Teenage talent earmarked for NRL debut at the Titans

THE next Northern Rivers NRL star could emerge in 2026 after teenage sensation Zane Harrison signed a two-year contract, promoting him to the Gold Coast Titans top 30 squad.

The 19-year-old has been earmarked for future success since playing a key role in the Northern Rivers Titans under-16 team after it won the Andrew Johns Cup in 2022.

He went on to steer Tweed Seagulls to under-18 success in the Mal Meninga Cup last year, before doing the same with Palm Beach Currumbin at both state and national level.

He got a taste of NRL last year when he played in a trial game with the Titans and could follow in the footsteps of Tweed product Tom Weaver, who debuted at the club in 2023.

There will be spots up for grabs in the halves, with Kieran Foran retiring and Weaver moving to the English Super League.

“I’ve learnt so much in my first full-time season here at the Titans and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” Harrison said.

“Getting the chance to watch and train alongside guys like Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell has been unreal too. They’ve helped me a lot with learning how to take control of a game.

“Coming through the system and having always been a Titan, my goal is to make my NRL debut here on the Gold Coast.

“While I’m in no rush to do that and just want to keep learning and earning the respect of my teammates, the chance to get that opportunity is what drives me every day.”

There is a strong Northern Rivers flavour at the Titans, with Lismore’s Josh Patston signing a two-year deal after making his NRL debut in 2025.

Cudgen Hornets product Jaylan De Groot has played nearly 20 games at the club, while Ballina’s Brian Kelly is gearing up for his 10th season in the NRL and should reach the 200-game milestone in 2026.

Lismore-born winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has left the Titans after signing a three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors.