Titans legends of 2010 provide lessons for modern squad

The Gold Coast forward pack this year could be the best they have fielded but there is one proviso about whether they will be regarded as such.

As it stands, the 2010 pack that reached the preliminary final is the benchmark.

That side is still the most highly regarded in the Titans' 18-year history.

Current Queensland prop Moeaki Fotuaika and second-rower Beau Fermor, on the cusp of representing the Maroons, are two Titans that draw inspiration from what that former side, and particularly the forwards, achieved.

It was red hot and boasted a quintet of Luke Bailey, Greg Bird, Ash Harrison, Brad Meyers and Anthony Laffranchi, all of whom had played State of Origin. Only Harrison did not play for Australia.

Throw in workaholic club legends Nathan Friend and Mark Minichiello and the Titans had grit, muscle and class. They were also winners.

The recruitment of former NSW and Test prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and the return of Australia and Queensland front-rower Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from an ACL injury has given the 2025 Titans a boost, and belief they can achieve something special.

Maroons back-rower David Fifita, 2024 rookie of the year Josiah Pahulu and workhorse prop Jaimin Jolliffe give the Titans a multi-faceted pack.

It's only on paper right now though.

The Titans have finished 14th in their past two seasons and 13th in 2022. The 2010 side came fourth in the regular season.

"They are definitely a team we can take motivation off," Fotuaika said of the 2010 outfit.

"Obviously they made it to one game before the grand final with the quality players involved like Anthony Laffranchi, Luke Bailey and (fullback) Preston Campbell.

"We've had a few of those guys have a chat to us. Just their knowledge about the game and how connected they were as a team we can definitely take a lot out of."

The form of the Titans can fluctuate within a game and Fermor said there was much to learn from the 2010 side.

"In those early years when the Titans first started they were really successful and as a team we have done a lot of reflection over this pre-season on what that team brought ," he said.

"They were a really tough and gritty team so if we can base our performances off that I think we will be really hard to beat ... and the difference between our best game and our worst game won't be too big. That is what everyone is striving towards."

Fotuaika was confident the current pack had the capacity to be the club's best.

"For sure. We have a great mix in terms of youth and experience," he said.

"It will be good to put it all together."

Fotuaika and Fermor will get the chance to fire in a trial match with Brisbane in Toowoomba on Sunday.