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Titans fume as Warriors nick NRL points

Gold Coast were left fuming after they felt they were denied a penalty in the dying minutes of their 24-22 NRL loss to the Warriors on Saturday.

Winger Kevin Gordon could only plant the ball on the deadball line as he stretched every sinew to haul in a loose ball in the dying minutes.

But the Titans believed they should have been awarded a penalty for what they feel was a blatant attempt to slide into Gordon with the legs by Warriors five-eighth Thomas Leuluai.

In what could be a crucial result for the Titans' finals hope, coach John Cartwright didn't hold back with his thoughts about the lack of a decision from the officials.

"It's blatantly obvious," Cartwright told reporters.

"They've made a rod for their own backs with the subjective penalties they give.

"That's there for everyone to see. The blatant sliding in with the legs while the guy's going in for the try is a penalty. It's not only a penalty - it goes on report.

"It's hard to put into words what I'm feeling, to be honest."

Gordon's desperate act was the final play in a thrilling contest between two teams in need of the win for different reasons.

The Titans were hoping to cement their spot in the top eight before tough away matches against Sydney Roosters and Melbourne.

The Warriors needed the points to keep their finals hopes alive after three losses on the spin.

After falling behind 16-6 in the first half, the Warriors stormed back thanks to a Jerome Ropati double and a brilliant solo effort from Konrad Hurrell.

Warriors coach Matt Elliott said his team had found a way to get the win despite their nervous finish.

"We probably shouldn't have been in that situation, to be fair," Elliott said about the dramatic finish.

"Essentially, I was pretty proud of the boys' effort the whole game. We just could have handled and managed that last 10 minutes a little bit better."

Elliott was also left speechless by a refereeing call which had fullback Kevin Locke placed on report for a dangerous throw following a mid-air collision with David Mead.

The Warriors also played without centre Dane Nielsen for the second half due to a shin injury but Elliott was confident he'll be in contention for next week's clash with Canberra.

Cartwright has more pressing concerns with Mark Minichiello (eye socket), Ashley Harrison (broken hand) and Jamie Dowling (hip) all suffering injuries in the match.

AAP

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