Gold Coast Titans forward Tuki Simpkins says reconnecting with newly appointed Titans head coach Josh Hannay has added an extra spark to the start of his pre-season.
The pair link up again after first working together during their time at the North Queensland Cowboys.
Simpkins arrived at Parkwood for day one of pre-season earlier this week determined to build on his breakout return to the NRL last year, but admits one of the standout moments of the opening week has been seeing a familiar face now leading the club.
“I had Josh back when I was at the Cowboys when I was 17, so it’s pretty cool to link up with him again and just keep learning from him,” Simpkins said.
The 22-year-old was full of praise for Hannay’s rise to the head coaching role.
“I feel like that was probably his goal, to become a head coach, and that’s unreal. I’m definitely proud of him for sure.”
And while their relationship began when Hannay was an assistant at the Cowboys, Simpkins says the connection has picked up right where it left off.
“It was awesome. We are both happy to see each other and it’s always cool when you get to rebuild those connections and relationships … he’s still an awesome coach and there’s a lot I can learn from him.”
After a disrupted lead-in last year, Simpkins is relishing the chance to hit the ground running ahead of the 2026 season.
“It’s been awesome coming in day one fit and ready to go," he said.
"Last year I wasn’t back until two weeks before trials, so it was a disrupted start.
"Touch wood, no injuries this pre-season and I can start the season going well.”
That clean slate comes after a long-awaited return to the NRL in 2025.
A moment Simpkins admits he wasn’t always sure would come.
“There were a few times I didn’t think I’d be able to get back on the field and even just getting the contract again was awesome," he said.
"When I got told I was playing, it was pretty special for me and my family.
“I’m just keen to keep building and become a regular player in the NRL.
"My goal is to be in that 17 every week and you have to come in with that competitive nature.”
With the Titans set to head to New Zealand early in the season, Simpkins admits that potential trip has extra significance.
“I’m from there so that’d be pretty awesome to go play in front of that crowd," he said.
"My family would be able to come so that’s definitely circled, but I’m happy to play any games.”
