The Gold Coast Titans will usher in a new era when they kick off their 2026 season on the road.
The NRL has released its Round One fixture, with the Gold Coast Titans tasked with taking on the Cronulla Sharks at Points Bet Stadium on Saturday, March 7.
The match marks the start of an exciting chapter for the Titans under new head coach Josh Hannay, who just so happens to be up against his former club.
In a fitting twist, Hannay’s first game in charge will be against the side he helped guide in recent seasons as an assistant to Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
With Cbus Super Stadium temporarily unavailable due to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Titans will spend the opening weeks on the road before returning to the Gold Coast later in the early rounds.
BREAKING 🚨 The opening round of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season is locked in. This will be huge! #26DRAW pic.twitter.com/Hcnin6aNHg
— NRL (@NRL) November 11, 2025
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the Round 1 clash symbolises a fresh start for the club.
“There’s a huge sense of optimism heading into 2026,” Mitchell said.
“Josh has already had a significant impact on our program, and our players have responded early to his approach and energy.
“Facing the Sharks first up, and doing so at Josh’s old club, adds a great storyline to the beginning of our campaign.”
Mitchell added that fans can expect to see a new edge to the Titans this season.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to Cbus to play in front of our Members and supporters, but our group will embrace the challenge of starting away from home,” he said.
The full 2026 NRL draw, including details of the Titans’ first home game back at Cbus Super Stadium, will be released over coming weeks.
