The Titans will look to unleash a new style of football in 2026 under new coach Josh Hannay, but Moeaki Fotuaika wasn’t ready to reveal too many secrets just yet.
However, he did say that following a disappointing season where they finished just off the bottom of the ladder, the change of structure and routine under Hannay – who Fotuaika has worked with previously with the Queensland Maroons – had been refreshing.
“It's been good having Josh as our head coach, he's definitely bringing the structure of footy that he wants us to play and I think it's just been really refreshing, the change,” Fotuaika said.
“I'm just excited to head into the season and he's got us working hard, like all coaches, but I'm just excited for what the season brings ahead.
“I don't want to go into it (the changes in style) too much because I don't want to give away too much, but I think everyone's pretty clear on what their role is.
“That's something really important to have in a team where there's a lot of things going on, on the field.
“I think when you're clear on your role, everyone knows what they're doing, so, that's all I can say for now.
“He's simplified our roles and just with his communication, he's made it quite clear on what he wants from the forwards and what he wants from the backs and halves.”
The international prop is expected to be joined up front by captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui this season, with Chris Randall filling in at lock, following the news of an ACL injury to Jaimin Jolliffe.
“Obviously disappointing losing Jimmy, he's one of our established front rowers here at the Titans and he's definitely a big part of the pack, so obviously disappointing losing him,” the Tonga prop said.
“But I think we've got a lot of players to fill that space.
“We're a bit down on size, but I think with the game now, how fast it is, I think the smaller players will really fit into that style of footy nowadays.
“Obviously we've got Kurtis Morrin there who's coming to join the squad and Cooper Bai who had his first game last year, so he's someone that I'm really excited to play alongside if the opportunity (comes).
“There's plenty of different options there.”
Back Phil Sami, who has been training at both centre and wing, was another embracing the changes under Hannay, after he had previously linked with a transferred to another club.
Now firmly part of the Gold Coast’s plans, Sami – who has scored 71 tries – was also within sight of breaking the club’s try-scoring record, currently 85 held by Anthony Don.
“Josh has been massive, there’s been a few changes, but we just want to train hard and control what we can control,” Sami said.
“It meant a lot for him to say that to me (that he wanted me to stay), it was up in the air in the off-season, there were a lot of reports out there.
“For him to give me that call and say he trusted me, he thinks I can do a lot for the club.
“I’m grateful for the support and want to play good footy.
“That would be pretty special (to break Don’s record).
“It’s not my main focus but it’d be nice to have one over Donny if I can get it done.”
