There's no doubting it was a tough afternoon at Robina.
Inspired by a three try performance from David Fifita, the Gold Coast Titans ran away with a comprehensive 42-16 win over the nib Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium.
While the loss is one supporters would rather forget in a hurry, there were plenty of talking points for Adam O'Brien to discuss come his post-match press conference.
Here's what he had to say.
Defensive lapses
This was clearly the most disappointing aspect of today's performance.
The Titans ran rampant throughout the contest, with Fifita nabbing three tries while Patrick Herbert and Corey Thompson both secured doubles.
"It's hard to defend some of that performance defensively," O'Brien said.
"We got exposed on our edges a lot, and some of our combinations got found out.
"I was really concerned with our goal-line D, it was far too passive."
Tough viewing as Titans roll Knights
Impressive Ponga
One shining light from the result was the performance of Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga returned for his first game in 177 days and was by far the best player on the field for the Knights.
Ponga nabbed a try, ran for 179 metres and broke five tackles.
"Other than Fifita, I thought he was the best player on the field with the ball," O'Brien said.
"Every time he had it he looked dangerous.
"To be out for as long as he was, that was probably the aspect of the game that'll let me sleep tonight."
Ponga strikes from long-range
Hat-trick Fifita
The rangy back-rower proved why he is the hottest young talent in the NRL by torturing the Knights down the left edge.
However, O'Brien said the Knights only have themselves to blame after the big man's five-star performance.
"You need to be committed to your defence and turn up with a really good attitude," O'Brien said.
"I'm not singling out any individuals on our edge who were facing David because it starts on the other side.
"If he's getting the ball off momentum, it's going to be a long afternoon."
