Crystal ball look at who could be future Titans under coach Hasler
Here’s a crystal ball insight into the Gold Coast Titans next generation of players as the NRL powerhouse stockpiles its talent under new coach Des Hasler.
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The Gold Coast Titans welcome new coach Des Hasler to oversee a squad which is one of the youngest in the league, and one which already has plenty of upside.
The club’s rich pool of talent was emphasised on Tuesday when the Titans unveiled five new development players - Keebra Park SHS halfback Ryder Williams, Keebra Park SHS alumni Arama Hau, Cudgen juniors Jaylan De Groot and Oskar Bryant, and middle forward Ben Liyou who returns from injury (ACL).
CRYSTAL BALL LOOK AT THE BRONCOS NEXT GENERATION
In addition, Seth Nikotemo is a 2022 Keebra Park SHS graduate who did everything right in his first season out of school. The former Queensland schoolboys edge forward has the goods, trust us.
Lets learn more about these talented players, as well as other rookies on the rise at the club?
RELATED LINKS
WALTERS CUP TEAM OF THE SEASON
LANGER TROPHY TEAM OF THE SEASON
NRL SCHOOLBOY SIGNINGS: WHERE THE TOP TEENS WERE GOING IN 2024
THE MIDDLE FORWARDS
Alex Leapai
Leapai was one of the first players we chose in our Langer Trophy Team of the Season. A young giant, he already has vast experience having played three seasons in the Langer Trophy, including two winters when Mabel Park SHS were first and second year newcomers.
It was valuable on the job training which has fast-tracked his development.
He also learned more about his body, and after starting off as a 128kg giant, trimmed down to a nimble, 114kg prop who could dance on his feet like he was sparring in the boxing gym.
The big fellas also has great hands, and can unload in traffic.
Josiah Pahulu
We have an extremely high opinion of this 2022 Australian schoolboy who captained Ipswich SHS through its unbeaten season.
Pahulu will play No.13 after changing his game which started as a dominating front row forward.
There is a touch of Reuben Cotter about Pahulu, given Pahulu is super fit with a high work rate.
He has powerful leg drive and can emerge from out of the ground in the defensive line to make a telling tackle.
Ben Liyou
The 22-year-old middle forward had a year of rehabbing alongside Beau Fermor, but now he is back to full fitness and ready to roll for season 2024.
A Grafton Ghosts junior, Liyou was first introduced into the Future Titans system at the age of 13 and is one strong pre-season away from getting a taste of the NRL as a prop.
Crystal ball prediction:Viliame Fifita
The brother of current Titans NRL player Jo Jo, Fifita is a front row dynamo making his way through The Southport School. He played for the Queensland under 15s this season and is a long-term project player.
THE HOOKERS
Hooker and the halves have long been the missing link in the Titans’ chain.
They had Sam Verrills as a first class recruit this season, but unfortunately he was injured.
So who is in the chamber now?
Oskar Bryant
Bryant is a flamed haired hooker with a super long pass from the ruck who can wreck back-pedalling defences with his running game.
He played the 2020-21 school season in the shadow of elite Keebra Park SHS No.9 Blake Mozer, but was always one of the best players in the competition.
He has a remarkable understanding with half Tom Weaver who we mention a little later in this story.
Crystal ball prediction: Cory Pearse
A City under 17 representative, Pearse was one of the Langer Trophy’s big improvers in 2023.
He was always a good player, whether playing at school or for Souths Logan, but the low to the ground Pearse went to another standard as the stakes got higher in 2023.
Quietly spoken, he lives and breathes and game and is the type of kid honoured to be given a chance to train and play in the Titans system.
BACK ROWERS
Cooper Bai
The son of a gun - his father Marcus was a 1999 Melbourne Storm premiership winner - Bai is another who keeps rising with the tide.
A No.13, he hits like a Mac Truck, runs strongly and trains hard. What’s not to like?
Arama Hau
Keebra Park SHS alumni Hau is a No.13 who was one of the best players in the Langer Trophy in 2022.
He played Australian schoolboys and has the fire, brimstone and aggressive, but also the ball skills and running game to play NRL.
He can play No.13, or flourish on the edge as well and is an exciting talent.
As mentioned earlier in this story, we also rate his old Keebra Park school mate Seth Nikotemo very highly.
Crystal ball prediction: Nelson Makaafi
Makaafi is a man mountain from the PBC SHS Walters Cup premiership winning side. A 2022 Queensland under 15 representative, what we love about Makaafi is his persistence.
He is a big body and can dominate games with his size and leg drive, but if he comes up against a nuisance opponent who keeps pinning him in defence, he is prepared to play the long game and maintain the same vigour in his runs - no matter if it is the first or 70th minute.
THE HALVES
Tom Weaver
Experienced halfback Kieran Foran was great in his first year repping Titans colours, but the 33-year-old is near the end.
Not to worry, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS old boy talent Tom Weaver is ready to take the baton. He is quick between the ears with a super short kicking game.
He played No.7 at school but played NSW junior Origin as a No.6 and can play that role.
Zane Harrison
Palm Beach Currumbin SHS half Harrison finished the Langer Trophy competition the No.1 halfback and was named in our Team of the Season.
From Tweed Heads, he is a great organising half who plays to his strengths, and also the strength of his team. He is smart, having recently represented the NSW 17s. He is currently training with the NRL top squad.
Crystal ball prediction: Ryder Williams and Javon Andrews
Andrews is a genuine five-eight who has remarkably comeback from a broken neck to play again. A Queensland under 17s selection, the tall Year 11 student will be playing Langer Trophy again next season at Marsden SHS.
Williams, 17-years-old, will join the Titans’ full-time squad from the fertile rugby league school Keebra Park. He was the best back not chosen in the Queensland schoolboys this season, and the Titans think very highly of him.
Having been part of the Gold Coast’s junior pathways squad for several seasons and after having a strong year playing Langer Trophy, Williams will bring light-footwork and play-making to Parkwood. But there is a long journey ahead of him. After all, he still hasn’t graduated.
THE OUTSIDE BACKS
Sam Stephenson
The Titans have plenty of three-quarter line talent and, if we are honest, more fullback talent than any other NRL club - Brimson, Campbell and Kini are current No.1s.
So in good news, it is great for supporters to know they have a young gun strike centre on their books.
Sam Stephenson was one of the top high achievers in schoolboy rugby league last season, an absolutely elite strike centre who caused mayhem.
A big body, the Year 11 PBC SHS student played Queensland schoolboys and will be even better again next year for his experiences in 2023. He will gain valuable experience training with the men during the off-season.
Jaylan De Groot
De Groot is the northern rivers rookie who hails from the same club, Cudgen, as lifelong buddies, Oskar Bryant and Tom Weaver.
He is a genuine utility player with plenty of pace and football smarts. Aged 20, he has earned a development contract the hard way and will be hungry for more success. He is just what the doctor ordered.
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