2025 Preview: Gold Coast Titans

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Hamish Parker returns to look at the lowly Titans and whether Des Hasler's second NRL campaign at the club can offer better results.

The Gold Coast Titans prepare to embark on season two under premiership winning coach Des Hasler, with the men from the glitter strip undoubtedly hoping for a far less turbulent campaign than 2024 turned out to be.

Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was struck down by an ACL injury which saw him miss just about the entirety of the season, before David Fifita's contract saga, which nearly saw him in Roosters colours this year, was dragged out publicly for several weeks.

No doubt their leader's return to the field will provide a much-needed boost to an outfit seemingly looking for the season's finish line at the back end of 2024, a year in which the Titans failed to play finals football for a third consecutive season.

Still, there were bright spots in 2024 for the Titans, with New Zealand fullback Keano Kini bursting onto the scene and making the spot at the back his own. Add to that the mid-season signing of rugby convert Carter Gordon, who by all reports is training exceptionally in the pre-season and will push for a debut early in 2025.

It gives the Titans a touch of class they haven't had in previous years, with the likes of Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson other important cogs in a side that has been perennially inconsistent.

That class coupled with plenty of exciting attacking weapons could very well see the Titans in the fight for the finals in 2025 if they can string some consistent performances together with the foundations of Des Hasler's structures having already been set in his first year.

Why they'll win it

The sheer quality of players in this roster is something that could give the Titans an edge over other teams fighting for a spot in the bottom half of the top eight.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why this hasn't given the Gold Coast more finals representation in recent seasons, but with players like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Reagan Campbell-Gillard leading the way in the pack, Kini at the back, the strike of Brimson and Khan-Pereira on the edges, it's difficult to see them not at least being a real attacking force.

There is more quality in this roster than most others in the NRL, and with a star-studded forward pack, the Titans shouldn't have a heap of trouble getting into good field position. That is where Kieran Foran can look to capitalise by utilising his outside men like Beau Fermor, AJ Brimson and even Jayden Campbell who will likely play a role standing two men off the ruck.

With so many attacking weapons right across the park, if the Titans can just get these players quality ball, they could be a force in this competition.

Why they won't

Having the strike this side has means little if defensively there is not significant improvement.

The Titans are a relatively young side, but regardless, most of their young talent has had a few years of experience in the NRL to warm to the competition's demands.

It is sink or swim time for certain players in this side, and that means that defensive commitment needs to be at the forefront of this squad's philosophy.

However, at this stage, there hasn't been evidence to suggest the Titans' talent as a squad will take them where they want to go, and defensive liability could be their downfall again in season 2025.

2025 fixture list

Key Players

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is the obvious key player in this side, with his leadership and contribution on both sides of the ball sorely missed last season. Having someone that gets through all of the ‘one percenters' at a high click, and demands the same from those around him will only benefit this squad.

Jayden Campbell will get an opportunity in the halves, and it will be up to him to prove the six jersey should be his, with AJ Brimson and Carter Gordon other options he will likely start the season in front of. It's time for Campbell to take his game to the next level and be a consistent performer, and if he can do that, he will be incredibly important to the Gold Coast this season.

Kieran Foran is also key to unlocking this side's immense potential. Foran, with all his leadership and class, just needs to be a steady hand and distribute quality ball to the team's strike weapons on the edges.

Rookie Watch

One of the most intriguing rookies to watch in the game in 2025 will be Carter Gordon. He comes across from rugby union, having represented the Wallabies, and has been training in the halves and everywhere in the backline.

Where he fits in remains to be seen, but don't at all be surprised to see Gordon running out for the starting 13 in the not too distant future.

Outside backs Sam Stephenson and Jaylan De Groot are young guns to look out for as well, whilst halfback Zane Harrison guided Palm Beach Currumbin to a National Schoolboy Cup title in 2024 and has huge wraps on him at just 18 years of age.

Player movement

IN: Carter Gordon (Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Parramatta)

TOP 30: AJ Brimson, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Beau Fermor, Ben Liyou, Brian Kelly, Carter Gordon, Chris Randall, David Fifita, Harley Smith-Shields, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Jaimin Jolliffe, Jayden Campbell, Jaylan de Groot, Jojo Fifita, Josiah Pahulu, Keano Kini, Ken Maumalo, Kieran Foran, Klese Haas, Moeaki Fotuaika, Phillip Sami, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Foran, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tony Francis

OUT: Tanah Boyd, Erin Clark (Warriors), Isaac Liu (Leigh), Keenan Palasia (Leeds), Seth Nikotemo (Wakefield), Joe Stimson (Brisbane Tigers), Thomas Weaver (unsigned)

DEVELOPMENT: Arama Hau, Sam Stephenson, Tukimihia Simpkins, Zane Harrison

Round 1 Team

1.     Keano Kini
2.     Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3.     AJ Brimson
4.     Brian Kelly
5.     Jojo Fifita
6.     Jayden Campbell
7.     Kieran Foran
8.     Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9.     Sam Verrills
10.  Moeaki Fotuaika
11.  Beau Fermor
12.  David Fifita
13.  Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

14.  Chris Randall
15.  Jaimin Jolliffe
16.  Josiah Pahulu
17.  Klese Haas