Keano Kini already has the Titans fullback jersey all sewn up, but there's still several other players that are more than capable of filling the No.1 duties should that be required anytime.
Missing out on rookie of the year honours in 2024 due to playing one too many games in his debut year; it was an incredible breakout season for the 20-year-old whiz kid who took out the Paul Broughton Medal after only making 16 appearances - but in every one of those, he was at his electrifying best to average 212 running metres each game.
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
3rd Position
away Team
Titans
13th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
It's one of the most certain positions in the Titans' 17 given his quick progression - even seeing AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell transition to the halves in order to allow the Kiwi International to play.
The Gold Coast hasn't been short on talent at the back though with rising rookie Jaylan De Groot no slouch when he got his opportunity in Round 26 last year - clocking the second fastest speed in the NRL with a reading of 37.2km/h - just behind Manly speedster Jason Saab who sat on top of the competition with 37.7km/h.
Titans.com.au has identified the four key players who could wear the No. 1 jersey across the season in the 2025 edition of the depth deep dive.
Titans Team Picker is back for ’25! Click here to select your side for the season opener.
Keano Kini
Age: 20 | Appearances: 22
Kini is already a lock for the No. 1 jersey come Round 2's opener against the Bulldogs, but it's incredible to think how quickly he's progressed after only 22 NRL games.
Experiencing a big off-season making his International debut for the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships, his representative honours capped off a perfect season for the young gun who claimed his first Paul Broughton Medal in style - never looking behind after bursting back onto the scene in Round 10.
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Special K scores
There's no denying Kini has natural talent and ability, but his work ethic and desire for betterment is the biggest trait that earns him the most success.
A huge student of the game and one of the most dedicated trainers at Parkwood, he consistently wants to learn and better himself in order to keep growing and become the best player he can be, helping him accelerate his career to where it is today at such a young age.
AJ Brimson
Age: 26 | Appearances: 112
Set to line-up in the halves this season after playing in several different positions last year, Brimson has proven himself to be the perfect player to have in the Titans squad with his ability to play in the halves, at fullback or in the outside backs.
The 26-year-old made his Origin debut in 2020 wearing the No. 1 jersey after setting the COVID-affected year alight since returning from a back injury - scoring seven tries and breaking 30 tackles in only nine games for the Titans. This stellar form line continued the following season at the back, again scoring seven tries and averaging 160 run metres per game.
He played fullback in four of his 13 games last season, scoring four tries and proved he is a dominate force in the No. 1 jersey, or wherever he plays across the park.
Jayden Campbell
Age: 25 | Appearances: 58
Now seen as more of a playmaker after playing 11 of his 15 appearances as five-eighth in 2024, he still proved how much of an impact he can make at fullback in the club's last game of the season against the Panthers when he stepped Australian duo Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin to score the Titans' try of the year.
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Campbell breaks Penrith's ankles
The son of former Titans gun Preston Campbell is an excitement machine wherever he plays, admired by fans and puts bums on seats each and every weekend... not to mention the extreme talent he continues to show week-in, week-out.
Bursting onto the scene in 2021 making his debut against the Melbourne Storm in Round 13, the young fullback played seven games in his rookie season and instantly impressed - scoring five tries and amassed a whopping 31 tackle breaks.
He will continue to transfer his talents to the halves in 2025 after a perfect matinee alongside AJ Brimson in the most recent trial, but he can still naturally fill the fullback position should he be called upon to do so by Des Hasler.
Jaylan De Groot
Age: 22 | Appearances: 1
Progressing to the top 30 roster in 2025 after learning his craft via a development roster spot last year, De Groot got his opportunity in the final rounds of last season and didn't disappoint.
A standout for the Ipswich Jets in his first full season of the Hostplus Cup, he then made his way onto the big stage in Round 26, even scoring in the match to cap off an impressive debut against the Knights - even posting the second fastest speed in the NRL in his sole appearance.
Likely to be second in line for the No. 1 spot behind Kini, there's no doubt De Groot will continue to work hard at training and apply his trade for the Jets as he eyes another recall to the weekly NRL 17 - either as a fullback or potential role as a winger/centre.
