Josh Hannay hasn't mucked around in his first NRL gig, giving the Titans roster an almighty shake-up as he attempts to find that elusive winning formula.
Gold Coast have had more comings and goings than just about any team over the summer – and few can argue with Hannay's move after the club narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last season.
Although debuting as an NRL head coach, Hannay has served an excellent apprenticeship at both NRL and State of Origin level and appears the right man for the job.
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There's so much talent in the Titans' ranks, they score some fine tries – but they struggle to put rival teams away and stay in the contest for 80 minutes.
The backline oozes speed and the Titans are as quick as any team in the NRL across the turf.
Throw young PNG sensation Cooper Bai – a red-hot prospect – into the mix and the tries could be flowing in 2026.
AJ Brimson, Keano Kini, and Jayden Campbell are all world-class playmakers and have the ability to make breaks themselves and set up their outside men.
Campbell is fast developing into an elite No.7 but his hamstring injury this week is a cruel blow.
The club has signed players more for depth than to make the starting 17, with only winger Max Feagai and Kurtis Morrin likely to be regulars in the opening rounds.
Halfback Lachlan Ilias, at his third club in as many years, will get a chance at some stage and could be a handy acquisition.
With Kieran Foran retired, a cool head is required to lead the team around the paddock and Campbell, Brimson and Ilias will all be vying for the job.
The formidable duo of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Beau Fermor are the key men in the forwards and if the rest of the big men follow their lead, the Titans could cause some surprises.
2026 gains: Max Feagai (The Dolphins, 2027), Lachlan Ilias (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2027), Kurtis Morrin (Canterbury Bulldogs, 2027), Oliver Pascoe (2027), Luke Sommerton (Penrith Panthers, 2027), Jensen Taumoepeau (2027)
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
2026 losses: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London Broncos), Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui (Catalans Dragons), David Fifita (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (retired), Carter Gordon (rugby union), Brian Kelly (Parramatta Eels), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (New Zealand Warriors), Ken Maumalo (retired), Sean Mullany (Mackay Cutters), Josiah Pahulu (Melbourne Storm), Sam Stephenson (retired), Thomas Weaver (Castleford Tigers)
Best buy: Kurtis Morrin seems the ideal No.14, fills several positions and comes from a good culture at the Bulldogs.
It's a big season for: Jayden Campbell, who will have to really step up as a playmaker following the retirement of wily halfback Kieran Foran.
Biggest question mark: Can Hannay change the culture of the Titans in his first season and get the players focussed on winning games and away from the nightclubs on the glitter strip?
Finish last year: 16th
Predicted finish: 17th
Best 19 man squad
1. Keano Kini
2. Max Feagai
3. Phillip Sami
4. Tony Francis
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. Kurtis Morrin
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Interchange
14. Chris Randall
15. Arama Hau
16. Keenan Palasia
17. Klese Haas
18. Luke Sommerton
19. Lachlan Ilias
Odds to win comp: $51
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