Earlier this week, one of the most intriguing and electric spines in the competition was dealt a devastating blow as young Kiwi fullback Keano Kini has been ruled out for the rest of the season as a result of a neck injury sustained in the Round 3 victory against the Newcastle Knights.

With the combination of Kini, Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson and Sam Verrills being deemed the first choice spine for the Gold Coast Titans 2025 season and seemingly long term, as confirmed by veteran half Kieran Foran who was set to shift into a bench utility role prior to suffering a bicep tear in a pre-season trial, the question begs: what shape will the Titans spine take for the rest of the season?

For the best time in sport and racing, TAB has the best app in sport and racing. Download the TAB app. TAB, We’re On. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.

Jaylan De Groot wore the No.1 in Friday’s win over the Roosters, however with both Brimson and Campbell having significant NRL experience at fullback it remains to be seen if De Groot will see out the season. Although Des Hasler may be hesitant to break up the newly formed halves pairing so early into the season especially due to the promising signs shown during the early rounds.

Add to this the fact that Foran isn’t due back till around Round 9, and newly signed former Wallaby Carter Gordon is reportedly bed-bound with a spinal fluid leak.

Reserve grade half Thomas Weaver shapes as the only feasible option to be plugged into the halves during the early rounds of the season, should Hasler opt to pivot from his intended halves pairing.

De Groot has been given the first nod as he accommodates Hasler’s intended style of play with this Gold Coast side, that being one of all out attack and unstructured creativity. His job security should be fairly safe in the early rounds barring any disastrous slump in form or further injuries to the side.

However, De Groot will likely be the man to make way for the return of Foran upon his return from injury, with Brimson likely pushing back to fullback over Campbell, in order to allow the diminutive playmaker to continue to develop into the game-managing half the club views him as, under the mentorship of Foran.

The devastating season-ending injury to Kini has dulled the early sparks of the promising early season of the Gold Coast Titans and their fate for the remainder of their season ultimately relies on how Hasler decides to shape their spine as he aims to lead the club to their first finals campaign since 2021.