'Early blow' that could create 'issue' for livewire Titans

There are few faster teams across the turf than the Titans and veteran coach Des Hasler will be relying on that raw speed to produce a first finals berth since 2021. Keano Kini, Alofian Khan-Pereira, Brian Kelly, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Phil Sami are all noted sprinters capable of scoring length of the field tries and played some spectacular attacking football last season. Khan-Pereira was the leading try scorer in the league - quite an effort in a team that failed to qualify for finals football - and many rate him the fastest man in league. And with prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard signing up and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui back after missing virtually all of last season with an ACL rupture to bolster the pack, the Titans are a real chance of breaking their finals drought. The team has suffered an early blow with veteran Kieran Foran out with a biceps injury, which leaves Brimson and Campbell as the likely halves and while both are brilliant solo players, they lack Foran's organisation and experience and that could prove an issue. All eyes will be on rugby union convert Carter Gordon, a classy player who comes with a big reputation in the 15-a-side game and if he can reproduce his union form in our game, Gold Coast's final prospects will be even stronger. The forward pack is a potent mix of strike power and fear factor, with Campbell-Gillard joining the likes of Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fifita, Klese Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui. If they stay fit and firing - and Hasler can get the enigmatic Fifita to produce week in, week out - then beware the Titans!

2025 gains - Carter Gordon (rugby union), Sam Stephenson (development contract), Zane Harrison (development contract), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Cooper Bai (train and trial).

2025 losses - Erin Clark (Warriors), Seth Nikotemo (Trinity Wakefield), Isaac Liu (Leigh Leopards), Joe Stimson (unsigned), Tanah Boyd (Warriors), Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos).

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