It may be unlucky for some but Titans young gun Cooper Bai would love nothing better than running out each week with the No.13 on his back as he looks to convert his undoubted potential into a breakout season in Josh Hannay's team.
After making his NRL debut in the final round of 2025, Bai is poised to make a name for himself in a reinvented and reinvigorated Titans side under their new coach.
With skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui watching on from the sidelines and Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini in All Stars camp, the Titans showcased their depth in a 24-12 victory over the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium.
Starting at No.13 for the first time after coming off the bench in his NRL debut, 19-year-old Bai certainly put his best foot forward and showed why Hannay put so much faith in him.
“Everyone likes to start and 13... personally, that's what I like to play. That's the position I’ll be trying to go for,” said Bai.
“I just like it because it's a bit more between the ballplaying and running and it just opens up my options and I like having those options. So then when things happen, I'm able to execute on them.
Ilias all skill
“Whether I'm playing NRL or Q Cup, just trying to put my best foot forward and try to stay consistent and obviously I've got goals of mine and trying to stick those goals throughout this year.
“I feel like Josh is really good, especially with all the young boys and really helping everyone be able to learn on their own level and bring everyone else together.
"And I feel like the big part that he has is connection… and this year and the pre-season from last year, I just feel like that connection piece has been really good for all of us.”
Bai, who recently inked a contract extension through to the end of 2028, finished the game with 88 run metres, two tackle breaks and 21 tackles, prompting his coach to declare “the sky is the limit for Cooper".
Moeaki Fotuaika Try
For his part, Bai was pumped to be back on the paddock and said he couldn't wait to see how the squad developed as they chase a first finals berth since 2021.
“Felt really good, just to get the cobwebs out, get our first game under our belt, and to put in that performance with the boys... I feel like everyone put in a good performance,” Bai said.
“It was really special to get a win with this group of boys, the extended squad we had... I felt that all of the boys really chipped in together and put out that performance. Really happy with that.
“I felt like Zane Harrison, he went really good, leading us around, and his kicking game was always on. He did an exceptional job.”
Māori and Pasifika Pioneers: Marcus Bai
Bai said his family were very supportive of him and were excited to see him continue his journey at the Titans – even dad Marcus, who made his name across six seasons at the Melbourne Storm after debuting at the Gold Coast in 1997.
“As long as I am happy, he is happy,” Bai said.
“I feel like I have a pretty tight squad at home and my family, so being able to talk to them and my management as well, just being able to talk to them, they're like another pair of parents for me.
"It's really good just having that secure group that are always looking after my best interests."
