Five young Gold Coast leaders have represented the Titans at the 2026 NRL Youth Summit, joining students from across the country for four days of leadership, cultural learning and connection.
An annual NRL initiative since 2011, the Youth Summit aims to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori leaders, providing participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their cultural understanding and build connections within their communities.
Held on the lands of the Dharawal people in South-West Sydney, the 2026 Summit brought together young leaders for a range of workshops, activities and cultural experiences.
From more than 100 nominees, five Year 11 students were selected to represent the Gold Coast:
- Darcy Busbridge – St Joseph's College, Banora Point
- Zane Weston – Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
- Maddison Surman – Coombabah State High School
- Star Bella Tonkin – Tweed River High School
- Baelyn Lester – Robina State High School, representing the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
The students' selection was recognition of their outstanding qualities, leadership potential and positive participation throughout the program.
Before heading to Sydney, the students and their parents were invited to attend the Titans' captain's run, where NRL Indigenous players Jayden Campbell and Lachlan Ilias presented each student with a Titans polo shirt and jumper on behalf of the Club.
The Summit itself was hosted at Douglas Park and led by Dean Widders, an Anaiwan Indigenous Australian and former professional rugby league player.
Across the four days, participants took part in workshops designed to build resilience, confidence and leadership, while exploring themes including positive decision-making, goal setting, teamwork, stepping outside their comfort zones and strengthening connections to culture and community.
The students also had the opportunity to hear from a number of inspiring figures, including Brad Fittler, Alan Tongue, Johnathan Thurston and Grant Atkins, alongside representatives from ASX, Mirri Mirri and Brolga Dance Academy.
The group toured the Sydney Roosters' headquarters and Allianz Stadium, participated in a cultural dance workshop and learnt a local dance, providing further opportunities to connect with culture and one another.
The experience culminated in the students attending the NRL Indigenous Round clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.
For three of the Titans' representatives, the experience also included recognition as part of the Youth Ambassador selection process, with all three named among the final 16 students considered for the prestigious opportunity.
While they did not progress to the final stage, their nomination was a significant achievement and reflected the leadership, respect, participation, teamwork and willingness to support others they demonstrated throughout the Summit.
The Youth Ambassador selection process begins from the moment students arrive at the Summit, with staff observing and recognising students who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a commitment to supporting those around them.
Sixteen students are nominated to progress to the selection process before participating in an interview with a panel of NRL representatives.
Four finalists are then selected, with each delivering a speech before a silent vote determines the two successful Youth Ambassadors - one male and one female.
The successful students go on to represent the next generation of Indigenous leaders, taking part in official NRL Indigenous Round ceremonies, including carrying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on-field, as well as attending marquee events such as the Indigenous All Stars match.
For the Titans' five representatives, the 2026 NRL Youth Summit provided an opportunity to learn, connect and grow alongside some of Australia's emerging young Indigenous leaders.
Their involvement is a reflection of the leadership potential within the Titans' community and the next generation continuing to make their mark.
