Gold Coast Titans Expand and Strengthen NRLW Pathways Program

The Gold Coast Titans have significantly uplifted their investment in women’s rugby league, unveiling a new high-performance structure and the appointment of a full-time pathways manager.

The expansion of the Future Titans female academy comes as the club records a competition-high 15 players in the Queensland Under 19 emerging Origin squad.

Under the new model, the club’s talent systems will be mirrors of the senior NRLW program, focusing on both physical and mental elite-level preparation.

Commenting on the announcement, Gold Coast Titans director of female rugby league and NRLW head coach, Karyn Murphy, said: “This is an exciting step forward for our club and for female rugby league across our region.”

“This new realignment allows us to grow our program even further, so players are physically and mentally prepared for the next step in their careers.” 

“Our investment in developing and fostering young local talent is how we build sustained success.

“The professionalism we’re introducing will help elevate our entire region,” Murphy added.

Current Titans star, Brittany Breayley-Nati, and Australian Schoolgirls coach, Elle Moss have also joined the mentoring ranks, providing the “executive voice” and player-led perspective necessary to foster a winning culture.

Elite Appointments: From Performance to Recruitment

The club has secured a “best-in-class” leadership team to spearhead the expanded program:

• Pathways Leadership: Former Burleigh Bears specialist Roy Leoni joins full-time to lead recruitment and pathways, bringing 20 years of industry experience.
• High-Performance: Simon Buxton, previously the Australian Jillaroos’ elite performance manager, will lead a dedicated department including physiotherapist Carly Jennar and strength coach Brad Hewat.
• Coaching Curriculum: NRLW assistant Aaron Booth will oversee the technical coaching syllabus to ensure tactical consistency from the Under 15s through to the top grade.

Building Sustained Success

The organisation’s strategy relies heavily on “homegrown” success. Since entering the NRLW in 2022, the Titans have consistently fielded one of the highest percentages of local products in the league. By introducing professional-grade strength, conditioning, and medical support at the junior level, the club aims to reduce the “adjustment period” for rookies entering the national competition.

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