Titans belt Storm as Hannay era builds momentum

Joel Gould | February 21, 2026

Gold Coast’s new-look spine and steely defence have shone in a 42-12 pre-season whipping of Melbourne as coach Josh Hannay’s impressive start continued.

The Storm also got a positive glimpse into life after Ryan Papenhuyzen with fullback Sua Faalogo shining before limping off early in the second half at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.

AAP was told the injury to Faalogo was not serious and would not impact his round one availability.

Titans halves AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell controlled play superbly in the Pre-Season Challenge clash. Both threw slick passes for tries while fullback Keano Kini was a pocket rocket at the back. 

Brimson’s permanent move to No.6 got off to a slick start when his flat pass found storming second-rower Beau Fermor to score the opening try.

Campbell, who played the first half, delivered a carbon copy pass of perfect timing to send giant forward Arama Hau in just before the break.

Of note in the Titans opening two trial matches has been their steely defence and it was on show again. 

It’s a key area Hannay wanted to improve after the side finished 16th last year and his players have responded in wins over the Dolphins and last year’s grand finalists.

It was strong defence by Titans forward Klese Haas that jolted the ball from Will Warbrick’s grasp and led to a try to Titans winger Phil Sami. 

The battle of the fullbacks showcased two of the most exciting young custodians in the NRL.

Kini, who was restricted to just six NRL games last year due to injury, and Melbourne’s razzle dazzler Faalogo look set to light up the competition this year.

Kini made 118m from 14 busy runs before being replaced at halftime. His replacement Jaylan De Groot also fired and scored two second-half tries.

Faalogo will inherit the fullback mantle of 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner Papenhuyzen who is taking a break from the game.

Faalogo got the crowd out of their seats each time he touched the ball and chimed into the backline nicely for the Storm’s opening try to winger Hugo Peel.

A masterful across-the-body kick by Cameron Munster was followed by Faalogo to score the second try. 

The Titans have unearthed an exciting prospect in winger Sialetili Faemani who scored a try and made powerhouse incisions.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who almost joined the Titans in the pre-season before extending at the Storm, will have a few things to work on but knows only too well that trial losses in the past have had no bearing on how his team performs in the regular season.