2024 Preview: Gold Coast Titans

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Hamish Parker looks at the start of the Hasler era at the Gold Coast in 2024.

Fifteen months on from Des Hasler's unceremonious departure from the Sea Eagles, the two-time premiership winning coach is about to embark on his first season with the Titans.

Since trading the Northern Beaches of Sydney for the beaches of South-East Queensland, the decorated mentor has already made tough calls that some would say only he could make.

Notably, the highly publicised decision to move arguably the club's best strike weapon in AJ Brimson to the centres is the type of resolution to the Titans' spine conundrum that not many other than the ‘mad scientist' could reach.  

It means that promising youngsters like Jayden Campbell and Tannah Boyd can both fit into the starting thirteen alongside Brimson, who is set to play his one hundredth NRL game in round one and has represented Queensland on four occasions.

This suggests Kieran Foran's 282 NRL appearances will be invaluable experience to the spine, who's other three members in Campbell, Boyd and hooker Sam Verrills boast only 162 appearances combined.

The forwards, though relatively young, continue to improve out of sight. The addition of grand finalist Keenan Palasia, as well as the return of Beau Fermor from an ACL injury only strengthens what was already a formidable pack.

Why they'll win it

If anyone can rectify the defensive struggles that have become synonymous with the Gold Coast Titans, it has to be Des Hasler.

Given those defensive struggles that saw them concede 653 points last season can be fixed, then the Titans could very well be a dangerous side in this year's competition.

Scoring points has never been the issue over the course of the last few seasons, with the dynamic play of their outside backs able to capitalise on the field position their star-studded forward pack are more than capable of providing.

The likes of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Moaeki Fotuaika and David Fifita provide plenty of punch and should be able to get on top of most other forward packs in the competition.

In addition to those three Queensland Maroons representatives, Keenan Palasia, fan favourite Jaimin Jolliffe and one-time Maroons squad member Beau Fermor round out a daunting proposition for rival packs.

Talented hooker Sam Verrills should be able to make use of his speed around the ruck with stars laying the platform in front of him, which in turn will also allow his quick service to the likes of Kieran Foran and Tannah Boyd to prove lethal if the opposition is on the back foot.

The strike of AJ Brimson on the edge, companied with the speed of Jayden Campbell and Alofiana Khan-Pereira out the back of shape will mean the Titans' attack will be humming in 2024.

Why they won't

Inconsistency has marred the Titans' recent seasons, and it is likely that same curse may continue to haunt them in 2024.

Inexperience in key positions is glaringly obvious when casting an eye over the roster assembled on the Gold Coast.

The spine consists of three of those rather inexperienced players; Jayden Campbell, Tannah Boyd and Sam Verrills.

The highest capped of those three, Tannah Boyd, has chalked up just 60 NRL games to date, with Verrills just behind on 59.

2024 may mark a year where these up and comers become more accustomed to the top grade, but with that comes plenty of mistakes and hard lessons.

Player movement

Key players

Having touched on the inexperience in the spine, it leaves little doubt that the Titans will be relying heavily on veteran half Kieran Foran to steer the ship this season.

His organisation and ability to square up the attack will be a cornerstone to any success coming to the Gold Coast in 2024.

In order to allow Foran the luxury of playing on the front foot, star captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moaeki Fotuaika will need to win the battle in the middle.

Along with barnstorming second rower David Fifita, Beau Fermor and Keenan Palasia, the forward pack should be more than capable of laying a fantastic platform.

If those forwards can do that job, Sam Verrills' quick distribution will make for a lethal combination when paired with quick play-the-balls through the middle of the park.

Rookie watch

Boasting a number of talented rookies in the ranks, the one most likely to step up this season is halfback Tom Weaver.

The Cudgen Hornets product possesses a noted kicking game, having averaged just over 491 kicking metres in just 3 NRL games to date.

At 20 years of age, Weaver has plenty of football in front of him, and if the Titans can hang onto him, he is the most obvious successor at this stage to Kieran Foran when he decides to hang up the boots.

Keano Kini is the other to look out for. A strike fullback possessing sheer speed, agility and footwork, Kini has impressed already in his 6 NRL games.

Do not be surprised to see Kini being Campbell's replacement at the back should injury strike the son of club great Preston, rather than AJ Brimson.

Kini possesses similar traits to that of Campbell, but with more bulk to his frame already and plenty of time still to grow at the age of 19, it would be surprising not to see Kini starting at fullback in the not too distant future; if not at the Titans, then elsewhere.

Round 1 team

1.     Jayden Campbell
2.     Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3.     AJ Brimson
4.     Brian Kelly
5.     Phillip Sami

6.     Kieran Foran
7.     Tannah Boyd

8.     Moeaki Fotuaika
9.     Sam Verrills
10.  Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11.  Jacob Alick
12.  Beau Fermor
13.  Erin Clark

Interchange: 14.  Chris Randall, 15.  Keenan Palasia, 16.  Jaimin Jolliffe, 17.  Isaac Liu

2024 fixture list

All times AEST (QLD local)