Titans rising star Cooper Bai rejects Melbourne Storm to sign new deal with Gold Coast
Josh Hannay’s signing spree has continued after the new Titans coach secured rising star Cooper Bai to a fresh contract extension.
Bai has officially turned down a move to Melbourne by inking a two-year extension with the Titans – keeping him on the Gold Coast until at least the end of 2028.
The deal has been finalised, ensuring Bai is locked in at the Titans and cannot backflip after he went within a whisker of joining the Storm.
The retention of Bai – a PNG Test player and potential future Queensland Origin representative – is a
show of confidence in Hannay and the new Gold Coast coach’s second major win of the week.
Titans captain
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui pledged his allegiance to the club until at least 2030 on Wednesday despite having interest from Mal Meninga’s cashed-up Perth Bears.
Now Bai has followed suit, with the retention of the local product shoring up Gold Coast’s forward stocks for the next few years.
“The Gold Coast has always been my home and I’m proud that will continue,” Bai said.
“Making my NRL debut last year for my hometown was a dream come true and the Titans have given me a great opportunity to continue my professional rugby league journey with the close support of my family and friends.
“I love being part of this club and community, and I can’t wait to keep working hard and doing my part for the team and the Coast.”
Bai, 19, joins the likes of AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell, Beau Fermor, Keano Kini and Fa’asuamaleaui on long-term contracts at the Titans, securing a strong nucleus.
Hannay said he was ecstatic to have Bai commit to his Titanic rebuild after his eye-catching NRL debut last year.
“Cooper is a player who has worked incredibly hard to earn his NRL opportunity for his hometown,” he said.
“What excites us most is he’s yet another player from our pathways that has committed to the future of this club, having been a Titan his entire life.
“He continues to impress with his work ethic, physicality and commitment and brings great energy to our group through his application to training and hunger to better himself every day.
“The sky is the limit for Cooper and we’re excited to see him continue to grow as a player after his debut season.”
It has been a dramatic few weeks for Bai – the son of former Melbourne Storm winger Marcus Bai.
Amid the contract saga, the teenager was involved in a car accident last week and placed into the NRL’s mandatory 11-day concussion stand down protocols.
Marcus Bai spoke of his pride and confirmed Melbourne went hard for the young gun.
“The Storm offered him an opportunity to learn his trade under their system, a very successful system under Craig Bellamy for over 23 years,” he said.
“The Titans need to change their culture to a consistent winning culture, I know it is difficult but the club have made changes for 2026 with new coach Josh Hannay and office administration inclusions.
“His mother and I are extremely proud of Cooper and his effort and hard work he puts into training.
“He is doing extras training daily and he’s come through the Burleigh Bears and Titans pathways systems.
“His two brothers are heading that way and hopefully get a chance soon.”
