Des Hasler boldly declared Gold Coast were entering their premiership window when he took charge of the perennial underachievers last year.
However, after an underwhelming first season that yielded a 14th-place finish, the Titans have endured a disastrous campaign this time around.
There have been just four victories so far for those on the Glitter Strip to celebrate as the club is currently anchored to the bottom of the ladder.
North Queensland are the only side to have conceded more points than Gold Coast after 18 rounds of footy, while Hasler’s side have also struggled in attack.
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The spine and backline have been in a constant state of flux, with Keano Kini, Jaylan De Groot and Kieran Foran spending extended periods on the sidelines.
AJ Brimson started the season at five-eighth but has since been switched to fullback for the past five matches.
So, the only consistent playmaker in the team has been Jayden Campbell, who has made the No. 7 jersey his own in 2025.
The 25-year-old has been handed the keys to the side by Hasler, except from a lone game at fullback in Round 13. Yet despite this decision, questions around the Titans’ spine remain.
Brimson and Kini are tied to the club long-term, while De Groot has also been handed an extension. Campbell, on the other hand, is due to come off-contract next year.
"The way the season is going, I haven’t really thought about [my contract]," Campbell said.
"I haven’t really thought too much into it but when the time comes, it’ll come."
Foran remains a favourite of Hasler’s and has started in the No.6 jersey in every game since he returned from a pre-season injury. However, Brimson could feasibly revert to the halves once Kini has been cleared to play.
Meanwhile, rugby union convert Carter Gordon has been the forgotten man after he suffered a back injury in pre-season.
Despite the wealth of options creating a log jam in the key positions, Campbell has made it clear he no longer wants to play at the back.
"For me, I don’t see myself as a fullback anymore," Campbell said.
"I see myself either as a five-eighth or as a half which clears my mind up a little bit more.
"I loved playing fullback when I first came in but being in the No.6 and No.7 in the last two years, that’s where I see myself in the future."
However, the Queenslander admitted that he had found it tricky converting to being the dominant voice in the side as it contrasts with his laidback attitude.
"If you know me as a person, I’m not really a bossy person or like telling people what to do," Campbell added.
"So, it’s something that I’m getting used to.
"The last two years have been a bit of a learning curve, especially this year going into No.7."