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Depth deep dive: Middles

Many pundits have suggested the Titans have one of the best forward packs in the competition, headlined by the return of inspirational captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.

Add in Reagan Campbell-Gillard who joins the Titans as Parramatta's best player in 2024, alongside Origin enforcer Moe Fotuaika, the ever-reliable Jaimin Jolliffe and rising rookie Josiah Pahulu and the engine room is looking like a V8 Landcruiser with plenty of grunt.

It's left Titans coach Des Hasler with some thinking to do as to how to fit so much talent into his line-up; but one thing is guaranteed - he won't be left disappointed who he has to choose from.

Titans.com.au has identified the key players who could form part of the middle thrid across the season in the 2025 edition of the depth deep dive.

Titans Team Picker is back for ’25! Click here to select your side for the season opener.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Age: 25 | Appearances: 92

There's no doubting how hungry 'Big Tino' is to make up for last year's season on the sidelines after an ACL injury cruelled the skipper's 2024 season - it all begins at Belmore against the Bulldogs this Sunday.

The Origin and International prop began the Dolphins trial at lock which could suggest a positional switch is on the cards for the 25-year-old, who now has 92 first grade games to his name in his fifth season as a Titan.

Not just the club captain but an inspirational leader for the forward pack, expect Fa'asuamaleaui and that lush flowing mullet to be charging onto the ball as one of the main enforcers in 2025. 

Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Age: 31 | Appearances: 221

Coming to the Coast as Parramatta's 2024 player of the year, RCG is a handy pickup for the Titans - bringing 221 games and Origin and International experience to the already astute forward pack.

Joining Moe Fotuaika as a specialist from the back fence, the 31-year-old played in all 24 games last year for the Eels, averaging 124 metres and 28 tackles per game to offer plenty of go forward.

Hungry to bring success to his new home, Campbell-Gillard is fit and firing and ready to don his new colours against the Bulldogs in Sydney.

Moeaki Fotuaika

Age: 25 | Appearances: 141

The two-time Paul Broughton Medallist is another prop that is one of the first picked each week as he ventures into his eighth season as a Titan at only 25.

Getting the honour to captain the club on two occasions last year, Fotuaika is continually one the quiet achievers who just gets about his business without any fanfare.

But it's not lost on Gold Coast members and fans who cherish the effort and energy he brings each week; averaging 118 running metres and 28 tackles at 94 percent efficiency last season across 20 appearances for the club.

Jaimin Jolliffe

Age: 28 | Appearances: 85

Jolliffe is a continual fan favourite for his consistency up front, and will hope to put two seasons of frustrating injuries behind him as he challenges for a starting prop spot.

One of the Titans' best until a pec tear crippled a lengthy part of last season, that didn't shake his no-nonsense attitude and hard work approach upon his return.

Starting in every game but one in his 16 appearances last year, the 28-year-old has done all he can through the pre-season to impress Hasler and earn the early nod to set the tone early with an opportunity in the starting side.

Chris Randall

Age: 29 | Appearances: 74

One of the best players to have in the squad given his versatility, Randall's reliability means he can move between hooker, lock, halves, second row and bench roles pending what job needs doing.

It's a disservice to label the 29-year-old a utility player because he's got the skill and ability to own any one of the jerseys mentioned above, but it means he's one of the first players picked, and has shown to make the No. 13 role his own nine times in 2024.

One of three players to have played in every game last year, armchair coaches will debate what his best position is, but one thing everyone agrees on is he is a must-have in the 17 each week.

Josiah Pahulu

Age: 20 | Appearances: 19

Making his debut early last season, Pahulu had a breakout year to earn the Titans' rookie claims in 2024 - even earning a starting jersey on six occasions in his maiden campaign.

A former Australian Schoolboy and Future Titans alumni, Pahulu will be hungry to maintain his first year form with his leg speed and energy key characteristics to his game.

A young gun on the rise, another exciting year is anticipated for the 20-year-old.

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui

Age: 23 | Appearances: 14

Only making one appearance last season for the Titans, the young brother of Tino will be hoping to further add to that tally this season.

Predominately playing for the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup - where he made 14 appearances in 2024 - he has had a big pre-season at Parkwood learning from some of the best props in the game as he continually works hard and battles for a spot in the 17 throughout the year ahead.

Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.