NRL: Storm took foot off the pedal - coach

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was critical of his players' attitude after the NRL premiers surrendered a match-winning 16-4 lead to lose to Gold Coast at Skilled Park last night.

The Titans, who were vulnerable on the right edge where Anthony Quinn scored three times in the first half, did not put another point on the Gold Coast, who won 20-16.

"At 16-4 at halftime, that's a pretty good lead for us," said Bellamy, who was not making any excuses for the Storm's first loss of the season.

"We seem to get comfortable (in the second half), which is not a trait I like in a footy team. It's not a trait we've been guilty of too often, but I think we might have been."

Melbourne pride themselves on their ability to put teams away but Bellamy pointed the finger squarely at his players for thinking the job was done after 40 minutes.

"They rolled through us quite easily (after halftime) and made really easy metres," said a disappointed Bellamy.

"You know when you come here they're a good defensive side and they have a great record at home. I wouldn't say it was an ambush.

"We expect a tough game every week and we prepared for a tough game. We didn't think it was going to be easy, we just don't do that."

Bellamy, who is also the NSW Origin coach, was impressed with Titans No.6 Greg Bird's second-half efforts, which he conceded made a difference to the result.

Bird and veteran Mat Rogers were heavily involved in the Titans comeback, Bird scoring a crucial try and having a key role in another.

Titans coach John Cartwright agreed it was Bird's best game for the club and a sign he was finding his feet again after a tough 18 months of personal dramas.

"That's his type of game. He relishes it, the harder, the grittier the more it suits him," said Cartwright.

It was clear Cartwright felt the win was special and would have long-term benefits the club.

"I don't think there's any such thing as a defining win but this will build a fair bit of self belief."

Apart from tipping Bird to win a State of Origin recall next month, Cartwright gave his young centre Joseph Tomane a glowing report card after his disappointing game against the Cowboys the previous weekend.

Tomane, who left the Storm at the end of 2009 to play for the Titans, scored a powerhouse try which included running over Melbourne fullback Billy Slater in the process.

"He didn't have a good game last week and he made a few errors again tonight.

"He's only a young fella, but what he brings to us is something we haven't had before.

"He's as exciting as any centre in the game."

* In last night's other match, St George-Illawarra Dragons outclassed the struggling Brisbane Broncos 34-16 at WIN Stadium.

- AAP