Despite their lowly position on the NRL ladder last season, the Gold Coast Titans have some positives coming into 2023.
They won three of their last five games to avoid the wooden spoon and their five signings are all quality players who bring experience and talent to the club.
I can’t see them being finals contenders – but they will worry any team who takes them too lightly.
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2022 finishing position: 13th
Gains: Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Sam Verrills (Roosters), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Aaron Schoupp (Bulldogs), Chris Randall (Knights)
Losses: Jarrod Wallace (Dolphins), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Corey Thompson (retirement), Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Sam Lisone (Leeds), Greg Marzhew (Knights)
Best 17:
AJ Brimson
Jojo Fifita
Aaron Schoupp
Brian Kelly
Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Kieran Foran
Tanah Boyd
Moeaki Fotuaika
Sam Verrills
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
David Fifita
Beau Fermor
Erin Clark
Bench: Jayden Campbell, Jaimin Jolliffe, Isaac Liu, Joe Stimson
Best buy
Kieran Foran is still a class act and showed some lovely touches in the big win over the Dolphins last weekend. He’ll also take some pressure off half Tanah Boyd.
Biggest loss
I was stunned when the Titans let powerhouse winger Greg Marzhew go to the Knights.
He was Newcastle’s best attacking player in the trials and his ability to find the tryline will be missed.
Greatest strength
The Titans have two of the best strike forwards in the game in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita – but getting the best out of them every week is the challenge.
Biggest question mark
The Titans have a decent roster but life on the holiday strip appears to get the better of some players.
Rival clubs believe the Titans lack the mental toughness to go with them for 80 minutes – it’s up to the players to prove them wrong.
Man under pressure
AJ Brimson is just about as good as any fullback in the game on his day and if he fires, the Titans will have plenty of points in them.
Adding to the pressure, Jayden Campbell is also a superb player and he will keep Brimson on his toes.
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 14th
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