Thanks to a masterclass from Lauren Brown, Gold Coast defeated the Sydney Roosters 26-6 in a brutal NRLW match with a hint of spite.

On the same day Brisbane overcame a half-time deficit to beat the winless Wests Tigers 44-14, the Titans regained their authority as NRLW heavyweights.

Titans halfback Brown scored two tries and contributed to two others with her excellent kicking. Last year’s only finalists from the top four were those who played for and against.

Roosters midfielder Jayme Fressard and Titans second row Shaylee Bent were both sent off in the second half after an all-out brawl broke out.

Titans five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono was also sent off in the fourth minute for dangerous contact with Roosters centre Isabelle Kelly, who left the field for a HIA but later returned.

Roosters mainstay Millie Elliott also suffered a bloody nose and was given a HIA after making a tackle in the first half.

Elliott returned to the field but her presence was not enough to inspire the Roosters, who made all the mistakes they could.

Brown, who was ill when she lost to North Queensland last week, led the show from start to finish in Robina on a 30 degree day on the Gold Coast, which was more suited to the beach.

Titans winger Emily Bass scored the first try after some show-and-go from Brown in the build-up. Powerhouse fullback Evania Pelite fired over the line just before half-time to give the home side an 8-0 lead in a half they dominated.

Brown took control after the break, grabbing herself to score, sending Pelite over for her second with a sublime pass, and then doing it all by herself to split the Roosters defence and score.

Roosters fullback Sam Bremner scored a consolation try in the closing stages, but the afternoon took a turn for the worse for the visitors when Fressard was forced to leave the field with a lower leg injury.

Titans mainstay Shannon Moto led a formidable pack, while Pelite was always a tricky rider at the back.

Brisbane also recorded a 3-2 record and moved into the top four after overcoming an early 12-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers.

With Sarah Togatuki powering through the middle and producing offloads, the Broncos found themselves on the back foot early on.

But Brisbane turned the tide, throwing the ball downfield eight times in a row, with Ali Brigginshaw and Chelsea Lanarduzzi both making brilliant comebacks.

Julia Robinson scored a crucial 90-metre try with the Tigers on the attack and leading 14-6 just after the break, completely changing the face of the game.

MONKEY