The Gold Coast Titans could be preparing for major changes, with coach Des Hasler potentially finishing up as early as this week if rumours are true—or certainly by season’s end—as the club looks to head in a new direction.
Hasler’s stint at the Titans has failed to deliver the success the club hoped for, and with the team languishing near the bottom of the NRL ladder, destined for another wooden spoon, speculation around a coaching change is intensifying.
One of the more intriguing options being discussed is the potential appointment of Shane and Ben Walker—better known as the Walker brothers, who had major success turning around the Ipswich Jets, though have not coached in the QLD Cup since 2019.
As reported by CODE Sports, the co-coaching duo have confirmed they will apply for the Titans job if Des Hasler is moved on, and Shane Walker has already contacted Titans chairman Dennis Watt to formally lodge an expression of interest.
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Known for their unorthodox, attacking style of rugby league during their time coaching in QLD Cup, the Walkers were seen as tactical innovators—offering a brand of football ahead of its time—and have long been linked with a possible step up to the NRL.
Their approach, which favours possession-heavy football and creative attacking structures, could be just what the Titans need after a number of stagnant seasons.
Not only would their style bring a fresh outlook, but it would also suit the Titans’ current roster with speedsters like Alofiana Khan-Pereira, attacking forwards like David Fifita, and x-factor players like Jayden Campbell, who could thrive under the free-flowing brand of rugby league the Walker brothers are known for.
Questions also continue to mount over whether the current regime has the right strategy in place—particularly after underwhelming seasons from star players like Fifita and the continued struggle to attract representative-level talent.
Despite lacking NRL coaching experience, the Walkers’ ability to develop players and breathe life into struggling systems may appeal to a club desperate to find its identity and finally deliver results.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the rumour that, if appointed, the Walker brothers could attempt to lure Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker to the club.
The young halfback, son of Ben Walker, would provide a star recruit to fit the vision of a team looking to rebuild—and also provide the NRL with another star father-son duo to rival the Clearys at Penrith.
A move like this would be no easy feat, however, with the Roosters locking up Walker until the end of 2027 and viewing him as the club’s long-term playmaker.
For all the positives the Walker brothers bring, it’s worth noting that it’s now been a full decade since their famous Ipswich Jets Queensland Cup premiership—the only title in Jets history.
In all that time, and despite approaches like in 2018 when they last expressed interest in coaching the Titans, no NRL club has given them an opportunity at the top level.
NRL clubs have been accused of being too conservative in their coaching selections, and some may still view a Walker brothers appointment as a risk they aren’t willing to take.
But outside club walls, many fans and players have long supported giving the duo a shot—drawn to their innovative style and results, with Ipswich never winning a title before the Walkers and sinking to a 22-91 record since they left the club.
For a club that has tried almost everything to become relevant and successful over the past decade—making the finals just twice in 10 years, most recently in 2021—the idea of a bold new approach feels overdue.