The Mole's season preview: 'Early blow' could create 'issue' for livewire Gold Coast Titans
There are few faster teams across the turf than the Titans and veteran coach Des Hasler will be relying on that raw speed to produce a first finals berth since 2021.
Keano Kini, Alofian Khan-Pereira, Brian Kelly, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Phil Sami are all noted sprinters capable of scoring length of the field tries and played some spectacular attacking football last season.
Khan-Pereira was the leading try scorer in the league - quite an effort in a team that failed to qualify for finals football - and many rate him the fastest man in league.
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Alofiana Khan-Pereira starred for the Titans last year. Getty
And with prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard signing up and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui back after missing virtually all of last season with an ACL rupture to bolster the pack, the Titans are a real chance of breaking their finals drought.
The team has suffered an early blow with veteran Kieran Foran out with a biceps injury, which leaves Brimson and Campbell as the likely halves and while both are brilliant solo players, they lack Foran's organisation and experience and that could prove an issue.
All eyes will be on rugby union convert Carter Gordon, a classy player who comes with a big reputation in the 15-a-side game and if he can reproduce his union form in our game, Gold Coast's final prospects will be even stronger.
Carter Gordon joined the Titans last year. Getty
The forward pack is a potent mix of strike power and fear factor, with Campbell-Gillard joining the likes of Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fifita, Klese Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui.
If they stay fit and firing - and Hasler can get the enigmatic Fifita to produce week in, week out - then beware the Titans!
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
2025 gains
Carter Gordon (rugby union), Sam Stephenson (development contract), Zane Harrison (development contract), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Cooper Bai (train and trial)
2025 losses
Erin Clark (Warriors), Seth Nikotemo (Trinity Wakefield), Isaac Liu (Leigh Leopards), Joe Stimson (unsigned), Tanah Boyd (Warriors), Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos)
It's a big season for:
Jayden Campbell - a star on the rise who may well eclipse the deeds of his famous dad, former Dally M winner Preston.
Jayden Campbell in action for the Indigenous All Stars. Getty
Biggest question mark:
Gold Coast have the attack to pile on the points - but there are doubts about their defence under pressure.
Predicted finish: 8th
Predicted 17 for round one: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofi Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phil Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Josiah Pahulu 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Beau Fermor
Betting odds to win comp: $61
