NRL teenager vows to break Gold Coast Titans halfback curse
However, Harrison, who was praised by Foran as a “smart” and “classy” playmaker and “unfazed by the pressure”, revealed that he was unhappy with being the backup of the trio.
Winning is part of the 19-year-old’s DNA, having displayed excellent game management to the PBC’s national title and the Tweed Seagulls’ Mal Meninga Cup triumph, and despite his admiration for Campbell, the man he intends to usurp, he was adamant he could be the Gold Coast’s long-desired halfback.
“I’m backing myself, if I get into a position where I wear that number 7 I’m sure I won’t let them down,” Harrison said.
“We all train in the NRL for a reason and that’s to play the NRL. You don’t train to play the Cup in the NRL, so as long as you train here you’re training for a place and competing for a place.
“I still respect JC and how he played the game. [style]. “It’s about his running game and his unstructured football and how he can create plays on the spot and get the ball into the right hands.”
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Even the most elite prospects need a strong group of forwards to play at the back, as the Titans are prepared to rely on developing youngsters such as Arama Hau and Cooper Bai to fill the gaps left by David Fifita (Rabbitohs) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London Broncos).
Hau, who made seven brief appearances on the bench in 2025, was adamant that the youngsters had the tools to lead the Titans’ revolution.
“Dave… he took such good care of me coming from Keebra and took me under his wing. It’s sad to see him go, but for me I’m kind of happy to see that back row spot open up,” Hau said.
“Improving my fitness has always been my challenge. I really want to be a household name, so hopefully this year I can show everyone what I’m good at.”
PBC and Keebra Park have produced some of the game’s most elite talents, only to watch them drift away from the Glitter Strip. Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Blake Mozer and Fifita were poached from Keebra Park by the Broncos, while Tom Dearden, Brendan Piakura and Jahrome Hughes also joined PBC.
Kangaroos flyer Xavier Coates also graduated from Marymount College, while Gold Coast-born halfback Coby Black was also bought by the Broncos at the age of 14, but announced on Tuesday he would leave the Raiders from the 2027 season.
But Hannay arrived at Parkwood with the promise of recapturing grassroots pathways and stemming the exodus of talent from the Gold Coast; It’s a move backed by NRL great Matthew Johns purchasing an ownership stake in the club.
“Matt has been here throughout the week and he seems to have a real passion for getting on the pitch in our ways in the junior leagues and having a real presence there,” Hannay said.
“This is one of the most exciting parts of our direction moving forward – as Gold Coast Titans we have a renewed energy to invest in our pathways to ensure we protect the best kids not only on the Gold Coast but across the Northern Rivers region as well.
“This is his true passion and we are very compatible on that.”
