The visitors went into the Titans' clash without NSW State of Origin representative Dylan Walker and injured pair Nate Myles (knee) and Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle).
Captain Jamie Lyon was named for a return from a hamstring injury, but was a late scratching before kickoff.
The Sea Eagles started brightly but were made to pay after failing to turn their dominance into points when the Titans opened up a 16-point lead through tries to Luke Douglas, Anthony Don and Josh Hoffman.
Some Tom Trbojevic brilliance in the 33rd minute allowed winger Jorge Taufua to continue his fine scoring form on the Gold Coast but the Sea Eagles still trailed by 12 at the break.
Gold Coast restored a three-try advantage through Ryan James at the start of the second half and were never heeded despite a disappointing 40 minutes that included several handling errors and conceding six penalties.
A seventh victory of the season lifts the Titans back inside the top eight on differential while Barrett's injury woes deepened with hooker Matt Parcell limping off late in the match with a hamstring strain.
Winger Matt Wright was also placed on report late in the game for a high shot on Titans' fullback Will Zillman.Barrett revealed after the match debutant Liam Knight had also suffered an ankle injury.
He failed to play any of the second half.
"I'm not big on excuses but it's pretty obvious we are in a pretty big hole in regards to our injuries," Barrett said.
The Sea Eagles face premiers North Queensland in Townsville next weekend.
Barrett said he was hopeful both Lyon and Cherry-Evans may return to the line-up for the clash with the Cowboys.
"The big thing we are missing is a lot of experience," he said.
"We're down our top three halves in Cherry, Jamie Lyon and Dylan Walker. You're missing Nate Myles, your most experienced player and you're missing your most experienced outside back in Steve Matai."That's reality mate, that's not an excuse.
"Titans coach Neil Henry said the home team bounced back well after last week's loss to Parramatta in Darwin.
"It was important we arrested that tonight and didn't go to two losses," Henry said.
"We knew they'd come up pretty keen after last week. It was up to us to match them and starting 13 did that."
The Titans next face Canberra at home on Sunday.
- AAP
