Newcastle-born Chris Randall is relishing the opportunity to secure a new role with the Gold Coast Titans in 2026.
The Lakes United Seagulls junior should savour a positional switch this season, with his days as a hooker over as he moves into the middle.
To date, he’s started in the No. 9 jumper in 50 of his 97 NRL appearances for the Knights (29 – 2020-22) and the Titans.
But, he finished last year in the second-row under then coach Des Hasler.
New Gold Coast mentor Josh Hannay has made a suite of changes to the roster with 12 players from the 2025 squad no longer with the club.
Randall is already a versatile footballer.
So, if there are injuries, he can slot into a variety of positions.
However, he’s glad to have certainty around his role in 2026.
“When Josh first came, he chatted to me about trying to lock down one spot and giving me that chance to actually get the reps in at the one position,” the 30-year-old said.
“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.
“I’m always happy to jump in where I need 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.
“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 Klese Haas will join an impressive middle forward rotation, which includes Queensland representatives Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, along with workhorse Jaiman Jolliffe.
Sam Verrills will start at rake, while the Titans have back-up in that position with last year’s Queensland Cup player of the year Oliver Pascoe and former Penrith rake Luke Sommerton.
“I haven’t been a hooker at all this pre-season,” Randall said.
“We have got a few numbers there this year which helps.
“I don’t think I will be a hooker this season.”
Fa’asuamaleaui can play at No. 13 or front-row but if Hannay elects to go with the Test star at prop then Randall has a shot at solidifying the starting lock spot.
“Everyone would love to be starting,” he said.
“However, we are all competing for spots.
“Nothing is ever set in stone… and we have got trials coming up.
“I think Josh will have a few decisions to make then.
“All I can do is keep training my best and, hopefully, I can get a starting spot, if not on the bench.”
- With AAP
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