Des Hasler's tenure on the Gold Coast came to a disappointing end as he was given his marching orders after just two seasons in charge.
The Titans languished near the bottom of the ladder for the entirety of the campaign and only just managed to avoid picking up the wooden spoon during the last round of the regular season.
Hasler's exit was announced a few weeks before the club's final match of the year and his replacement was quickly revealed to be Josh Hannay, with the highly touted coach now getting his first crack in the NRL hot seat.
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Gold Coast Titans predicted team list for Round 1
1. Keano Kini
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita
5. Phillip Sami
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. Klese Haas
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
14. Luke Sommerton
15. Chris Randall
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Cooper Bai
Titans latest team news ahead of Round 1
Keano Kini is set to take the No.1 jersey after making just six appearances last season due to a long-term neck injury.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira found himself out of the picture under Des Hasler and has played his last game in Titans colours as the New Zealand Warriors poached him in the off-season.
Jaylan De Groot was a favourite of Hasler and he looks to be in prime position to feature in the backline under Hannay.
Phillip Sami will reportedly not be offered a new contract by the club, although he is likely to line up on the opposite flank.
Brian Kelly and Jojo Fifita could get the nod in the centres once again despite the regime change.
Carter Gordon's time in the NRL is over after an injury-plagued 2025 as the cross-code hopeful returned to rugby union upon the conclusion of the season.
AJ Brimson expressed his desire to play either at fullback or in the halves, rather than at left centre, for 2026. He will likely get his wish following the retirement of Kieran Foran and will partner Jayden Campbell.
Moeaki Fotuaika will start up front in the engine room. Reagan Campbell-Gillard will not be alongside him, with the prop released from the remaining years of his deal to move to the London Broncos after just one year on the Gold Coast.
Jaimin Jolliffe is set to be the main beneficiary of RCG's departure as he could claim the starting spot.
Klese Haas is a chance of grabbing a starting role on an edge, with Chris Randall also likely to be in contention. Beau Fermor is assured of his place in the backrow.
David Fifita's time on the Gold Coast has come to a premature end after he was granted an early release to sign with South Sydney.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also in the headlines due to his contractual situation, but the captain will start at lock.
New recruit Kurtis Morrin will look to provide an injection of energy off the pine, while fellow new recruit Luke Sommerton may provide support for Sam Verrills at dummy-half.
Cooper Bai may be handed more opportunities after debuting in the last game of the 2025 campaign.
Josh Patston will also be in the frame for a place in the 17, along with emerging talent Zane Harrison.
Arama Hau and Tukimihia Simpkins will be pushing for places on the bench once again, with their path to the 17 cleared by a few departures.
Josiah Pahulu left midway through the season to sign with Melbourne, while Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui and Jacob Alick-Wiencke have gone to the Super League.
Brock Gray was used off the bench multiple times by Hasler before he suffered an ACL injury in Round 8 and could be in the picture once again following his recovery.