There’s no ifs or buts here – 2024 was a terrible year for the Titans, who had expected Des Hasler to deliver some steel to the Gold Coast squad. The issue is, things aren’t exactly shaping up like they’re going to get better either.
The biggest issue facing Hasler in his sophomore season on the Gold Coast is simple: How to fit four into two. Namely, how does he get the best out of Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson, Keano Kini, and Jayden Campbell?
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In this Sporting Base writer’s eyes, the Titans would have done best shipping at least one of them off in the offseason — maybe aging Foran, though no one wished an injury on him like the one he’s picked up before round one. That leaves Campbell and Brimson to slot into the halves; not the most convincing six and seven pivot, really.
The worst part of the whole situation is that, arguably, the Titans don’t even have halves if Foran is felled. “Brimmo” and Campbell are two of the three fullbacks the Titans are hoarding, and even Hasler is going to be long odds to get them working together as a playmaking combo. Stranger things have happened, but it’s looking like another spoon battle on the Gold Coast.
Maybe David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could help, but forwards can only do so much — no matter how good.
Best side: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofi Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Chris Randall Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
Coach: Des Hasler (third year)
Biggest loss: Tanah Boyd Biggest gain: Reagan Campbell-Gillard
First five: BYE, Bulldogs (A), Knights (H), Roosters (A), Dolphins (H)
Last year’s finish: 14th
Predicted 2025 finish: 16th
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TopSport odds: Premiers: $56, Top 4: $8, Final 8: $3, Most Losses: $9.50
