An error-riddled Melbourne have dropped a second straight NRL game, Gold Coast the benefactors in oppressive heat to prevail 38-34 at home.
Trailing 24-12 just prior to halftime, a Storm error opened the door and a late Brian Kelly try breathed life into the Titans' cause at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
Two more unforced Storm knock-ons to begin the second half allowed Joe Vuna and Aaron Schoupp to run away for tries, while Tariq Sims coughed up a ball on his 20m line and Schoupp no sooner had his second.
That put the Titans up by 10, but a late Xavier Coates try proved another twist with less than four minutes to play.
But two-try winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira tackled Will Warbrick into touch and a Trent Loiero shoulder charge was the final nail in the Storm's coffin.
Twelve tries were scored in all, Melbourne completing just 24 of 37 sets and making 16 errors to go with eight penalties.
Victory was crucial for a Gold Coast side that faded badly against St George-Illawarra last week, while the Cameron Munster-less Storm's problems mount after a loss to Canterbury.
Things were looking up earlier when debutant five-eighth Jonah Pezet dummied and skipped around Aaron Schoupp for the Storm's first try, his delight obvious in front of family after a 2021 move from Newcastle.
The 20-year-old has been dubbed Cameron Munster's heir apparent after a starring role for NSW in last year's under-19 State of Origin drew great praise from Andrew Johns.
His competent first-half performance was part of a wild 40 minutes played in oppressive heat, with Titans halfback Kieran Foran hooked, captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui reported for a shoulder charge and Jahrome Hughes also reported for his late bump on Tanah Boyd.
Khan-Pereira had two early tries, his second a solo effort that left rival winger Warbrick blushing and clutching at air.
But poor ball security undid their good work, regular mistakes piggy-backing the obliging Storm.
Tariq Sims also scored under the posts with just his second touch on club debut, while fullback Nick Meaney also scored twice.
Foran was eventually recalled with 20 minutes to play - Jayden Campbell shifted from the halves to left centre - and Gold Coast's defence came good when it counted to seal the win.
