Josh Patston\u2019s steady rise over the past two seasons has put him firmly in contention for a vacant second-row spot in the Titans\u2019 2026 side, with the young forward building confidence and consistency as he enters his second year at the club.<\/p>\n
After arriving on the Gold Coast with no guarantees, Patston turned heads last year with a 2025 campaign that culminated in an NRL debut, rookie of the year honours and a new two-year deal.<\/p>\n
Now entering his second season at the club, the focus has shifted from making an impression to cementing his place each week.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it was a great year for me,\u201d Patston said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first year being here, I learnt a lot and obviously got everything that I wanted out of my first year and now it\u2019s just time to knuckle down and try and hold my spot in the 17 each week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patston\u2019s path to the NRL was far from straightforward.<\/p>\n
Pre-seasons at Melbourne and Brisbane came and went before a move to the Titans, which changed his career trajectory.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to Melbourne (Storm), I went to Brisbane (Broncos), nothing seemed to really work there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut rugby league has a funny way of finding you a home.<\/p>\n
“I came here with zero expectations, just to work hard and see what I could make of the opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad third time around that I could make something of where I am today at the Gold Coast Titans.<\/p>\n
“This is home for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a second-row position up for grabs this season, competition is fierce, with Patston pushing alongside Arama Hau and Adam Christensen for the role vacated by David Fifita.<\/p>\n
Under coach Josh Hannay, the young forward says the environment is driving everyone forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that I\u2019m the front runner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s Arama Hau and Adam Christensen, and they\u2019re obviously pushing for the same spot that I am.<\/p>\n
“Josh gives me a lot of belief though by giving me a lot of time there and giving me the reps.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s creating very good competition and whoever grabs that jersey round one will be more than ready to do a job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hannay\u2019s individual approach has also helped Patston refine his game as he continues to develop at NRL level.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s teaching me to focus,\u201d Patston said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s very approachable and anytime I have a question or need to know something, he\u2019s always open and gives me what he thinks will work best for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Off the field, family remains central to Patston\u2019s motivation, made even more special with his sister also part of the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cMum and dad are pretty happy for both of us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe loves her footy and she goes pretty good, so I can\u2019t wait to see her back in the Titans colours soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Patston, the opportunity is clear, the belief is there and now it\u2019s about seizing the moment once again.\u00a0
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