I think Herbie enjoyed going back and playing a little bit of fullback as well.
"He wanted to get his hands on the footy and was very involved early. It looked like he enjoyed it."
The Dolphins were error-riddled in the first half and were stunned by the Titans.
Gold Coast half Tom Weaver is in a race with Tanah Boyd to wear the No.7 jersey in the NRL and made an early statement with a cut-out pass that was tapped on by centre Aaron Schoupp for winger Tony Francis to score.
The Titans didn't field their big names but received mammoth displays from several rising young players..
Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, younger brother of Titans captain Tino, was the best forward on the field in the first half while 19-year-old prop Josiah Puhulu turned in a powerhouse opening.
Gold Coast gave Jaylan De Groot a crack at fullback and he dazzled with his running game. De Groot set up Francis for his second try with a cut-out pass to give the Gold Coast a shock 8-4 lead after 40 minutes.
The Dolphins took the lead when veteran prop Jarrod Wallace crashed over under the posts.
Dolphins recruit Jake Averillo, who came off the bench at left centre, put impressive winger Jack Bostock over to increase the lead.
"(Averillo) has got great acceleration, speed and skill. He's a great player," Woolf said.
"I thought Tesi Niu was really good as well, as was Jack Bostock. That competition (for outside back spots) is still going. There's another trial next week to see how it goes."
Valynce Te Whare, who replaced Farnworth at right centre, set up winger Brenton Baira with slick hands.
Titans second-rower Klese Haas was put on report for a hair pull on Dolphin Gerome Burns.
