The Gold Coast Titans enter 2026 with serious questions to answer.

Des Hasler has departed, Josh Hannay is looking to build a new era, and the Titans are looking for consistent success for the first time in their history as an NRL club.

That is hardly going to be a walk in the park, though. There are still contract discussions happening, selection conundrums that need sorting, and, more importantly, upgrades in talent needed.

Hannay will have his own ideas, though, to begin the retransformation of the squad, and that has to start with consistent selections, faith in his playing group, and the right replacements being found for departing stars.

David Fifita headlines that list, but has been joined by Kieran Foran heading into retirement, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, who has been released, and Reagan Campbell-Gillar,d who has shuffled to England after a single, fairly disappointing, it has to be said, season on the Gold Coast following his move from Parramatta.

Here are the big selection questions to be answered by Josh Hannay heading into 2026.

2. Is there any room for Lachlan Ilias?

The Titans have added Lachlan Ilias from the St George Illawarra Dragons during the off-season.

Ilias, who played reserve grade for a majority of 2025 despite leading the Dragons' second side to the grand final in the NSW Cup, will likely start his year in the QLD Cup.

As just pointed out, Jayden Campbell is the likely number seven for the Gold Coast. He played there in 2025, has re-signed, and certainly won't be heading back to fullback ahead of Kini or Brimson.

There is an argument to be made that says Brimson could play in the centres and Campbell at number six, with Ilias in the seven, but it seems unlikely.

Ilias could also find a role on the bench, but with Chris Randall and Kurtis Morrin already likely to feature there, it may be that the Titans need a bit more size from the remainder of their pine.

1 COMMENT

  1. What to do with Lachlan Ilias ?

    Good question. I don’t know, and I have to say that either Titans have bought him as a depth player (and I think he would come a bit expensive as a Qld Cup player) or the coach has a specific idea for how he can add value.

    I suspect the coach is smarter (and more imaginative) than I am, so let’s all hope he has something in mind.