Gold Coast Titans Prepare for 2026 Season with New Coach and Team Changes

The Gold Coast Titans are getting ready for the 2026 rugby league season. Coach Josh Hannay is leading the team, which has some new players and some players leaving. They hope to build a strong team for the future.
By Newsroom | NRL, Gold Coast |

The Gold Coast Titans face a critical 2026 season, marked by significant roster changes and the imperative to build a winning culture under new coach Josh Hannay. With key players departing, the team's trajectory hinges on the performance of established stars like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the development of emerging talent. The club's ability to integrate new recruits and foster team cohesion will be central to their quest for success.

The impending season presents a complex landscape for the Titans. Departures of prominent players such as David Fifita, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and Brian Kelly signal a deliberate shift in the team's composition. This strategic recalibration aims to inject new energy and depth, with a focus on developing promising individuals. The arrival of new recruits like Max Feagai, Adam Christensen, Kurtis Morrin, Luke Sommerton, and Lachlan Ilias indicates a targeted effort to bolster specific positions and enhance overall team balance.

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NRL 2026: Gold Coast Titans preview, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Hannay, Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini, Cooper Bai - 1

Roster Dynamics and New Signings

The Gold Coast Titans have seen considerable movement in their playing roster leading up to the 2026 season. A significant number of players are under contract through 2026 and beyond, including:

  • Top 30 Players (Contracted through 2026 and beyond):

  • AJ Brimson (2030)

  • Adam Christensen (2027)

  • Beau Fermor (2029)

  • Brian Kelly (2026)

  • Chris Randall (2027)

  • Jaimin Jolliffe (2026)

  • Jayden Campbell (2030/2031)

  • Jaylan de Groot (2027)

  • Jojo Fifita (2027)

  • Keano Kini (2030)

  • Klese Haas (2027)

  • Lachlan Ilias (2027)

  • Luke Sommerton (2027)

  • Max Feagai (2027)

  • Moeaki Fotuaika (2027)

  • Phillip Sami (2026)

  • Sam Verrills (2026)

  • Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2026, with option until 2033)

  • Tony Francis (2027)

  • Josh Patston (2027)

  • Zane Harrison (2027)

  • Development Players (Contracted):

  • Jett Liu (2027)

  • Oliver Pascoe (2027)

  • Jensen Taumoepeau (2027)

  • Siale Faemeni (2026)

New additions for 2026 include Max Feagai, Adam Christensen, Lachlan Ilias, Kurtis Morrin, Luke Sommerton, and Jensen Taumoepeau. Notably, several players are off-contract in 2026, including Jaimin Jolliffe, Phillip Sami, and Sam Verrills.

NRL 2026: Gold Coast Titans preview, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Hannay, Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini, Cooper Bai - 2

Coaching and Cultural Shift

Josh Hannay takes the helm as head coach, contracted until 2028. His arrival signals a significant cultural reset for the Titans. Reports suggest Hannay is implementing a new approach, with a focus on developing a high-performance environment. The club's management appears committed to this new direction, having successfully secured long-term commitments from key players.

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"In all my discussions with him, he has always been consistent with his love for the Titans, a love for his teammates, a passion for our community and a desire to help this club be successful." - Josh Hannay on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

This sentiment from Coach Hannay underscores the importance placed on player loyalty and community connection as foundational elements of the new team culture.

NRL 2026: Gold Coast Titans preview, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Hannay, Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini, Cooper Bai - 3

Key Player Dynamics: Fa’asuamaleaui and Campbell

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui remains a central figure for the Titans, identified as the club's captain and a key leader. His decision to commit his future to the Gold Coast until at least 2030, with an option extending to 2033, is viewed as a significant boost to the team's long-term prospects. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in guiding the team's emerging forwards, including Moeaki Fotuaika and Beau Fermor.

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Conversely, Jayden Campbell faces considerable pressure. While he has also committed to a long-term deal, his ability to maintain consistent form throughout the season is seen as a crucial determinant of the team's success. Some analysis suggests that Campbell's performance will be vital in setting the tone, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on Fa’asuamaleaui to do so. The Titans' spine, which includes Campbell and Keano Kini, will be tested on their ability to stay on the field and contribute consistently.

NRL 2026: Gold Coast Titans preview, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Hannay, Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini, Cooper Bai - 4

Emerging Talent and Opportunities

The departure of established stars opens avenues for emerging players to make their mark. Cooper Bai is highlighted as a young talent who demonstrated his potential in his NRL debut and subsequent performances for the PNG Kumuls. Similarly, new recruit Siale Faeamani is expected to contend for a wing position, while Max Feagai aims to secure the vacant centre spot. The integration of these younger players into the team's core strategy will be a significant aspect of the 2026 season.

Strategic Objectives and Challenges

The Gold Coast Titans' strategy for 2026 appears to be centered on revitalizing the squad through a combination of experienced leadership and new talent. The club's objective is to foster a high-performance environment under Coach Hannay and move towards finals contention. The key challenge lies in harmonizing the new roster, ensuring that the integration of new players is seamless and that existing talent can reach its full potential within the new coaching structure. The team's ability to navigate player injuries and maintain consistency across the season will be paramount.

Conclusion

The Gold Coast Titans enter the 2026 season with a clearly defined strategy focused on transformation and growth under Coach Josh Hannay. The club has made substantial efforts to secure key players long-term, most notably Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, whose commitment provides a bedrock of leadership. Significant roster changes, including the influx of new recruits and the departure of established names, indicate a deliberate effort to reshape the team's identity and performance capabilities. The success of this new direction will depend on the effective integration of new talent, the consistent performance of key players like Jayden Campbell, and the overall cohesion of the squad within Hannay's evolving culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new coach for the Gold Coast Titans in 2026?
Josh Hannay is the new coach for the Gold Coast Titans. He will lead the team until 2028.
Q: What are the big player changes for 2026?
Some players are leaving, like David Fifita and Brian Kelly. New players like Lachlan Ilias and Max Feagai are joining the team.
Q: Is Tino Fa’asuamaleaui staying with the Titans?
Yes, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is staying with the Titans. He is the captain and has a long contract.
Q: What is the team trying to achieve in 2026?
The team wants to become stronger and play better. They hope to build a good team spirit and win more games.