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.

3. Who replaces David Fifita?

The Titans' decision to release David Fifita to the South Sydney Rabbitohs during the off-season was probably a good one for all parties involved.

The bottom line is that, while Fifita has the potential to be the most damaging second-rower in the competition, he hasn't quite got there at this stage of his career with any real consistency.

When he has, the performance is there to suggest exactly what he is capable of.

But his departure does leave a gap for the Titans. While the recently re-signed Beau Fermor will line up on one edge, Klese Haas will likely have to stand up and take the other.

Beyond Fermor and Haas, young gun Arama Hau and little-known Josh Patston are likely the next two in line, while Brock Gray could also feature.

There are enough players there, but the Titans are certainly short a star on the edge heading into 2026.

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.