The Gold Coast Titans have been urged to make significant changes to their roster after another season without finals football, with former NRL stars Chad Townsend and Ryan Hoffman offering differing views on how the club can finally turn its fortunes around.
The Titans currently sit 15th on the NRL ladder, with their season set to end without a finals appearance for the fifth consecutive year.
Gold Coast have not featured in the finals since 2021, when they were eliminated in the opening week after suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Sydney Roosters.
While the appointment of Josh Hannay following Des Hasler's departure has provided some positive signs, Townsend believes the Titans still require a significant roster shake-up if they are to build an identity around winning.
Speaking on the Zero Tackle's ‘The Boardroom' podcast, former NRL players Townsend and Hoffman discussed where the Titans are at and what needs to change for the club to finally take the next step.
“Everyone wants the Gold Coast Titans to do well,” Hoffman said.
“It's almost a team you feel sorry for. There was there was a lot of high hopes with the change of coach this year, and I thought at the start he was doing a really good job, but as always with the Gold Coast Titans, just consistency has not been their friend.
“There's always new talent coming through, but their consistency has been lacking throughout this year.”
Townsend believes that lack of consistency has been symptomatic of a deeper issue at the club, arguing that Hannay and football manager Scott Sattler are attempting to establish a new culture on the Gold Coast.
“I've said for a long time I think the Titans have lacked a bit of DNA and I think that's the job that Josh Hannay and Scott Sattler have, or they're trying to change this year,” Townsend added.
“You can see that, you know, we've seen them win games this year and not be happy, especially from Josh Hannay, which I think is different for the Titans. I think for a long period of time, we've seen the Titans be happy with mediocrity, but Josh Hannay is trying to change that narrative.
“I still think they need a roster shake-up.
“I still think they need to change some of their roster and get their salary cap in order. They've had guys, like I said, who've been there for a long period of time who I don't think have delivered and probably need to find a new home and a fresh start.”
The Titans have received some encouragement in recent months, with captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and promising youngster Cooper Bai both committing their futures to the club despite interest from elsewhere.
Hoffman believes those decisions provide evidence that the Titans are capable of building something, but argues they have repeatedly made recruitment decisions in the past that have failed to complement their young talent.
“The positive for me and the pleasing aspect for me is the resignings that they've had. Obviously Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, the captain and Cooper Bai knocking back the Melbourne Storm, who put in a very strong offer and want to stay on the Titans, must mean that he sees something there.”
“But you're right over the years that they've been alright, but then they've had some poor
signings. I don't think David Fida was a good signing. I go all the way back to Jarryd Hayne. The Gold Coast Titans were going really, really well and then Jarryd Hayne came to the Titans, and it sort of derailed them a bit.
“It's an easy sell to get people to move to the Gold Coast. It's a harder sell to buy into what the football team is about.”
One of the biggest questions facing the Titans is how they structure their spine moving forward.
Zane Harrison made his NRL debut this season and, despite some expected growing pains, has shown enough to suggest he could be a long-term option at halfback.
Hoffman believes the youngster needs experienced players around him, while also questioning where AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell ultimately fit into the side.
“Zane Harrison's interesting, the young halfback. I think he's shown flashes this year, but he needs help. You can't just throw a young 20-year-old halfback into the NRL week in week out. He needs some experience and some help around that area.
“I think Sam Verrills, he's done an okay job. He's done everything he can in that sort of hooker role, but they need a five eighth and they need a fullback.
“They can't lose Brimson. Brimson is very, very keen. I think Jayden Campbell shows brilliant flashes now and then, but just getting that consistency and finding a position for him.
“Like what's Brimson's position? Is it in the halves? Is it in the centres? Is it fullback? What's Campbell's position? I think they have a lot of players who don't have a set position, which has made it hard for the structure around their team.”
Townsend, however, offered an opposing view, arguing that the Titans' spine is not necessarily where their biggest problems lie and he would instead let Brimson walk despite being contracted until the end of 2030.
“I think for me, I look at this spine, and I love Zane Harrison. I think he's a 10-year player at the Titans if he can continue his growth. Jayden Campbell is a five-eighth. I love him at five-eighth. I love Kini at fullback. They're at their best is so dangerous.
“That kind of leaves the question around AJ Brimson and what his best position is. You know, we hear that he wants to play at the fullback role, but you're not going to put him there while Kini's there.”
For Townsend, Brimson's significant salary could instead be used to strengthen other areas of the roster, potentially making a fresh start away from the Gold Coast the best outcome for both player and club.
“He's on a big contract, and we did hear whispers throughout this year that there was potentially some talks about moving to the Bulldogs. I actually think it would be a good idea
for AJ Brimson to get a fresh start and move on. A fresh start and go and play somewhere else,” Townsend suggested.
“I think he could lock down a fullback role somewhere at another team that's needy of a fullback position, but I just think they could use that money to strengthen other areas of the roster and you can plug in a centre on probably half that salary, even less to do
a job.
“Look, I love AJ Brimson, but I just think when you've got other guys who are playing in those positions, that money may be useful elsewhere, but the problem is who they're going to find.”
The Titans' recruitment challenge could become even more difficult with new franchises entering the player market.
“I mean, not only are they going to be fighting against the Bears, they're going to be fighting against the PNG Chiefs cuz everyone wants the same type of player and the Titans can't be last to the bowl.”
Despite the battle, Hoffman reiterates that just because you are a good player doesn't mean you are a good signing for a club.
“It's not about having the best players, it's about having the right player,” Hoffman added.
“That is the challenge for the Titans. And as I say throughout the years, they've come close; it's always been close enough has been good enough.”
