Fermor leading from the edge as young Titans earn Round 1 shot

As the Gold Coast Titans gear up for Round 1 of 2026 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks this Saturday in Sydney, the mood around the squad is one of belief.

Coach Josh Hannay today named his side to take on the Sharks, with Arama Hau edging out Josh Patston in the back row and seven fresh faces included in a new-look 22-man squad.

Among them is Siale Faeamani, set to make his NRL debut on the wing, and Max Feagai, who will wear the Titans jersey for the first time in the centres. 

For experienced forward Beau Fermor, the emphasis heading into Round 1 has been less about the opposition and more about the way the Titans want to play.

“I think the hunger’s always there … but it has felt different this pre-season,” Fermor said.

“We’re a lot more connected as a group and we’re all just working hard for the betterment of the team.”

That philosophy has helped shape how the Titans have approached round 1, with opportunities earned through hard work throughout the pre-season.

And Fermor praised the dedication of those pushing for first-grade chances.

“Siale has come here with no promises, worked really hard … and probably been one of our best performers over the two trials,” he said of the debutant’s rise.

The same can be said of Feagai, who Fermor believes has taken his opportunity with both hands.

“He trained really hard all pre-season and played really well in those games - he’s really dangerous, so I think he’s going to be really good for us on the weekend.”

With Patston and Klese Haas among the other back-row options, Fermor says the competition for spots has pushed the group throughout preparation and the Maroons forward has found a new role as a leader in the pack.

“It’s been a bit of a different one for me, having them asking what I think on things,” he said of helping the younger forwards.

“But I’m really comfortable helping them out wherever I can. If I ever see anything, I make sure I let them know.”

While preparation has been meticulous, Fermor insists the focus remains on how the Titans want to play, rather than being overly consumed with the Sharks’ game style.

“Today was the first day we really spoke about the Sharks,” Fermor said on Monday.

“We’ve just really had to try to keep a focus on us and how we want to play footy and what we want to be known as.”

This Saturday’s season opener represents not just a fresh start for the club under a new coaching regime, but an opportunity for a group that has bought into a collective identity to show what it can do on the big stage.

“Our connection as a group of Titans, working really hard together, that’s what we want to bring on Saturday,” Fermor said.