NRL 2026: Titans, Locked in: Persistence pays off for new Titans flyer

Author: Titans.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 7 May 2026, 05:59 PM

Titans coach Josh Hannay has lauded new recruit Jensen Taumoepeau for his determination and persistence ahead of his NRL debut against the Roosters on Friday night.

The 25-year-old moved north to Gold Coast from Canberra ahead of the 2026 season in a bid to continue pursuing his NRL dream having previously spent time in both the Sharks, Cowboys and Raiders systems.

Known for his explosive running game and versatility, the New Zealand-born outside back has become a journeyman in his bid to crack the top grade, notching up 91 appearances across both the Queensland and New South Wales Cup and finally earns his opportunity after starring for the Tweed Seagulls to start the season.

"Jensen is a great story. I worked with him at Cronulla in 2021 and got to know him then," Hannay said.

"He's been on a journey... he's been to Townsville, to Canberra and now he's landed with us.

"There's a level of perseverance there. He's never given up on the dream of playing in the NRL and in my eyes, he deserves it.

"He's marking a pro in Daniel Tupou, so it's not an easy task, but I feel he has earned the opportunity and he'll make his presence felt.

"We'll do everything we can to make it a special one."

Taumoepeau comes in to replace the injured Siale Faeamani, who has been sidelined for up to a month with a MCL strain; whilst the Titans coach has kept his side as per program for game day with highly-touted halfback Zane Harrison to also get his opportunity in the No. 7 jersey for his maiden NRL showing.

Kick-off is at 6pm on Friday at Polytec Stadium, Gosford.

Round 10 - Round 10 - Friday 8 May

8:00 am

Roosters

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Titans is number 2 Jensen Taumoepeau
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo Savala

Centre for Titans is number 3 Jojo Fifita
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia

Centre for Titans is number 4 AJ Brimson
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Cody Ramsey

Winger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Jayden Campbell
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Zane Harrison

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte

Prop for Titans is number 8 Klese Haas
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Oliver Pascoe
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Spencer Leniu

Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Chris Randall
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Titans is number 13 Cooper Bai

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson

Interchange for Titans is number 14 Kurtis Morrin
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Moeaki Fotuaika
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Josh Patston
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi Foketi

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Arama Hau
Interchange for Roosters is number 20 Fetalaiga Pauga

Interchange for Titans is number 18 Jaylan De Groot
Interchange for Roosters is number 21 Reece Foley

Interchange for Titans is number 19 Sam Verrills