The Gold Coast Titans enter the 2026 NRL season looking to lift themselves up from near the bottom of the ladder after finishing 16th in 2025. With rookie coach Josh Hannay at the helm, the club will aim to build a new culture and make the most of its talented but underperforming roster.
Season Preview
The Gold Coast Titans head into 2026 full of optimism, with new coach Josh Hannay looking to guide the rebuild of the side on the glitter strip following a number of lacklustre seasons.
Last season saw the club struggle throughout much of 2025, which ultimately led to the split with coach Des Hasler, as the side once again languished near the bottom of the table. The Titans were able to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon thanks to a last-round victory over the Tigers, but will be hoping to sit comfortably a bit higher up the table come the end of 2026.
With club captain Tino Fa’asuamaleuai re-committing until 2030, and boom rookie Cooper Bai extending his tenure on the Gold Coast, expectations are that while the side can improve in 2026, few are tipping the Gold Coast side to be a significant factor and lift themselves far from the bottom of the table.
Best Signing
Josh Hannay
The Titans were relatively quiet in the player transfer market heading into the 2026 season, mostly signing fringe first-graders and young talent to boost the club’s depth, but their biggest acquisition comes in the form of new coach Josh Hannay.
Hannay comes to the Titans with experience across a number of coaching systems as an assistant, including Billy Slater’s Queensland Maroons, as well as some interim coaching stints at the Cowboys and Sharks. Now at the helm of one of the most consistent underperformers in the NRL, the highly touted coach will have his work cut out for him in 2026 if he is to make significant changes to the culture at the Titans.
Key Player
Jayden Campbell
As the Titans’ key playmaker in the seven jersey, much of their hopes in 2026 will centre around Jayden Campbell. Campbell made the transition from fullback to halfback last season and looked increasingly comfortable at the helm as the season wore on.
With another preseason in the seven jersey, and a chance to build on his combination with livewires AJ Brimson in the halves and Keano Kini at fullback, if Campbell can continue to improve on his game management in 2026, the side has the potential to climb up the table.
Player to Watch
Cooper Bai
Cooper Bai shapes up as the Titans’ rookie to watch coming into the 2026 season, fresh off re-signing with the club in the offseason. The son of former PNG winger Marcus Bai, Cooper has more performances for the Kumuls than he does at the NRL level, and the fact that the Storm and Panthers were chasing the boom rookie says all you need to know about his talent.
Bai has made no secret of his desire to play in the 13 jersey, and with a season-ending injury to Jaimin Jolliffe opening up a spot in the middle forward rotation, the headgear-wearing forward has an opportunity to put his best foot forward during the trials to push his case for his place in the 17.
Draw Analysis
The early rounds offer a busy stretch to start the year for the Titans, with only two of their first seven games at home before their first bye in round 8.
The State of Origin period may have a major influence, with the club’s forward pack likely to be impacted, with Tino, Beau Fermor, and Moeaki Fotuaika all previously selected for the Maroons, but with byes after game 1 and before game 3, the Origin reps should miss minimal game time for their club side.
The run home features an extended stretch at home, with six of their final eight games played in front of their home faithful, including a final-round clash against South East Queensland rivals The Dolphins.
Big Questions
- Can Hannay unlock the full potential of the roster?
- How do the Titans get the most out of Brimson, Kini, and Campbell?
- Will the Titans forwards step up and take some of the weight off of Tino’s shoulders?
Predicted Finish
Miss top 8
Related Items
- 🔁 2025 Season Review: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/gold-coast-titans-2025-season-review-and-statistical-breakdown/
- 📅 2026 Draw & Fixtures: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/gold-coast-titans-2026-nrl-fixtures-squad-list-and-player-signings/
