NRLW Titans squad analysis and best 17

With one of the most experienced sides in the competition, the Gold Coast Titans can be expected to run like a well-oiled machine in their second NRLW season.

The only new side to make the finals in the 2021 season, the Titans will hold no fear about how far they can go in their second run.

While the club lost a few stars to rival clubs, the gains far outweighed the losses in the off-season with the likes of Lauren Brown, Emily Curtain, Madison Bartlett and Hagiga Mosby coming on board in return.

Not only do the quartet bring with them points and boast NRLW experience, the side will be in good hands this year being led by one of the legends of the game in Karyn Murphy.

The former Jillaroo and Maroons assistant coach will become the first woman to be in charge of an Australian-based NRLW side when the Titans take on the Dragons to open their campaign.

Possible best 17

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Evania Pelite 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Karina Brown 6. Lauren Brown 7. Kimiora Breayley-Nati 8. Jess Elliston 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Shannon Mato 11. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 12. Tazmin Gray 13. Georgia Hale 14. Rona Peters 15. Steph Hancock 16. April Ngatupuna 17. Annette Brander

Biggest strength

The Titans' biggest strength will be their experience, with the squad only second to the Broncos in the competition with 201 appearances.

They also don't have a single potential debutante in the top 24, meaning every player has had a taste of the NRLW previously.

The side boasts plenty of depth with their returning players and new signings with former Kiwi Fern players Apii Nicholls and Rona Peters, Jillaroo Annette Brander all adding to a a squad that is well-balanced with youth and experience.

Nicholls is all but set to play fullback with gold medallist Evania Pelite to be used in the centres.

Biggest question mark

The make-up of the side's halves pairing will be crucial if they want to improve on their semi-finals finish with new recruits Lauren Brown and Emily Curtain set to compete with Kimiora Breayley-Nati for those positions.

The Titans had a solid inaugural season, but their woes came from the boot, averaging just 259 kick metres per game to rank sixth in 2021.

Brown's game as a half is untested at the NRLW level but she did average 88 kick metres per game alone from dummy half at the Broncos while Curtain ranked second in the NRLW on average with 173 metres per outing.

Led by Murphy, a former half herself, expect some improvement in this area this season.

Draw snapshot

The Titans will open their campaign with a semi-final rematch against the Dragons at WIN Stadium on August 21.

They'll then enjoy a home game against the Knights in round two before a local derby clash against heavyweights Brisbane at Moreton Daily Stadium on September 3.

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets