LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Gold Coast Titans have endured a challenging season, marked by consistent struggles and an overall disastrous campaign.
With eight weeks remaining in the season, the prospect of claiming the wooden spoon loomed large for the team. Although they ultimately avoided this undesirable outcome, it's little consolation for a squad that often appeared disorganized throughout 2025.
With coach Des Hasler now departed and Josh Hannay stepping in as the new leader, numerous questions arise regarding player contracts and the team's future playing style. The Titans will need to engage in extensive self-reflection to prepare effectively for a more promising start to the 2026 pre-season.
Turning now to the Titans' situation.
Off-field contract circus continues to cause havoc
The ongoing upheaval surrounding coaching and player contract negotiations undeniably affected the Titans' performance in 2025.
This is not the first season where contract talks and speculation have disrupted team dynamics; this situation has once again centered around key players Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita.
Fifita now appears almost certain to leave the Titans before the onset of the 2026 season, whereas Fa'asuamaleaui will enter the open market on November 1, raising expectations that he, too, will not remain with the team much longer.