The Titans’ commitment to growing female rugby league has continued with the expansion of its junior program, including the appointment of a full-time pathways manager, strengthened coaching and recruitment and a new high performance structure.
Having played a pivotal role in the long-term composition of Gold Coast’s NRLW roster, the growth of the Future Titans female academy will further align the club’s talent development systems with its senior program and ensures it continues to foster and prepare the next generation of elite talent for the top grade.
Alongside a suite of highly skilled and credentialled coaches who will continue their focus on on-field development, the increase in support also features a dedicated high performance department led by Titans head of NRLW high performance Simon Buxton, who previously worked as the Australian Jillaroos’ elite female performance manager.
Young female athletes will also receive elite-level care and preparation with leading sports physiotherapist Carly Jennar forming part of Buxton’s team alongside renowned athletic performance coach Brad Hewat who will head up strength and conditioning.
Former Burleigh Bears pathways and recruitment manager Roy Leoni has joined the Titans full-time to spearhead pathways, bringing over 20 years of rugby league experience to the role. He is supported by Tim McIntyre at the helm of the Under 19s program, Anthony Swain taking charge of the Under 17s and Paul Nieuwenhuyzen coaching the Under 15s - the trio excelling with their respective squads over the pre-season.
The mentoring staff has also included the likes of Australian Schoolgirls head coach Elle Moss and current Titan Brittany Breayley-Nati who wants to give back after an illustrious playing career.
NRLW assistant Aaron Booth will oversee the coaching curriculum for the pathways program alongside his current role whilst also aiding recruitment, with Titans director of female rugby league Karyn Murphy to manage the expanded program as NRLW head coach.
"This is an exciting step forward for our club and for female rugby league across our region," she said.
"Our pathways have always been strong, evident with the number of homegrown players who have been part of our NRLW squad since 2022. That’s a testament to all the hard work done by a lot of good people previously, many who are still with us today.
"This new realignment allows us to grow our program even further, so players are physically and mentally prepared for the next step in their careers.
"Our coaching appointments reflect the values and expertise we want our players to experience and the addition of a high performance program aligns our pathways with NRLW standards to ensure our young players have the best possible preparation for elite football.
"The professionalism we’re introducing will help elevate our entire region and our investment in developing and fostering young local talent is how we build sustained success."
The revamped program is already bearing fruit with 15 of the Queensland Under 19 women's emerging Origin squad hailing from the Titans - more representation than any other NRLW team in the competition.
