Home Ground: CBUS Super Stadium

Coach: Des Hasler

Position: 16th

The GOLD COAST TITANS reflected the fortunes of the have, and have lots as the floundered away through season 2025 without much success, ultimately finishing 2nd last on the table as their AFL counterparts on the Coast did much better, as did their NRLW side. The Titans have won only 13 of Hasler's 48 games in charge for a winning rate of 28 per cent, and were at one point the favourites to finish last on the ladder. The Titans fielded a roster that was below par compared to many clubs and that was reflected in the results at home on the glitter strip, and away.

Once again, defence was a massive concern. The 719 points they conceded was far and away the worst in the competition. The termination of Hasler's contract, occurring two years into a three-year agreement, was significantly influenced by this factor. His appointment was intended to enhance the Titans' team dynamics and fortify their defensive capabilities. Regrettably, the dual premiership-winning coach's expertise did not yield the expected results, as the Titans' defensive performance declined rather than improved during Hasler's tenure, following his somewhat contentious replacement of Justin Holbrook.

Despite the fact that a potential superstar, Keano Kini, was sidelined for a significant portion of the year, their difficulties cannot be attributed to injuries. It appears that the Gold Coast faced considerable challenges, a fact that is quite evident given their decision to part ways with the esteemed coach, Des Hasler. With no clear-cut halfback option and the fact the Titans had three first choice fullbacks on their roster in Preston Campbell, Kini and AJ Brimson, Hasler decided to move the son of NRL legend Preston to halfback. Campbell is anticipated to assume the role of the club's halfback at the commencement of the upcoming season, which will be initiated under the guidance of the newly appointed and highly regarded coach.

Des Hasler left the Gold Coast at the end of the NRL season after an ill-fated two years as head coach and will be replaced by Cronulla assistant Josh Hannay. But will it solve anything or create a new direction? Hannay has built an impressive resume as an assistant and was linked to recent head coaching vacancies at Parramatta and Brisbane, before losing out to Jason Ryles and Michael Maguire, respectively. He led the Sharks to within an inch of the final as interim coach in 2021, and has worked as right-hand man to Billy Slater at the Queensland State of Origin team for the past four series.

The organisation as a whole requires a significant cultural shift, as evidenced by the disparity between potential and performance, and further underscored by Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui's direct critique regarding a lack of accountability. Over the past two decades, the Titans have experienced limited success within the competition, securing only a single finals victory. Despite fielding competitive teams, including the current season's roster, the team and its supporters have endured another challenging season. If they can pull their socks up and feel motivated by a new coach and staff, then we may see some improvement - but it may take time.