Best 17 for 2022: Gold Coast Titans

The Gold Coast Titans are set to be one of the more entertaining prospects to watch during the 2022 NRL season following a 2021 campaign where they wound up in the top eight.

The Titans are set to make some critical changes to their 17 for the 2022 season, with a star player swapping positions.

But their forward pack continues to develop, youngsters fill spine positions and undoubtedly, Justin Holbrook will continue to improve as a coach at the top level.

They finished eighth in 2021, but this season feels like it has the potential for so much more.

Recruitment report

Ins: Aaron Booth (Melbourne Storm, 2022), Tony Francis (2023), Shallin Fuller (2022), Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters, 2024), Will Smith (Parramatta Eels, 2023), Paul Turner (New Zealand Warriors, 2023), Thomas Weaver (2024)

Sydney Roosters' lock Isaac Liu (R) holds the ball during a training session with Toulouse Olympique XIII, at The National Institute of Sport in Paris (INSEP) in Paris on February 13, 2019, ahead of their match against Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge on February 17. (Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images)

Outs: Anthony Don (retired), Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Tyrone Peachey (Wests Tigers), Jonus Pearson (released), Mitch Rein (Parramatta Eels), Sam Stone (Leigh Centurions), Ashley Taylor (New Zealand Warriors), Jai Whitbread (Leigh Centurions)

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Jamal Fogarty of the Titans kicks during the round 14 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Sydney Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium, on June 12, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Re-signed: Tanah Boyd (2024), AJ Brimson (2026), Jayden Campbell (2024), Erin Clark (2023), Beau Fermor (2024), Moeaki Fotuaika (2024), Patrick Herbert (2023), Jaimin Jolliffe (2024), Brian Kelly (2023), Sam Lisone (2024), Greg Marzhew (2023), Kevin Proctor (2022), Toby Sexton (2024), Corey Thompson (2023)

Full squad
Aaron Booth, Tanah Boyd, Alexander Brimson, Jayden Campbell, Erin Clark, Herman Ese'ese, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Sosefo Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Shallin Fuller, Patrick Herbert, Jaimin Jolliffe, Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Sam Lisone, Isaac Liu, Esan Marsters, Greg Marzhew, Sam McIntyre, Kevin Proctor, Phillip Sami, Toby Sexton, Will Smith, Corey Thompson, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna, Jarrod Wallace.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui of the Titans runs the ball during the round 18 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium, on July 16, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Who plays where?

Fullback
Ordinarily, AJ Brimson would be named here without a discussion and we would all move along without so much as a second glance at the number one jersey.

But that simply won’t be the case in 2022.

Brimson has spent the pre-season training in the halves which is exciting enough in itself, but Jayden Campbell’s emergence at fullback could be equally as enthralling.

The only real question is whether Brimson can avoid injury in the front line given his problems with that over the last two years, but the number one jersey is Campbell’s to cement for years to come.

He was impressive at the back end of 2021 and now gets a full season to prove how good he can really be.

Wingers
Three doesn’t go into two, but the Titans need to find a way to make it happen.

Depth is never a bad thing to have, but with the improving Phillip Sami, consistent performer Corey Thompson and ball of strength in Greg Marzhew, Holbrook has a difficult decision about who to leave out.

Marzhew is the outsider with only eight NRL appearances to his name, but he has six tries in those games, 27 tackle busts and an average of 185 metres per game.

LISMORE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Greg Marzhew of the Titans looks on prior to the NRL Trial Match between the Gold Coast Titans and the New Zealand Warriors at Oaks Oval on February 27, 2021 in Lismore, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

They are numbers that paint a compelling case, but the experience of Sami (73 games) and Thompson (109 games) as well as their improvement defensively mean Marzhew is still likely to be first reserve.

But these spots aren’t set in stone at all, with young gun and former Queensland junior Origin star Alofiana Khan-Pereira also likely to push for a spot at some point this season.

Centres
There are really only two top-tier options to play in the centres for the Gold Coast.

Given the dramatic fade away of former North Queensland Cowboy Esan Marsters, it’s all down to Patrick Herbert and Brian Kelly to lock up these positions.

Herbert’s current status in the game has unfortunately been dragged down by a split-second decision to not throw a pass which would have sent the Titans through to Week 2 of the finals in 2021. He had a strong season though and will retain his starting spot for the foreseeable future.

Brian Kelly has also been excellent in both attack and defence, playing 22 games and scoring 12 tries last season. He also tackled at north of 80 per cent, which is an impressive return for a centre.

Halves
The future has well and truly arrived for the Titans. AJ Brimson has gone back to a position he played in junior rugby league in the halves, while youngster Toby Sexton is set to partner him in the key positions.

That doesn’t mean they don’t need to perform though. The depth in the halves for the Titans is far greater than one might think, although overall skews towards being quite young.

NRL Rd 20 - Titans v Knights — GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Jarrod Wallace and AJ Brimson of the Titans celebrate Brimson scoring a tr during the round 20 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium on September 25, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Will Smith is the experienced player who could slot in if needed, although that can be said for just about every position in the backline and hooker, while Paul Turner - who was signed by the New Zealand Warriors - is rated as one of the best youngsters in the game.

There is also the highly-rated Shallin Fuller in the background, while development player Thomas Weaver will be available to play from mid-season.

Middle forwards
The middle third options for the Titans look outstanding. Isaac Liu’s addition to the club from the Roosters adds depth and strength, while Jarrod Wallace’s continued improvement back to something near his best in 2021 creates something of a selection headache given Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika are representative-calibre starting players, let alone club-calibre.

It means Foutaika takes one prop spot, while Fa’asuamalleaui will wear the number 13 jumper for the season.

It’s hard to imagine the Titans have signed Liu to ride the bench, so he will take the other starting spot, leaving Jarrod Wallace out of the 13.

The group are backed up by the likes of Jaimin Jolliffe, Herman Ese’ese and Sam Lisone, creating what could be one of the strongest middle third groups in the competition.

Hooker
Where the Titans don’t have so much depth is at dummy half. Aaron Booth has joined the club, but Mitch Rein’s departure has left them scrambling.

Erin Clark is likely to be the first-choice rake to start the season, with Booth, Tanah Boyd and Will Smith the other options.

Brimson has spoken out about Boyd playing hooker, so there is every chance he is in with a shout, but it’s hard to see him starting ahead of Clark who played plenty of minutes both starting and in a bench role there last year.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Tanah Boyd of the Titans offloads the ball in a tackle during the round nine NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, on May 08, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Second-row
When you have two representative second-row options at the club, there isn’t a lot of discussion about who should be starting in the best 17.

David Fifita and Kevin Proctor are the duo who should run out every week here for the Titans.

That may not be the case though, given Justin Holbrook used Fifita off the bench for a chunk last year, with Beau Fermor impressing.

We will name Fifita to start, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t every week.

Interchange
That all being said, Tanah Boyd is the undoubted best option to play the utility role for the Titans given his youth and speed, but watch for Will Smith to make a considerable fight for the spot given he has just signed a two-year deal with the club.

Beau Fermor and Jarrod Wallace - who both played plenty of football in 2021 - are the first two forwards who must be selected to the bench, leaving just a single spot.

That is fought out between Jaimin Jolliffe, Herman Ese’ese, Sam Lisone and Sam McIntyre, who has the ability to play front row and second-row, and just recently signed a contract extension with the club.

It’s a toss-up, but it feels like size and strength is a must. Jolliffe played every game for the Titans last year and brings power through the middle, so he claims the spot, but healthy competition and depth is a positive sign for the Titans.