Titans elevate young guns for '24; lock in local talent for '25

Rugby Sevens convert Georgia Grey has earned the final spot in the Titans’ top 24 NRLW squad, elevated from the Gold Coast’s development list for the 2024 season.

Having impressed coach Karyn Murphy in the early stages of the pre-season since making the switch, the 19-year-old created history at the weekend by scoring the first try in the Manly Sea Eagles’ opening round of the Harvey Norman NSW Cup – one of three players in action for the club’s new affiliate side at the weekend.

With Grey’s promotion, Titans Academy playmaker Lailani Montgommery has joined the NRLW squad in the vacant development spot role after a strong Tarsha Gale season with the Sydney Roosters.

Part of the Future Titans program at the start of the year – including playing in the pre-season trial against Newcastle in January – the 19-year-old ventured to Sydney and earned the best back award with the tri-colours before returning home to take up the opportunity with the Gold Coast.

The Titans also have their eye on 2025, locking in three development players for next season.

Eta Sikahele, Savannah Roberts-Hickling and Phoenix-Raine Hippi will be part of the extended squad for the following campaign with the trio all graduating from the Future Titans Academy to the NRLW.

Murphy is thrilled to give the opportunity to Future Titans pathway talents.

"It’s great we have been able to promote from within. This is what our Academy program is all about," she said.

"The fact we have been able to elevate Lailani into our development squad this year and give the opportunity to three young and upcoming local players for 2025 is what makes me most proud.

"Their commitment also shows we have been able to develop players from right across our catchment area, with both Savannah and Phoenix Northern Rivers products.

"It’s important to have such roster stability for not just this year but upcoming seasons as well, and this allows us to continue developing the talent in our pathways with an end goal of progression to the NRLW."