'I'm perplexed': Hasler questioned as 'talented roster' misfires

Phil Gould says the Titans have a roster that is capable of challenging for the finals, which is why the rugby league expert is "perplexed" by their ongoing issues. Gold Coast finished in the bottom-four in their first campaign under coach Des Hasler, but many believe they can surge back up the ladder in 2025. However, things got off to an incredibly rocky start against an under-strength Broncos outfit in the trials, conceding 50 points despite fielding a host of stars. "Crikey, there will be some sore heads up there," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus this week. "[It was] disappointing but trials are trials, that can improve very quickly and in the space of seven days, they could put that behind them. "But that wasn't good on the weekend, it wasn't a good sign at all - but again, it's only a trial game. They need to perform better than that and I'm sure they will this week." Defence has long been as issue for the Titans, who have some of the most brilliant attacking players in the NRL, but have failed to find consistency week-to-week. Gould pointed out the glaring issues not only with their attitude, but also in their roster. Hasler has a litany of options in the spine, but it doesn't appear as though Gold Coast have settled on who will wear the most important jerseys come the season proper. "They have got a talented roster," he said. "I honestly keep looking at the Titans and I'm perplexed sometimes at why they aren't doing better. Last year they finished in 14th position and conceded 656 points. "They are honestly better than that, they need to improve that part of their game and their mentality and you would expect a Des Hasler coached side to do that. 

Veteran's fresh deal poses awkward Titans question

Kieran Foran will prolong his NRL career for at least another season, with the Titans playmaker agreeing to a one-year extension with the club. The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced halves in the competition and will likely bring up his 300-game milestone before the end of this year. Foran was off-contract heading into 2025, but after some strong performances in recent weeks, Gold Coast officials swiftly moved to keep him on deck. "2025 will be the second year under Des (Hasler) and I'm really keen to be involved in what we are building. Having been around the game for a long time, I know that we've got something good growing here on the Coast and I'm keen to play on. "My body is feeling good, and I feel like I've played some good football this season so far and while that's the case, I'm keen to push on for another year. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm really enjoying my time on the Gold Coast, so it was a simple decision for me in the end." Foran's new deal does however leave the Titans with a dilemma next year, with a host of options to partner the Kiwi star signed by the club. AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell have both been used in the No.6 jumper this year by coach Des Hasler, while utility Tanah Boyd has also spent time in the halves. Gold Coast have also added Wallabies star Carter Gordon to their ranks for the next two seasons, while young gun Tom Weaver remains unsigned for 2025. Keano Kini appears to be the long-term fullback at the Titans - a position previously shared between Brimson and Campbell. Assuming high-profile signing Gordon fills one of the halves spots next year, as many as four players could be left fighting it out for the other.

Titans Heroic Feat Revealed

Titans veteran Kieran Foran played his heroic role in the defeat of Parramatta with a broken foot for 80 minutes.Foran broke a bone in the foot the previous week against Manly and had been unable to train leading up to Magic Round.But the 32-year-old pivot refused to miss the vital game and scored the Titans' opening two tries, with painkilling injections to numb the agony.Foran was among the Titans' best players and has now inspired his teammates to back-to-back upset wins over two of his former clubs - the Sea Eagles and Eels.The dual victories ended a bad run by the Titans in which they lost three from four and Justin Holbrook's men are right back in the race for finals.