On his first day at Titans pre-season training, new coach Josh Hannay has vowed to win back the trust and respect of the Gold Coast community by delivering a side they can be proud of.

Given that the Titans have played finals only once in the past nine years and won just six games in 2025, Hannay is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task.

Throw in the fact that skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is testing the open market for 2027 and star playmaker Jayden Campbell is yet to ink a new deal and it’s clear Hannay has plenty on his plate in his first gig as a full-time head coach.

And the 45-year-old wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The challenges don’t scare me. I haven’t taken a short cut to get here. I stand here today confident that I am ready to take the role,” Hannay said on Friday.

“Tino is like any elite player in any professional sport. They want success but there is more to it – they want to be in an environment where there is personal development going on. 

“It’s up to me to create an environment where he wants to come to work. I know he has a passion for this club and I want to make sure it’s a pleasure for him to come to work every day. 


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Tino is fired up!

“Tino and I go back a long way and one of the reasons I was so enthused to come here and coach was to coach Tino and he knows that.

“I know what he wants, he knows what I’m about, so we’ll see where that lands.

“Anything is possible when you get the right people in your organisation and I love the club’s ambition. That’s one of the things that struck me about the Titans.”

The last time the Titans played finals was Fa’asuamaleaui’s first season at the club in 2021, going out in week one in a 25-24 heartbreaker against the Roosters.

Coming out of a Melbourne Storm system that had delivered him a premiership in his second NRL season, Fa’asuamaleaui has no doubt struggled to come to grips with the Titans’ lack of success – but at least he has played one final for the club.

Classy utility AJ Brimson debuted in 2018 and enters his ninth season at the Titans still chasing his first finals appearance, having missed the 2021 elimination final due to injury.

Brimson has been lauded for his ability to play pretty much anywhere in the backline, but Hannay is on a mission to give the 27-year-old stability in the No.6 jumper alongside Campbell.

In 2025, Brimson played the first nine games of the season at five-eighth before racking up 13 games at fullback and one in the centres in Round 27, bagging a double against Wests Tigers to take his season tally to 12 tries.


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Brimson double seals it

“Versatility can be a strength but sometimes it can also be a hindrance to your development as a player,” Hannay said.

“AJ has bounced around a lot with his football but standing here right now I really want to give him an opportunity in the No.6 next year.

“Over the course of the pre-season he needs to show that he is capable of being that guy and again it’s my job is to make him a No.6 if that’s where I want him. I’d love to be the coach that gives him some clarity and certainty around his position.”

Another playmaker looking for a clear direction is former Dragon Lachlan Ilias, who endured a rollercoaster ride at the Red V in 2025.

The 25-year-old started the year as halfback in Shane Flanagan’s side but with the team sitting 3-5 after eight rounds he was demoted to NSW Cup where he spent the rest of the season.


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Jayden Campbell Try

Despite some hot form in a team that went all the way to the NSW Cup grand final, Ilias could not earn a recall, eventually pulling the pin and signing with the Titans this week.

“Payers in key positions like halfback don’t lose their ability, they lose their confidence,” Hannay said.

“Lachie hit a hurdle but he has plenty to offer and it’s my job as coach to put a program in place for him to fulfil his potential.”

Another playmaker the new coach is keen to see thrive is Campbell, the freakishly gifted No.7 who has the X-factor to ensure Hannay makes good on his promise to deliver the Titans faithful a team worthy of their loyalty.

“Jayden knows our position [on keeping him] and our feelings towards him. I believe he is the future of this club,” Hannay said.

“I have been really open in my belief in Jayden’s ability as a half and his ability to get better and become one of the absolute best in the game in that position.

“I have been taken by his love for this club and we’ll see where that lands.”