After finishing down in 14th place on the NRL ladder at the end of the 2023 season, the Gold Coast Titans will be seeking significant improvement heading into the 2024 campaign.
The Titans managed just seven wins from their 24 outings during the regular season and had the fourth-worst defence when it came to points conceded.
Suring up that defence will be one of the first things the Titans must resolve if they are to finish in the top eight next season. Something they are 3.00 to achieve.
It’s fair to say that the 2023 NRL campaign is not one that will live long in the memory of Gold Coast supporters.
With eight points between themselves and the eighth-place Canberra Raiders at the end of the regular season, the Titans have work to do to be in the mix for the finals next season.
Formed in 2007, Gold Coast have only made the finals on three occasions in 2009, 2010 and last time in 2016.
That wait for finals football is too long for those who attend Cbus Super Stadium and they will be hoping the club’s new arrivals over the summer can help spur on the Titans to bigger and better things in 2024.
A prop who leads from the front, skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui looks set for another big season ahead.
Fa’asuamaleaui and second-row David Fifita were the two Titans players to start the first State of Origin clash for Queensland against New South Wales this year.
The pair have key roles to play in the forwards, while fellow Queensland representatives Moeaki Fotuaika and Alexander Brimson will also be hoping for big seasons.
The Titans have bolstered their ranks with a couple of new additions ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Joining from last season’s runners-up the Brisbane Broncos, forward Keenan Palasia has made the switch to the Titans.
Palasia is joined by the explosive wing/centre Harley Smith-Shields following the 23-year-old’s move from his hometown club at Canberra Raiders.
Smith-Shields will be looking for a fresh start after what was a frustrating time for him at the Raiders.
Ruled out for the entire 2022 NRL campaign after rupturing his ACL, the youngster then had a potential loan move to the Parramatta Eels blocked this year.
Now with a permanent move to the Titans, Smith-Shields has a chance to establish himself and play regular games in the NRL.
The Titans will kick off their new season in the comforts of the Cbus Super Stadium when they play hosts to the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday 9th March.
Gold Coast are 1.42 to open their season with a victory, while the Dragons are 2.90 to claim the spoils on the road.
The Titans are next in action on 23rd March when they make the trip to the Canterbury Bulldogs, before Gold Coast return to home soil against the Dolphins on 30th March.