Coming off a bottom two finish in 2025, and with a new coach at the helm, November 1 will be a date circled in the calendar for the Gold Coast Titans more than just about any other club.
At the time of production, the Titans have just eight players signed for 2027, and another of those - prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard - has been linked with the exits before then too.
For new coach Josh Hannay, it's a chance to completely reshape the squad to his choosing if he wants.
Des Hasler's reign of two years saw the club play without a first-choice halfback for the most part, and with constant questions over their star forwards and whether they would be hanging around for much longer.
2026 could yet see more of the same with little time to do anything, but the Titans have an almost full salary cap to hit the open market with should they choose, with only a handful of their currently off-contract at the end of 2026 players likely to take up significant cap space.
They will still be sweating on Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Beau Fermor's decision, but otherwise, it's rebuild time at Robina.
Current Gold Coast Titans 2027 squad
AJ Brimson, Jaylan De Groot, Jojo Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Keano Kini, Kurtis Morrin, Chris Randall
Off-contract at the end of 2026
Jayden Campbell, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (player option), Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Jojo Fifita, Klese Haas (player option), Jaimin Jolliffe, Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Phillip Sami, Sam Verrills
Current best 17 for 2027
1. Keano Kini
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. No player signed.
4. No player signed.
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. No player signed.
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
10. No player signed.
11. No player signed.
12. No player signed.
13. Kurtis Morrin
Interchange
14. No player signed.
15. No player signed.
16. No player signed.
17. No player signed.
As it stands, the Titans have just seven players signed for 2027 - one of the lowest in the competition.
You could argue though, given their results this year, that it's time for a full rebuild.
While they will be hoping Beau Fermor and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui re-sign as expressed above, there is a very real chance that just about everyone else on the list they'd be happy to let go.
As it goes, they are not going to sign 20 new players and will need some of those signatures. Jayden Campbell is one that potentially springs to mind, although that would just continue the path they have been down with three fullbacks and no serious halfback.
But there is little doubt the Titans, even if they have to pay overs to attract top talent, will hit the open market.
A halfback must be the first port of call, but a hooker, some new centres, and some hard-working forwards also need to be on the shopping list.
You could argue that the only position they don't need re-enforcements in is at fullback where AJ Brimson and Keano Kini are already contracted to continue their battle long-term.
2. Option 2: Luke Metcalf (New Zealand Warriors)
The Titans need a halfback.
That is not a mystery to anybody.
Jayden Campbell was used there during 2025, but he just isn't a natural halfback, in much the same way Jarome Luai was moved back to five-eighth mid-season at the Wests Tigers, and Lachlan Galvin has struggled in the seven at the Bulldogs.
That means the Titans need to hit the open market, given they have confirmed youngster Thomas Weaver has left the club. The former junior Origin player never found his potential, but the Gold Coast has been a grave yard for young halves over the years.
What they need is experience, and while it might be more of a hope and a prayer than reality, they need to do everything they can to get Luke Metcalf to the club.
The market for halves is skinny - very, very skinny. There are not many out there, but Metcalf must be the one they chase.
