The Gold Coast Titans are undergoing a tactical identity shift under new head coach Josh Hannay, with Chris Randall becoming the latest veteran to trade his utility status for a permanent home in the forward pack.
After spliting his 97-game career between dummy-half and the back row, Randall has officially transitioned into a middle forward for the 2026 season. He follows teammate Klese Haas, who recently confirmed his own departure from the edge.
“I’m not a back-rower any more. I am a middle now,” Haas said.
Hannay’s arrival has brought sweeping changes to Parkwood, including a significant roster overhaul involving 12 departures. Beyond the personnel changes, the coach is prioritizing positional “certainty”—a welcome change for a player like Randall who has often been the team’s “Mr. Fix-it.”
“When Josh first came he chatted to me about trying to lock down one position and giving me that chance to actually get the reps in at the one position,” Randall explained. “I have been training in the middle and not getting moved around. I haven’t had that for a while these past couple of pre-seasons.”
While Randall’s versatility remains an insurance policy for the Titans, he admitted that being a utility player can hinder individual growth.
“I am always happy to jump in where I have to and help the team but it can be a bit of a blessing and a curse. You miss the reps at the one position and you can’t kick on and get better at the one spot because you keep changing,” Randall said. “At the moment I have just been training in the middle and I am really enjoying it. Hopefully I can build off that this year.”
Randall and Haas join a formidable engine room led by Maroons stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, alongside Jaiman Jolliffe. This shift is made possible by the Titans’ newfound depth at hooker; with Sam Verrills starting and the arrival of Oliver Pascoe and Luke Sommerton, Randall’s days behind the ruck appear over.
“I haven’t been a hooker at all this pre-season. We have got a few numbers at hooker this year which helps,” Randall noted. “I don’t think I will be a hooker this year.”
With “Tino” capable of playing both prop and lock, Randall is eyeing a potential starting role at No. 13. While the competition is fierce, the former Knight is focused on the upcoming trials to prove he belongs in the run-on side.
“Everyone would love to be starting,” Randall said. “We are all competing for spots. Nothing is ever set in stone and we have got trials coming up and I think Josh will have a few decisions to make. All I can do is keep training my best and hopefully I can get a starting spot, if not on the bench.”
Source: Australian Associated Press | Image – AAP © 2026