Good news footy fans, the wait is almost over.
With the start of February arriving tomorrow, so too does the start of the rugby league season.
It may only be trials, but for Titans fans it is a chance to finally see the start of the Des Hasler reign on the Coast.
The Titans will take on the Dolphins and Parramatta Eels across the NRL's Pre-Season Challenge after a sweltering pre-season under the club's new mentor.
Traditionally the first trial will see younger Members of the squad and 'train and triallists' receive their shot in a Titans jersey, while the second trial is used as a final full hitout ahead of round 1.
The Titans will take on the Dolphins first up at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday 18 February, before the Eels trial a week later at North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday 25 February.
Titans fans have been asked to select their team for trial 1 for a chance to win prizes here, but below we look at the key talking points Titans fans will be keeping an eye on come trials time.
The battle at the back
It is one of the Titans' strongest areas with AJ Brimson, Keano Kini and Jayden Campbell all filling the role across season 2023, but with Brimson's versatility making him a centre option, Campbell recovering from a knee injury, and young gun Keano Kini completing his second full pre-season, it is sure to be a hotly contested spot.
On a wing and a prayer
Mainstays of 2023 Phil Sami and Alofiana Khan-Pereira will be hard to displace, but Jojo Fifita will be looking for a better run with injuries this season and is still only 21 years of age, while the recently re-signed Tony Francis is coming off a breakout year in the Queensland Cup competition. Other options are veterean Ken Maumalo and new recruit Harley Smith-Shields, who are all going to apply pressure on the incumbent duo.
Pack of Aces
Long seen as the club's strength the Titans forward pack is the envy of many in the league, but that doesn't make the job of squeezing them all in any easier. What number will captain, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui wear in 2024 and then how do you fit in Moeaki Fotuaika, Isaac Liu, Jaimin Jolliffe, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Chris Randall, Erin Clark and new recruit Keenan Palasia? Beyond that young forward Josiah Pahulu has been endorsed by his teammates across the pre-season as being NRL ready so will no doubt be pushing for a spot come round 1. As a Ipswich junior he sure to put on a big show at the club's major trial.
