"But with the side the boys had in front of them, in terms of their responsibility and getting their jobs done, they did that pretty well."
The Warriors repelled a strong start from the visitors and posted tries to 18-year-old lock Isaiah Papalii and right wing Tui Lolohea, before Titans centre John Olive crossed to help narrow the margin to 10-6 at halftime.
The Warriors had several chances to extend their lead but a lack of polish let them down, but second-half tries to David Fusitu'a and James Gavet gave them space before vice-captain Simon Mannering's late score sealed the win.
The match was a positive first hit-out for Mannering, and fellow forwards Issac Luke and bench front-rower Jacob Lillyman, after the trio all missed the NRL Auckland Nines and last week's trip to the Sunshine Coast.
"Simon, he just steadies everything down," said Kearney. "He's someone if I was playing alongside I'd feel safe.
"Jacob too was very strong. He came on and got a cork in his quad but carried the ball well and got some play the ball speed for us."
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck came through unscathed in his second match back from the ACL knee injury that ruined last season.
The 23-year-old was again safe under the high ball and made a number of threatening runs while also providing the final pass for his side's first three tries.
As he did against Melbourne, star halfback Shaun Johnson produced some strong tackling to contain Titans captain Ryan James and halfback Kane Elgey and also contributed three conversions.
Young five-eighth Ata Hingano was solid and on form remains the frontrunner to start round one in the absence of Kieran Foran.
Centre Solomone Kata let himself down with a couple of unforced errors but should have a chance to redeem himself against the Knights.
Warriors 26 (Isaiah Papalii, Tui Lolohea, David Fusitu'a, James Gavet, Simon Mannering tries, Shaun Johnson 3 cons)
Gold Coast Titans 6 (John Olive try, Ashley Taylor con)
