Rising NRL star earns Titans halfback role

TWEED Heads rugby league product Zane Harrison has taken another step in his young career after the 20 year old earned a starting spot at halfback for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.

Harrison has long been regarded as one of the region’s brightest young talents after playing a key role in the Northern Rivers Titans under 16 side that claimed the Andrew Johns Cup title in 2022.

The young playmaker continued to impress, steering the Tweed Seagulls to Mal Meninga Cup under 18 success and guiding Palm Beach Currumbin to both Queensland and National Schoolboy Cup glory in 2024.

His standout schoolboy season also earned him the Justin Hodges Medal and Peter Sterling Medal, capping off a remarkable year where he balanced finishing Year 12 with an NRL pre season with the Titans.

Titans coach Josh Hannay said Harrison had earned his opportunity after impressing throughout the pre season and early part of the year.

Harrison said he was grateful for the chance to make his NRL debut at the club, having supported the Titans growing up. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity, it’s a fast game at NRL level and there’s always competition for spots,” he said.

“It’s special to debut for a club that I’ve always supported.

“I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I just have to continue to work hard to earn my spot.”

Harrison has represented New South Wales in the Under 19 State of Origin and started this season with the Tweed Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.

He is one of three Northern Rivers players in the current Titans squad and spent time learning off former Titans halfback Kieran Foran before his retirement at the end of last season.

He now forms a new halves combination with Jayden Campbell while also getting the chance to play alongside Queensland State of Origin representative AJ Brimson.

“Getting the chance to watch and train alongside guys like Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell has been unreal,” Harrison said.

“They’ve helped me a lot with learning how to take control of a game.”