Gold Coast’s Future Titans pathways system has been bolstered by the appointment of two full-time coaches to help foster the transition of critical age groups to the NRL.
Spearheaded by elite pathways head coach Matt Keating, the Titans will welcome highly respected local mentor Nathan Small alongside current specialist coach Todd Carney, who joins the club permanently from the 2026 pre-season.
Small brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Titans’ junior program with an extensive football network and expertise in Queensland’s pathways systems, most recently as the pathways and performance coach at Queensland Rugby League.
Prior to this role, he served at Keebra Park State High School for over 15 years as head of department for their successful physical education and sports academy programs, focussing heavily on cultivating their elite rugby league academies.
Carney expands his role following a stint at Keebra Park, helping them to recent Queensland and National Schoolboy Cup success alongside his work with the Future Titans as a specialist coach.
Having developed a strong passion to share his knowledge and guidance to young players both on and off the field, Carney will continue to bring his strong football mindset and exceptional IQ to the program in an expanded role.
“All successful pathways programs have an influential focus on coaching and identification of talent," Director of Football, Scott Sattler said.
"To have the ability to secure both Nathan and Todd sends a strong message to our Future Titans contracted players, as well as our wider community surrounding the level of specific coaching player's will receive.
"Nathan and Todd's strong connections to Queensland and northern New South Wales schools and clubs gives the club a significant insight into what players we recruit into the organisation.
"Our ability as a club to transition pathway players into potential NRL players wearing a Titans jersey has increased with the recruitment of both of these elite coaches."
Alongside the new coaching staff appointments, Keebra Park spine duo Justus Lowndes and Cooper Murphy will also join the Titans’ elite pathways program after guiding their school to state and national success.
Lowndes played a pivotal playmaking role for Keebra Park’s Allan Langer Trophy campaign as their points linchpin, finishing as the top half for try assists across the season.
Murphy’s season was just as strong with the crafty No. 9 skippering his side to their first silverware since 2017, consistently guaranteeing good service and strong defence up front.