Gold Coast Titans: 2023 finish: 14th | 2024 finish: 14th
The Titans were an enigma in 2024. A brilliant attacking team bristling with speed and creativity that scored spectacular long-range tries week in, week out.
Wingers Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Jojo Fifita scored a stunning 34 tries between them, showing just how open and entertaining attacking football the team played.
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But defence, normally the hallmark of Des Hasler teams, let the Titans down badly and they conceded over 650 points in 24 games.
In the end, they finished fourth last – the identical position in which they ended their 2023 campaign.
Jayden Campbell had a coming of age in 2024. Getty
To be fair, injuries hit the team hard. Forward leader Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played just two games while key backs Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson and Harley Smith-Shields missed large slices of the season.
On the positive, Campbell came of age as a playmaker and is on the verge of becoming a genuine superstar like his illustrious dad Preston.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Special mention must go to speed demon Khan-Pereira. To score 24 tries in a team that finished 14th is a real feat, and he becomes the first Titan to ever top the league’s end-of-season try leaderboard.
The Titans unearthed one of the best new faces of 2024 in fullback Keano Kini, a brilliant ball runner and crowd pleaser.
Brian Kelly enjoyed his best season in the centres, and in the forwards Chris Randall, Beau Fermor, Erin Clark, Sam Verrills and Moe Fotuaika all made solid contributions.
Veteran Kieran Foran led the team well and while he has lost some of his pace off the mark, he remains quick between the ears.
The club has done little in the way of recruitment or cleaning out for 2025, realising they already have the talent within to make an impact next season.
Best player: Jayden Campbell is a very special attacking talent who will eventually captain the Titans, such is his maturity and leadership. Scored some spectacular tries, and set up many more.
Needs to lift: David Fifita – the perennial enigma who can be a world-beater on his day but can also go missing when his team really needs him. Needs to find more consistency.
Titans enforcer David Fifita needs to lift in 2025. NRL Photos
Key signing: Former Wallaby Carter Gordon is the only big signing for 2025 but the lively fly-half could be the long-term replacement for Foran at halfback. Has been training with the Titans since mid-season so should be ready for the code switch come March.
2025 gains: Carter Gordon (rugby)
2025 losses: Erin Clark, Isaac Liu (released)
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