Who will line up as the centre pairing when the Des Hasler names his round one side to take on the Dragons?
It's the time of year where Members and fans make their case for their favourites. So who are the contenders?
With a plethora of options, the depth chart in the Titans centre ranks has never been stronger. Titans.com.au has identified the key players who could claim a centre spot to start the season.
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Brian Kelly
Age: 27 | Appearances: 146
Entering his sixth season on the Gold Coast, Brian Kelly will be looking to recapture the form that saw him claim the Paul Broughton Medal in 2019. Linking with his former Manly Coach in Des Hasler, Kelly has proven he is a vital cog in the Titans backline. One of the first picked over recent seasons, Kelly has more competition than ever in his position - a challenge he is relishing with a strong pre-season under his belt. Expect plenty from BK in season 2024.
AJ Brimson
Age: 25 | Appearances: 99
A Queensland Origin player and one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league, Brimson is expected to play a new role in season 2024. His team-mates have spoken about their excitement for what Brimson could bring the role, explaining how he has impressed during the pre-season in the position.
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.
Aaron Schoupp
Age: 22 | Appearances: 50
Joining the Titans last season, Schoupp notched 18 games in his maiden season on the Coast.
Entering his fourth season in the NRL, the Thirroul Butchers junior will be looking to establish himself as a regular part of Des Hasler's side and will use the trial games to further push his chances for one of the two jerseys available.
Harley Smith-Shields
Age: 24 | Appearances: 15
'The change is going to be good': Smith-Shields' first interview as a Titan
As a former Rookie of the Year, Harley Smith-Shields showed his potential while lining up for the Raiders. A prodigious talent in the club’s lower grades, but a season-ending knee injury kept him off the field in 2022.
He returned to play six NRL games for the Raiders last season, as well as starring for their NSW Cup side.
With a huge amount of talent, Smith-Shields will be looking for a breakout season on the Coast to showcase his potential.
Other contenders
Aside from the four candidates listed above, both Jojo Fifita and Phillip Sami have played NRL football in the centre position. While both are likely to battle for a spot on the wing, neither would look out of place if selected closer to the action.
Who do you think Des Hasler should select in the centres 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.
