Pressure is rising on Des Hasler.
The Titans coach – who joined the club in 2024 – oversaw a 14th-place finish last season.
Now, nine rounds into the current campaign, Gold Coast is in 16th and riding a five-game losing streak.
Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, Hasler could find himself out of a job if results don't pick up.
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According to News Corp journalist Michael Carayannis, the veteran coach has a top eight clause in his contract.
If the Titans fail to reach the finals this season, the club will be "under no obligation" to keep Hasler.
Further, if the Gold Coast outfit are no longer a mathematical chance to make the top eight during the current campaign, the 64-year-old could be shown the door immediately.
"Massive news regarding Des Hasler’s future at the Gold Coast Titans," Carayannis said on NRL 360.
"He originally signed a three-year deal until at least the end of next season, but there are clauses in his deal, and one of those is a top-eight clause.
"If he doesn’t make the top eight this year, the Titans are under no obligation to keep him at the club next year.
"I think we can all agree, they’re long odds to make the top eight.
"There’s another element to it – potentially, when they are mathematically no chance of playing finals footy, they could split ways immediately.
"There’s a lot to play out there on the Gold Coast."
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As it stands, the Titans are four points outside the top eight.
They notably have a points differential of -88.
Gold Coast will head to Newcastle on Friday as they look to snap their five-match winless run.