LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Last year, Alofiana Khan-Pereira made quite a name for himself in the NRL with his incredible speed and skill on the edge.
Now, as we look ahead to the 2024 season, there's a buzz of excitement surrounding another potential speed king emerging on the scene.
Meet Tony Francis, a young rookie who has already caught the attention of the Titans' coaching staff.
After an impressive Hatplus Cup grand final performance, Francis has earned himself a well-deserved contract elevation to the Titans' top 30.
With 21 tries in 22 games for the Burleigh Bears, it's clear that this 21-year-old has talent to spare.
But it's not just his try-scoring ability that sets him apart.
Francis has been dominating at the schoolboy level and has spent the past two seasons honing his skills in the Hostplus Cup.
With 42 games under his belt, he's ready to take the next step and make his NRL debut in 2024.
His recent call-up to Tonga A shows that he's already catching the eye of international selectors.
Like Khan-Pereira, Francis is known for his lightning-fast speed.
But what really sets him apart is his versatility.
He can play on either wing or in the center, making him a valuable asset for any team.
At 97 kilograms, he has the build to match his speed and make a real impact on the field.
While the Titans' backline is expected to see minimal changes, Francis' outstanding form in the backend of 2023 has certainly put him in the conversation.
With the pre-season challenge fixtures coming up in February, he has the perfect opportunity to prove himself to new coach Des Hasler and stake his claim for a starting spot.
So, will 2024 see the birth of another speed king on the edge? Only time will tell, but all signs point to Tony Francis being a player to watch.
With his impressive track record and desire to make his mark, he's sure to turn heads and keep the Gold Coast coaching staff on their toes.