Depth discussion: Outside backs

Another player to keep an eye on in 2023 is Tony Francis, with the Titans development player a chance of getting his opportunity to play first grade after Round 10.

Titans.com.au has identified the key players who could star in the outside backs this season.

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Aaron Schoupp

Age: 21 | Appearances: 32

Joining the Titans from the Bulldogs for the new season, this exciting youngster has a bright future at his new home on the Gold Coast.

Excelling in the centres for Canterbury last season, the 21-year-old averaged 129 running metres and 11 tackles a game; as well as finding the line on six occasions in 19 games.

He is also no stranger to Cbus Super Stadium, debuting against his new colours in 2021 and is excited to have the fans show plenty of support for him this time around when he returns as a Titan. 

Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Age: 21 | Appearances: 0

Scoring an incredible 25 tries in 19 Hostplus Cup appearances for the Burleigh Bears - included a double hat-trick against the Cutters and another three trifectas across the season - a NRL debut is beckoning for Khan-Pereira.

Preparing for his second season in the Gold Coast top 30, the prolific points-scorer has impressed Holbrook over summer, putting him in the box seat to earn a maiden call-up for the tussle against the Tigers.

The rising star was also crowned the fastest Titan last season, boasting a top speed of 36.5km/h which will be a handy attribute on the flanks should he get the nod.

Brian Kelly

Age: 26 | Appearances: 125

Brian Kelly will be hungry for a big season with the Titans, especially missing the opening rounds whilst still serving a suspension from last year's penultimate clash against the Knights.

Despite scoring seven tries, the 2020 Paul Broughton Medallist had a lean year last season by his own admission, which has fuelled his burning desire to get back to the damaging strike centre that Titans fans know and come to expect.

Only two tries away from notching up 50 four-pointers, the Ballina junior will be fighting hard to regain his place in the team when he becomes available for selection to get back to his best and dominate the NRL once again.

Jojo Fifita

Age: 20 | Appearances: 8

In the space of three months, the rugby-convert not only made his NRL debut but also represented his country with selection in the Prime Minister's XIII to face Papua New Guinea.

Titans fans are expected to see more of Fifita in 2023, with the 20-year-old destined to back-up his breakout season with a more consistent year playing in the top grade, especially after inking an extension with the club over the off-season to remain a Titan until 2025.

Scoring three tries in his eight appearances, a key attribute to Jojo's game is his defence and ability to continually deny opposition players - something that will be key to the Coast's campaign this season.

Patrick Herbert

Age: 26 | Appearances: 58

Not due back until later in the the season due to an ACL injury sustained late in 2022, when Herbert does become available, he can provide plenty of experience to the back five.

Only one of three outside backs to have surpassed 50 NRL games, the Māori All Star can be a lethal option at either centre or wing to do a job for Holbrook should he be required.

Phillip Sami

Age: 25 | Appearances: 82

Flying Phil Sami hit the ground running in 2022 as one of the top outside backs in the competition in the opening five rounds, before a knee injury troubled the Gold Coast star mid-way through the season.

A consistent staple of the Titans backline since 2018, the former Maroon has worked hard to return to full fitness over the pre-season, and is hoping to get back to his top-flight form to help his fellow teammates play finals footy this season.

Despite the injury-riddled season, Sami's best statistic was his ability to bust tackles, amassing 54 tackle breaks through the season at an average of four per appearance - 11 of those coming against the Broncos in Round 18.

As the most experienced player in the outside banks stocks, it's expected Sami will line-up at either centre or on the wing for Round 1 at Leichhardt Oval. 

Treymain Spry

Age: 23 | Appearances: 5

Spry's determination to return to first grade rugby league is truly inspirational. With a contract at his fingertips following scintillating trial form in 2022, everyone knows what happened next.

Facing the prospect of never playing again, the 23-year-old flyer had the belief to get back to the top level and his hard work has been rewarded with a two-year deal back at the Titans.

Finishing 2022 with the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup, a big year awaits Spry, especially with his chance to fly in the upcoming trial matches to show why he should be back playing NRL sooner rather than later.

Tony Francis*

Age: 20 | Appearances: 0

In his second year at Parkwood, the youngster is hoping 2023 will be his chance to be part of the Titans' top 17.

Although unavailable for selection until after Round 10 due to being a development player, Francis will continue to apply his trade in the Hostplus Cup, where he crossed the white stripe on 14 occasions across his 20 games for Burleigh.

Included in the 22-man squad for the Coast's final game of last season, the big-bodied back is capable of playing at both centre and wing and could be the perfect man to fill a void in the backs once he's eligible to play later in the year.

*Development player - eligible to play after Round 10

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