In his final Titans post-match press conference, Des Hasler heaped praise on a pair of Gold Coast debutants after a strong 36-28 win over the Tigers.

Without skipper Kieran Foran, who is retiring at the end of the 2025 season, by his side, Hasler explained he was particularly impressed by rugby convert Carter Gordon.

Having joined the Titans late in the 2024 season, having signed a two-year deal for the 2025 and 2026 seasons to make a cross-code switch, having played eight Tests for the Wallabies.

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His year has been far from smooth sailing, with a spinal fluid leak rendering him unable to walk after carrying a ball into a tackle during training.

Gordon managed three Queensland Cup games before earning his call-up, and Hasler was of the belief the talented flyer held his own, alongside fellow debutant Cooper Bai.

“It was good to finish that way, particularly with it being the last game of the year and also a good way to send Kieran Foran out with a win,” Hasler said.

“I was really pleased with the way young Cooper Bai handled himself when he came onto the field, and also for Carter Gordon.

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“Eventually, it’s been a really, really tough year on Carter with the illness he had. He was four months in the horizontal, on his back.

“For him to get back and get on the field, we thought it was really important for his confidence that he had a game in the NRL today.

“I thought he held himself up really well against a really good opposition in Taylan May… it’s really good for Carter going forward.”

Hasler also explained he was confident that Gordon has the talent to be a regular NRL player, with the likes of Will Warbrick and Mark Nawaqanitawase enjoying successful code switches.

“I think what you saw tonight is that Carter can play NRL, he can play at that level and that he’s competitive,” he said.

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“As long as you have that nature about you and you compete, you know you’re always going to get a game out of him, and it’s always handy to have a player who can play in multiple positions.”

Hasler was then asked if he took a moment to reflect on his Titans stint post-match in the coaching box.

But he played down any sort of emotional farewell after his time on the Gold Coast was cut short, with his contract which originally ran until the end of 2026 being terminated.

“It was just, sort of seeing players staying out there with Foz (Foran) doing a lap, there’s plenty of time for that,” Hasler said.