Gold Coast Titans 2025 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch
Boasting a stacked forward pack and a spine with plenty of potential, the Titans are desperate to avoid another season of disappointment. TRAVIS MEYN analyses Gold Coast’s best 17, rookies, burning issues and more.
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They boast a forward pack, boosted by the return of their inspirational skipper and a former State of Origin prop, that can rival any other in the competition.
And a veteran coach, in his second year, that knows the path to success.
But everything else is up in the air for this success-starved franchise, whose finals hopes are pinned on a spine and backline filled with unfulfilled potential.
The Titans just might be as good as Keano Kini and Jayden Campbell can take them. Travis Meyn takes a look at what's in store for Gold Coast in 2025.
Free agency wrap & rating
The Titans have made a couple of key signings in former Kangaroos prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon. ‘RCG’ will add some experience to a stacked forward pack comprising Queensland Origin trio Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika. Des Hasler has gone heavy on the forwards and taken a risk with the signing of Gordon. The Titans need some class in the halves and Gordon could be the answer, but it is a punt bringing a rugby player into the NRL.
RATING: B
Coach status & safety rating
Hasler is entering his second season in charge of the Titans and expectations are high. There was a lot of optimism around Hasler’s move to the Gold Coast last year, but it was ultimately another failed season for the Titans. They won fewer games than in 2023 under Justin Holbrook and recorded a third straight finish in the bottom four. Hasler will be given time to turn things around, but the Titans won’t want to start the season again with six straight losses like last year. If they get off to a similar start then Hasler could quickly find himself under pressure.
RATING: C
Likely debutant(s)
Hasler handed NRL debuts to Tony Francis, Jaylan De Groot, Arama Hau and Josiah Pahulu last year as he looked to inject some experience into a young squad. It’s unlikely the Titans will have so many debutants in 2025. They have signed promising prop Tuki Simpkins from Norths Devils and he could provide some depth throughout the year, having already made five NRL appearance for the Tigers in 2021. A couple of promising products coming through are Zane Harrison and Sam Stephenson, but they may be a year or two away from the NRL.
Who takes the next step
The Titans need more from pretty much their entire team next year. They have some big names on big salaries that aren’t producing enough. David Fifita’s second half of 2024 was poor and AJ Brimson has to find a way to stay on the field. Kini had a breakout season that earned him a New Zealand Test debut and will have to reproduce that type of form. Hasler will be looking for more from Campbell and whoever he chooses in the halves.
The three burning issues
SIXES AND SEVENS
It’s been a long time since the Titans had a halves combination that could challenge the NRL’s top playmakers. Hasler chopped and changed last year looking for the ideal combo and had the most success with Kieran Foran and Campbell. Now he’s added Carter Gordon into the mix. Hasler has to find the right duo early.
GOLD COAST GRAVEYARD
The Titans have threatened to become an NRL force for years without delivering. Since declaring the club wants two NRL titles by 2030 they have recorded three bottom four finishes. Is this the year it finally comes together? Titans fans will be hoping so.
BRIMSON’S FUTURE
What does Hasler do with Brimson? At his best Brimson is the Titans’ most potent attacking weapon, but he can barely get on the park. The Titans have signed Brimson until 2030 and need a return on that investment.
Crystal ball
The Titans have one of the most stacked forward packs in the NRL but there are still a lot of question marks around the most important part of the team – the spine. Hasler has taken some risks with his playmaking combinations and will be hoping they pay off. If not, it could be another disappointing season.
2025 odds
Winners: $51
Minor premiership: $51
Top 4: $9
Top 8: $3
Most losses: $12
*Odds courtesy TAB
Originally published as Gold Coast Titans 2025 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch
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