The Bulldogs seized the advantage for the first time when winger-turned-middle forward Jayden Okunbor found a hole in the defence after a set restart at close range in the final three minutes.
Fa’asuamaleaui faces a nervous wait for the match review committee’s charge sheet after raising his forearm on Reed Mahoney as the Bulldogs hooker attempted a tackle.
He then upended Tevita Pangai jnr with a dangerous throw.
The Titans captain was placed on report for the second incident but appears likelier to face fines than bans.
Fifita opened the scoring by barging over down the short side in the third minute and despite a quieter second half is a strong chance to start on an edge for the Maroons if Felise Kaufusi is suspended.
Fa’asuamaleaui helped the Titans extend their lead just before the break when he pulled his arm free of the five defenders and offloaded to Joe Stimson.
Reed Mahoney and his Bulldogs teammates celebrate Jayden Okunbor’s (bottom right) winning try.Credit: NRL Photos
Mahoney was placed on report for a hip-drop-style tackle on Moeaki Fotuaika, swinging around and bringing Fotuaika down in an awkward position, though the Bulldog later said he didn’t think the tackle qualified as a hip-drop infringement.
“I didn’t think it was,” Mahoney said.
“But that’s what they’ve seen at the time. I definitely didn’t agree with him (the referee) but it’s something they’re trying to stamp out so I understand that.
“There probably does need to be a bit more clarity but I didn’t think it was as bad as what it looked.”
Tries to Jake Averillo and Jacob Kiraz came directly after Burton’s signature bomb kicks, while Addo Carr’s was on the back of the halfback’s line break.
Okunbor snatched a win at the death that hoists the Bulldogs off the bottom of the ladder. The loss continues the Titans’ recent trend of second-half fades.
“We again found a way to not win a game. We did everything right,” said coach Justin Holbrook.
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“You don’t lead 14-0 and not know what you’re doing. We’re just finding ways to come unstuck.
“We were in complete control of the game and we didn’t win it. I feel awful.”
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