The Gold Coast Titans’ next generation put together an impressive weekend of football in Coffs Harbour, with four Future Titans sides taking on Newcastle Knights pathways teams in a strong test of the club’s development system.
Across the boys’ and girls’ Under 17s and Under 19s matches, the Titans displayed physicality, resilience and strong potential, underlining the depth of talent coming through the pathways program.
Future Titans Boys Under 19s
The under 19 boys were forced to dig deep in a gritty contest against Newcastle, showing strong resolve in defence and a willingness to keep working for each other in tough conditions.
While the Titans enjoyed periods of momentum and produced some promising attack, some missed opportunities with the final pass proved costly and ultimately prevented them from capitalising on good territory.
Defensively, the group stood tall, repeatedly scrambling to shut down Knights attacking raids and showing strong connection when under pressure.
That resilience would be a pleasing takeaway for the group.
Justus Lowndes earned man of the match honours after another composed display, while Tyler Pereira and Cooper Murphy were also standouts, with Murphy making a strong defensive impact after coming off the bench.
Future Titans Boys Under 17s
The Future Titans Under 17 boys delivered a dominant performance, overpowering the Knights with intent, physicality and cohesion across the park.
The Titans controlled the contest from the outset, playing direct and applying consistent pressure which laid the foundation for several well-executed tries.
Their ability to work hard for one another on both sides of the ball stood out, particularly through the middle where they won the battle early.
Keebra Park State High Sschool forward Austin Desmond was named man of the match after a tireless display that set the platform for the team’s attack.
He was well supported by Fynn Laffranchi, Triston Sauaga and Murphy Phillips, who all produced strong performances in a side that looked connected and committed throughout the match.
The win was a reward for a long pre-season and highlighted the group’s willingness to play physical, fast football while staying united under pressure.
Future Titans Girls Under 19s
The Future Titans Under 19 girls produced a statement performance, shutting out the Knights in a commanding display that showcased the strength of the club’s female pathways.
The Titans set the tone early, applying relentless pressure and dominating both field position and possession.
Their attacking polish was matched by an outstanding defensive effort, holding Newcastle scoreless throughout the contest.
Centres Sienna Ibrahim and Ti Rena Pearse were constant threats, combining power and speed to trouble the Knights’ edge defence and finish off strong team movements.
Titans female pathways co-ordinator Aaron Booth praised the group’s consistency and defensive resolve, noting the significance of keeping a traditionally strong Knights program to zero.
Future Titans Girls Under 17s
The Under 17 girls showed tremendous character, overturning an early deficit with a powerful defensive effort that shifted momentum firmly in the Titans’ favour.
After conceding points early, the Titans lifted their intensity through the middle, producing a crucial defensive stand that sparked belief across the group.
From there, the momentum swung decisively, with the Titans running away with the contest.
Hooker pairing Maleea Te Kotahi and Shakaye Matheson were influential throughout, combining for five tries and leading from the front in both effort and execution.
Te Kotahi’s long-range solo effort was a highlight, igniting the team and energising the sideline.
Booth credited the group’s resilience and defensive commitment as the turning point, particularly impressive given the number of 16-year-olds in the side.
With all four teams showing strong signs across the weekend, the Coffs Harbour trials provided another encouraging glimpse into the Future Titans pipeline as the club continues to invest in developing the next generation of Gold Coast talent.
