A dummy-half deficiency may have troubled the Titans at the backend of 2022 but that certainly isn't the case for the new season ahead.
Whilst all signs point to Sam Verrills jumping straight into the role from the get go, Justin Holbrook has three genuine options to enact, with depth in the No. 9 ranks definitely not an issue for the Gold Coast in 2023.
Titans.com.au has identified the key players who could star at hooker this season in the latest edition of the depth discussion series.
Titans Team Picker is back for ’23! Click here to select your side for Round 1.
Sam Verrills
Age: 24 | Appearances: 48
Joining the Titans as a title winner from the Sydney Roosters, Sam Verrills has every intention to earn another premiership ring in his new colours.
Learning his trade under 300-game rake Jake Friend, the 24-year-old is not only a master with ball-in-hand but also has a steely edge in defence, averaging a whopping 37 tackles per game at an incredible 96 percent efficiency across his 15 appearances in 2022.
Recruited to the Coast for at least the next two seasons, he comes with a 'team first' mentality as described by his former coach Trent Robinson, with the likely first choice rake to start Round 1 wearing the Titans No. 9 jersey.
Chris Randall
Age: 27 | Appearances: 29
The Newcastle-born product has been on fire at Parkwood since joining the Coast from the Knights in late November and has been one of the club's top-performing trainers across the pre-season.
Known for his gritty defence and high work ethic, he made his NRL debut in 2020 and made a chart-topping 71 tackles at an inspiring 95 percent efficiency in an extra-time thriller, with the 29-gamer continuing to impress in the middle third with a no-nonsense approach to turning away the opposition.
Randall has also shown his versatility with the ability to play at both hooker and lock during his three seasons playing in the top grade.
Erin Clark
Age: 25 | Appearances: 51
Coming off a breakout season last year, the hooker-turned-lock was a revelation in his third full season of NRL with the Titans.
One of the fiercest defenders in the Titans' top 30 squad, the 25-year-old averaged 31 tackles a game at 94 percent efficiency and was one of the club's most consistent players in the middle, playing at both hooker and lock.
Whilst expected to primarily play at No. 13 in 2023, should he be required to take on dummy-half duties at anytime, the Maori All Star will be ready for the calling and is hoping to pick up where he left off when he returns to the field this season.
