Two NRL heavyweights have reportedly entered the race for rising Gold Coast Titans forward Cooper Bai, with the teenage prospect yet to re-sign ahead of the 2026 season.
The 18-year-old made his NRL debut in the final round of 2025 against the Wests Tigers, impressing with his work rate and maturity beyond his years.
Currently on a development deal for next year, Bai is free to talk to rival clubs from November 1, and reports suggest both the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters are showing interest.
The Titans are keen to lock him in long-term, but his form for Queensland under-19s and Tweed Seagulls in the QLD Cup has only boosted his value on the open market.
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A legacy to live up to
The son of former Melbourne Storm and PNG Kumuls star Marcus Bai, Cooper has already drawn comparisons to his father’s fearless playing style.
“I played against his father Marcus Bai and he was one of the hardest guys I ever had to tackle,” NRL great Gorden Tallis told The Courier-Mail.
“He was off the back fence, built low to the ground, and if his son has his dad's fabric - which it looks like he does - he will be pretty special.
“I watched him play in the Queensland under-19s and he was one of the best players on the field.”
Big future ahead
Bai made two tackle busts, 15 tackles and 76 running metres in his NRL debut, along with strong QLD Cup numbers that included five tries, 22 tackle busts and 148 metres per game across seven appearances.
Tallis believes his work ethic and grounding will take him far.
“Cooper Bai is young. The talent has got him this far,” he said.
“But it looks like Cooper has a great attitude and a great sounding board in his father. Subconsciously, he would have watched and heard how his dad got to the top.”