Son of NRL premiership winner, Titans junior finds magic touch in cross-code dabbling

The Titans have moved to sign the son of a club legend and NRL premiership player who has fast-tracked his development away from traditional rugby league. Go inside the deal and what led the club to snap up the electric talent.

Grace Hamilton

2 min read

February 14, 2024 - 11:57AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The QYouth Academy Touch Footy Camp 2024 has over 200 people in attendance. Picture : Glenn Campbell

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The Titans have moved to sign the son of a club legend and NRL premiership player who has fast-tracked his development away from traditional rugby league.

Fourteen-year-old Fynn Laffranchi is the son of former Gold Coast player Anthony who played 102 games for the Titans and won a premiership with the Wests Tigers.

He has been brought into Gold Coast’s official development system now and is already impressing with his speed and agility.

His greatest attributes have been forged in league but also the touch football field where he most recently was part of the Queensland Touch QYouth Academy, hosted on the Gold Coast from February 9-11.

A Burleigh product attending Marymount College, the youngster has blood on his side when it comes to his NRL future.

His sporting career looked a little different to his peers growing up, having played soccer in England before moving to Australia in 2015.

From there his passion for rugby league and touch grew.

“I played a few seasons of soccer here until I watched my big brother and dad playing and supporting (rugby league) so I wanted to try it from there,” Laffranchi said.

“It’s been good for me.

Fynn Laffranchi

The teen added touch to his routine after noticing small gaps in his skill set; things that would set him apart.

“I needed to improve my game knowledge and physicality.

“It’s contributed to my eyes up footy, scanning the defence and it helps me keep my fitness up with speed and agility,” he said.

The recent QYouth Academy camp is one of many opportunities the teen has jumped at with an keen attitude to learn.

“It’s been really good.

“I’ve had Queensland coaches and players from Australian Touch come to coach one-on-one development about aspects of the game, defence, ball playing and where to position,” he said.

The teen is vocal about the support he’s received and how it drives him to continue down the path for NRL success.

After spending two years in the Titans Academy, Laffranchi was awarded his first Development Contract in 2014 as under-15s talent.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the Gold Coast Titans Junior Academy and now I’ve continued to be a contracted junior for the Titans.”

If given the chance, he’s already made up his mind to stay in the blue and gold.

“I grew up here on the Gold Coast and they were the first team to give me an opportunity and I’d like to pay respect back to them and it’s a pleasure playing for the club.

“They’ve helped me with everything and they’re awesome to play for.”

His eldest son Oscar Laffranchi, 17, has also been a development player since 2021.

“As a dad I’m excited to have both boys in Titans programs while they are totally different players,” he said.

See more of the athletes who attended the Queensland Touch QYouth Academy: