The Mole: 'Heat on' for Jayden Campbell after high-profile Titans exits
Gold Coast have shed a lot of experienced players as new coach Josh Hannay gives the squad a makeover in a bid to return to finals footy.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Fifita and Brian Kelly have all played plenty of first grade but Hannay was more than happy to let them go as he begins a new era, while premiership-winning veteran Kieran Foran hung up the boots.
The club has signed players more for depth than to make the starting 17, with only winger Max Feagai and Kurtis Morrin likely to make the cut for round one.
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That's an indication that Hannay believes what many critics also think - the Titans have the talent to play finals footy if they get it all together.
The backline has genuine pace and strike power, with the likes of Keano Kini, AJ Brimson, Phil Sami and Jayden Campbell all noted try scorers.
Jayden Campbell. Getty
With the aforementioned Foran retired, the heat is on Campbell to step up and really lead the team around the paddock.
The classy halfback has always had the ability, but will need to be more assertive and vocal on the field to organise the Titans' attack.
The second-generation stars will be among the first players picked every week, but if he doesn't do the job as far as organising, Hannay has brought in unwanted Dragons playmaker Lachlan Ilias as a potential Plan B option.
With the likes of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Beau Fermor leading the pack, the Titans forwards are a formidable bunch.
If they can hold their own against the NRL's more fancied packs, the backline more than has the ability to score long-range tries and win games.
Gold Coast Titans best 17
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 14. Chris Randall 15. Arama Hau 16. Klese Haas 17. Josh Patston
