EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer floats radical AJ Brimson position switch to revive Titans after dismal season

Gold Coast will finish this season as one of the NRL's biggest underachievers, but it's not all doom and gloom heading into next year.

With a quality roster that boasts strike weapons in the spine and a representative-level forward pack, many were expecting the Titans to rise up the ladder under Des Hasler.

But the premiership-winning coach's second year at the helm will end in familiar fashion, with the Titans looking destined for a bottom-four finish.

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Hasler's future at the club is on shaky ground and all signs point towards Gold Coast making yet another change in the head coaching role for 2026.

Who they appoint to replace him will be a crucial decision if the Titans are to rise off the bottom of the table and turn themselves into a finals force.

Josh Hannay and Willie Peters are the next cabs off the rank when it comes to untested NRL head coaches, while Brad Arthur has runs on the board from his time with the Eels.

Then there's more outside-the-box choices like Michael Cheika, Sam Burgess or even the Walker brothers who are all keen to become full-time NRL coaches.

Whoever it ends up being in the coach's box next year, there are positives and negatives to the dreaded Titans job.

Attracting and keeping talent will be at the top of the priority list.

David Fifita has already signed with a rival club once before backflipping on a big move to the Roosters and remaining with the Titans, but his up-and-down tenure feels like it could be coming to an end unless something drastic happens over the off-season.

Then there's skipper and forward leader Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who has a reported clause in his contract that could see him become a free agent from November 1.

For the club's sake, both enforcers must stick around because there are some genuine green shoots that could emerge with the right coaching and balance within the top 30 roster, which should only need minor tweaks to become a top-eight side.

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The remarkable form of Keano Kini last year resulted in the pint-sized fullback earning an international debut, where he starred for the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships.

Kini's absence due to injury has been keenly felt this year, but it has also accentuated the fact that the Titans have depth in the No.1 jumper that other clubs could only dream of, leading to criticism that the roster is too heavy on fullbacks.

AJ Brimson, who has played there at State of Origin level, has slotted back into the role, while young speedster Jaylan de Groot has had a couple of chances there.

It's also no secret that Jayden Campbell is a gun fullback, but the Titans have morphed the second-generation star into a full-time halfback this year.

That move is starting to bring the best out in Campbell, despite the poor results from a team perspective and it's almost a certainty that he will remain in the halves next season and beyond. However, the long-term plans for Brimson once Kini returns to the fold aren't as clear.

The looming retirement of Kieran Foran does open up a vacancy to play five-eighth, but according to Maroons legend Darren Locker, there could be another positional gamble worth taking when it comes to the dynamic Brimson.

"Kieran Foran retires and it's always been trying to fit five into four," he said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

"I would put Kini at fullback and I would put Campbell in the seven - or Tom Weaver - and put Brimson into nine. I still think Brimson could be really dynamic at hooker.

"Brimson can do like a Billy Walters [role], but he's too good to not be in the team."

Contracted until the end of 2030 on a lucrative contract, it would be a huge transition to take a long-time fullback or five-eighth and play him in the middle of the field.

Sam Verrills and Chris Randall have both spent time at hooker and are signed with the club for next season, but a switch for Brimson could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Aside from juggling the spine, Gold Coast are blessed with some quality young players chipping away in reserve grade and biding their time for a debut.

Cooper Bai - the son of Storm great Marcus - recently featured in the U19s Origin game and looks a player of real promise, while young centre Sam Stephensen has crossed for eight tries in as many games this year for the Tweed Seagulls.

Then there's highly-touted playmaker Zane Harrison, who is still a little while off being ready for the rigours of full-time first grade footy but is starting to get used to playing against men in the Hostplus Cup and looms as a long-term halves option.

Rugby convert Carter Gordon is also still in the background, but the former Wallabies star hasn't played a game this season as he recovers from a spinal issue.

The 24-year-old is capable of filling a variety of roles and could be a useful option if he returns to full fitness, for whoever is coaching the Titans next season.

Gold Coast Titans potential 2026 team

1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tom Weaver 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. AJ Brimson 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Sam Verrills 15. Klese Haas 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Cooper Bai

Other contracted players: Carter Gordon, Chris Randall, Jaylan de Groot, Tuki Simpkins

Off-contract players: Aramu Hau, Ben Liyou, Brock Gray, Harley Smith-Shields, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Alick, Ryan Foran, Tony Francis, Sean Mullany, Allan Fitzgibbon