Rookie watch: Tony Francis

Last season saw the emergence of young flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira who dominated the NRL.... could 2024 birth another speed king on the edge?

A Hostplus Cup grand final hat-trick earned Tony Francis a two-year contract elevation to the Titans top 30, with the 21-year-old notching up 21 tries across 22 games for the Burleigh Bears.

Dominating at schoolboy level with Marsden State High School before joining the Titans development list in 2022, Francis will look to push his case for an NRL debut in 2024 after accruing 42 games of Hostplus Cup experience across the past two seasons.

Rewarded with an International call-up to Tonga A at the end of last season, Francis is hoping an opportunity in the upcoming trial matches will allow him to show new coach Des Hasler that he could be a surprise bolter to be considered among the immense depth of outside backs.

Similar to Khan-Pereira with his blistering speed, the young flyer's huge advantage is his ability to line up at either wing or at centre, with his big body build seeing his playing weight at around 97 kilograms.

Whilst it's anticipated the Titans backline won't see too many changes other than AJ Brimson's expected inclusion to the centres, Francis' flashing form in the backend of 2023 will give the Gold Coast coaching staff plenty to think about, especially with him desiring to make his mark in the two pre-season challenge fixtures in February.