New coach Brian McClennan’s tenure at the helm of the Warriors has started with a convincing 26-10 win over Gold Coast in an NRL trial in Auckland.

McClennan, who took over after the departure of Ivan Cleary to Penrith at the end of last season, saw his side run in five tries to two at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

It was the first trial of the year for both clubs, who were missing several frontline players through involvement in the match between the Indigenous All Stars and the NRL All Stars or because of injury.

The Titans were quick out of the blocks and scored on their first possession, winger Joe Vickery climbing above the defence to pull in a Beau Henry kick and dot down.

The Warriors responded immediately, with winger Konrad Hurrell scoring with his first touch in the club’s senior team, before Lewis Brown crossed after a determined run to put the home side ahead.

Hooker Nathan Friend, up against his former club, set up the Warriors’ third try with a slick dummy-half break that was eventually finished off by James Maloney.

Fullback Glen Fisiiahi then chimed in an 80-metre solo effort, which was converted by Maloney to make it 20-6 after just half an hour.

In the third quarter, both McClennan and Gold Coast counterpart John Cartwright made use of their expanded benches.

The Titans began getting more into the contest and one of their substitutes, utility Jamie Dowling, closed the margin with a try.

However, the Warriors had the final say when winger Bill Tupou scored after a 80-metre run of his own.

The Titans’ next trial game is next Saturday against Brisbane on the Gold Coast, while the Warriors will be in action the same day against South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.