The Gold Coast Titans are reportedly parting ways with Des Hasler but who will be the next man up?
Could they possibly make a surprise move to bring back former coach Justin Holbrook for the 2026 NRL season – a decision that, while surprising to some, may carry more logic than first appears.
Holbrook was controversially sacked midway through the 2023 season despite the Titans sitting in ninth place at the time – their best ladder position in recent years.
Since his departure, the club has languished near the bottom of the table under Hasler, with little sign of progress on or off the field.
In stark contrast, Holbrook’s tenure featured a superior winning record to Hasler and a more attacking, free-flowing brand of football that resonated with the team’s key personnel.
Players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were not only vocal supporters of Holbrook but also thrived under his leadership.
His strong relationships with the club’s core, including David Fifita, Jayden Campbell, and Beau Fermor, helped establish a young nucleus that looked ready to lead the Titans forward.
Since Holbrook’s exit, however, Fifita’s form has dipped, and the cohesion in the squad has clearly suffered.
Justin Holbrook. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Campbell and Fermor, who were both blooded and backed by Holbrook, have since developed into leadership figures – a testament to his eye for talent and player development.
The idea of returning to a former coach isn’t without precedent. The Penrith Panthers made the bold call to rehire Ivan Cleary after his first stint produced only a 45% win rate across four seasons.
That decision, mocked by some at the time, has proven to be one of the most successful moves in modern rugby league history, delivering three straight premierships and a culture of sustained excellence.
With a limited coaching market and few proven candidates available, the Titans could do far worse than follow Penrith’s blueprint and return to a coach who understands the club, has unfinished business, and retains the respect of the playing group.
For a team in desperate need of direction, reuniting with Justin Holbrook in 2026 might not just be nostalgic, it might be the smartest play they can make.
