One of the biggest talking point for the Titans in 2024 has been... who will make-up Des Hasler's spine for the new season ahead?
With depth aplenty across the entire squad, the myriad of players for every position has caused the experienced mentor not just a healthy selection headache, but rather a migraine with the crop of talent he has to choose from.
Determining the custodian of the No. 1 jersey has been one of the most talked about topics this pre-season at Parkwood with a number of genuine options that can be considered.
AJ Brimson is an Origin-class fullback with plenty of experience under his belt; but the youthful exuberance of Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini could also provide a huge spark and X-factor to the Titans line-up.
Titans.com.au has identified the four key players who could wear the No. 1 jersey this season.
Titans Team Picker is back for ’24! Click here to select your side for Round 1.
AJ Brimson
Age: 25 | Appearances: 99
Whilst it's expected the experienced No. 1 will make the switch to centre in 2024, Brimson has proven himself to be the perfect player to have in the Titans squad with his ability to play in the halves, at fullback or in the outside backs.
The 25-year-old made his Origin debut in 2020 wearing the No. 1 jersey after setting the COVID-affected year alight since returning from a back injury - scoring seven tries and breaking 30 tackles in only nine games for the Titans. This stellar form line continued the following season at the back, again scoring seven tries and averaging 160 run metres per game.
After a year in the halves in 2022, he returned to the back in 2023 although missed 10 games due to injury. Despite that, he still managed to 12 try assists, 10 line breaks and four tries across his 14 appearances. His year also included a return to the Maroons in the No. 1 jumper for Game III.
Jayden Campbell
Age: 23 | Appearances: 43
The son of a former Titans gun, Jayden Campbell is an excitement machine who is admired by fans and puts bums on seats each and every weekend... not to mention the extreme talent he continues to show week-in, week-out.
Bursting onto the scene in 2021 making his debut against the Melbourne Storm in Round 13, the young fullback played seven games in his rookie season and instantly impressed - scoring five tries and amassed a whopping 31 tackle breaks.
His good form has continued in the past two seasons with the Helensvale junior playing a utility role to start the season, before making a permanent appearance in the starting side as either fullback or five-eighth.
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Breaking the all-time Titans running metres record in a game last season with 315 against the Dolphins playing at fullback, it's no surprise Campbell will likely be Hasler's first choice No. 1 as the dynamo edges closer to a return from dislocating his patella.
Keano Kini
Age: 19 | Appearances: 6
A future star in the making, Keano Kini is an impressive young back with plenty of talent, fancy footwork and the skills to dominate in the NRL. He proved that in his first season at the top grade, jettisoned into the top 17 in Magic Round and delivering the offload that helped the Titans to victory against the Eels.
Playing six games in his first season before getting a taste of finals with the Burleigh Bears - winning the Duncan Hall Medal in the Hostplus Cup grand final - the 19-year-old got a surprise call-up to the New Zealand Test side and flourished in the environment where he got to learn from the likes of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
One of the most impressive trainers over the pre-season, Kini has been keeping players such as Jayden Campbell on his toes, and is a genuine chance of earning the Titans No. 1 jersey or a spot on the bench as a key utility in 2024.
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Jaylan De Groot
Age: 20 | Appearances: 0
Now officially on the playing roster after a full-time train-and-trial contract last season, Jaylan De Groot has given Des Hasler plenty to think about in his pre-season at Parkwood.
The Tweed Seagulls fullback famously made a name for himself in the Gold Coast's 2022 trial against the Broncos as 'the shin-kicker', and returned in 2023 to play five games in the Hostplus Cup.
De Groot is a versatile talent with the ability to play anywhere in the backline, and whilst it's not expected he'll earn the No. 1 jersey in the opening rounds, he is a talent to keep a watchful eye on as the season progresses as he continues to grow in his first season as a development player.
Who do you think Des Hasler should select at fullback this season? Submit your Round 1 side today with the Titans Team Picker and go in the draw to win one of three signed Titans Jerseys.
