With the Gold Coast just weeks away from the upcoming trials, fans will know to keep both eyes open as the calm before the storm has become notorious for birthing the next Titans superstar.
The question is... who will make their statement in this year’s Pre-season Challenge?
In 2022, it was Jojo Fifita’s dominance over Origin centre Kotoni Staggs that made waves on the Gold Coast, setting up an electrifying debut season... but it’s impossible to forget 2023, when Alofiana Khan-Pereira punished the Dolphins with four tries in their first major trial at home.
It was just a little sneak peek to his record-breaking 20 tries in the season and well-deserving Rookie of the Year mantel.
Will another downpour of points come to fruition from the freakish flyer in the showdown at Sunshine Coast Stadium?
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Dolphins
7th Position
away Team
Titans
10th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
With the mix of a gritty Des Hasler pre-season, no position promised and young talent hungry for NRL success, Titans fans will be restless to see who owns these trials and gives a glimpse of their season to come.
The gruelling regime of preparation has been the perfect playground for young guns such as Jaylan De Groot, Oskar Bryant, Ryan Foran and Arama Hau to showcase their ability in a hope to earn a NRL debut in 2024.
With Beau Fermor blistering back from injury, there’s no doubt he’ll be itching to fire as a trials standout and blitz into a Round 1 return against the Dragons.
Ben Liyou is another injury returnee, who has been amongst the best in the squad throughout pre-season. The 22-year-old will leave no stone unturned if given a crack in the Pre-Season Challenge.
Match: Titans v Eels
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Eels
10th Position
Venue: North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
Josiah Pahulu is no stranger to the heat of the trials after the young forward gave fans a sneak peak in last year’s trial against the Broncos.
The former Australian Schoolboy has made more than a name for himself amongst several veteran Titans, who have praised him for his grit and determination during pre-season, which could lead to a breakout year for the 19-year-old.
The young forward will also be motivated to earn a place in the major trial team against the Eels at his former Ipswich stomping grounds.
Who do you think will be the next star unearthed in the 2024 trials?
