A new era is underway on the Gold Coast, with Tuesday night's club awards marking the final step in closing the book on what was a disappointing 2025 season.
The arrival of Josh Hannay, highly regarded in coaching circles after assisting Queensland in three of the past four State of Origin series wins, is expected to inject fresh energy into the organisation.
Although Hannay has yet to touch down on the Gold Coast, he has already started to influence the roster through newly appointed head of recruitment Anthony Laffranchi
At the club awards ceremony, the Titans farewelled seven players, with News Corp reporting that number could rise to as many as 16 by the time the 2026 season kicks off.
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Which players are set to depart Gold Coast in 2025?
The Titans have confirmed seven departures at the conclusion of the 2025 season, with Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Ryan Foran, Ben Liyou, Sean Mullany, Harley Smith-Shields and Tom Weaver all leaving the club.
Earlier this year, veteran Kieran Foran - one of the NRL's toughest competitors - announced his retirement from rugby league.
He will now join Hannay's staff as a playmakers coach, mentoring the young halves the club is developing in Parkwood.
Josiah Pahulu and Ken Maumalo both departed mid-season to continue their professional careers elsewhere.
The Titans are reportedly expected to shed several major contracts that have restricted their recruitment drive in recent years.
David Fifita has already signalled his intention to exit his deal early to link up with former coach Wayne Bennett in Redfern.
Phil Sami, Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Allan Fitzgibbon, Tony Francis, Arama Hau and Reagan Campbell-Gillard are all considered to be in uncertain positions, with the new coaching staff showing little inclination to retain them.
Have the Titans added players to their roster for 2026?
The Titans have signed Bulldogs forward Kurtis Morrin on a two-year deal beginning in 2026.
It is expected that once the November 1 free agency window opens, the club will move quickly to reshape its roster.
When will Josh Hannay take over as head coach?
Josh Hannay, currently an assistant at the Cronulla Sharks, remains committed to his duties there through 2025.
He will assume the head coach role on the Gold Coast once the Sharks' finals campaign concludes.
Hannay has signed a three-year deal with the Titans and becomes the first Queenslander to lead the club.
Which players should the new staff look to target on November 1?
It goes without saying that the most important task for the new Titans administration is assuring captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is committed to the club.
Second to that, is reigniting their junior pathways by promoting local talent into the top-30 squad.
In theory, the club should control the entire South East Queensland catchment, but in recent years many juniors have chosen to sign with rival NRL teams.
Two players currently on development deals who fit the mould of local juniors are Zane Harrison and Sam Stephenson.
Unlocking the full potential of the Gold Coast catchment remains the clearest path forward for Hannay and his staff.
On the open market, the Titans can't afford to repeat past mistakes of signing ageing veterans drawn to the Gold Coast for a final payday.
Instead, Hannay should leverage his connections with both the Sharks and the Maroons to carefully build a roster that suits the club's rebuilding timeline.
At Cronulla, several players who are coming off contract in 2026 - including Billy Burns, Jesse Colquhoun, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru and Sam Stonestreet - are brimming with potential but struggling for consistent minutes in a stacked Sharks squad.
At the same time, the Titans will need experienced players in their prime to lift the standards immediately and mentor the younger generation.
Kurt Capewell and Murray Tualagi, both familiar with Hannay from Origin camp, are entering contract negotiations from November 1.
Either would instantly raise the club's floor and help implement the systems that Hannay wants to put in place.