Chasing NRL Glory: The Clubs Without a Grand Final
Every September, the NRL Finals feel like the main event in Australian sport. Clubs with decades of history fight it out for a shot at the premiership. But two franchises are still chasing that first golden ticket to the big dance: the Gold Coast Titans and the Dolphins.
It’s one of those quirks that always comes up when the finals roll around. Every other team has at least tasted a Grand Final, but these two are still waiting to get the call. And in 2025, both clubs were once again left on the sidelines when it mattered most.
Titans’ Journey: So Close, Yet So Far
I’ll be straight: the Titans have had their chances. Since joining the NRL in 2007, they’ve shown flashes of being a real finals force. Their deepest run came in 2010 when they made it to the preliminary final before being stopped by the Sydney Roosters. Since then? Well, it’s been more heartbreak than highlights.
They’ve brought in big-name signings over the years – Greg Bird, Jamal Idris, and of course, the powerhouse David Fifita, but the formula has never quite clicked. Injuries, shaky defence, and coaching turnover have kept them from building anything lasting.
Even in recent seasons, when players like AJ Brimson and Tanah Boyd have shown spark, the Titans have struggled to back up wins in crunch time. Finals football is all about discipline and repeat sets, and that’s where Gold Coast have fallen short. They’ve got the talent, no question, but the polish has been missing.
Dolphins’ Story: Culture Before Silverware
The Dolphins are a completely different case. They only entered the comp in 2023, and to be fair, expectations were pretty low. Plenty of people thought they’d finish in the cellar in their first season. Instead, they surprised everyone by competing hard and refusing to be pushovers.
Their leadership group, Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Jarrod Wallace, laid down a culture-first attitude, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow added the fireworks out wide. They’re still short on depth, sure, but the building blocks are there.
And history tells us expansion clubs usually need time. The Warriors didn’t make their first Grand Final until seven years in. If the Dolphins can keep climbing, their breakthrough might not be as far away as it seems.
NRL Legends Who Missed the Big Stage
For players and fans, missing a Grand Final isn’t just a stat, it stings. Titans supporters know it all too well. Guys like David Mead or Luke Bailey had stellar careers but never got the chance to play for the ultimate prize.
The Dolphins haven’t been around long enough to rack up that kind of heartbreak. Still, you can sense the urgency, especially for veterans like Jesse Bromwich who’ve already won premierships elsewhere but want to leave a legacy up north.
Titans in 2026: Reset Under Josh Hannay
The big story for next year is the arrival of Josh Hannay as Titans head coach. Locking him in for three years is a statement move. Hannay’s got a reputation as a sharp tactical thinker who connects with young players. And let’s be honest, stability at the top is something Gold Coast have lacked for a long time.
His task? Fix their defensive steel while keeping that attacking spark alive. If he can get the Titans playing tough through the middle and hold their shape under pressure, they could finally become a finals regular instead of an occasional cameo act.
The David Fifita Question
Of course, no chat about the Titans is complete without mentioning David Fifita. His future is one of the biggest question marks hanging over the club. Reports say he’s testing his value on the open market, and losing him would be a hammer blow, not just on the field, but also in terms of star power and marketing pull.
If he stays, Hannay can build the forward pack around him. If he leaves, Gold Coast may need to pivot towards a more balanced, collective approach, spreading their cap space and betting on depth instead of one wrecking ball.
Dolphins’ Next Step: Turning Promise into Finals Runs
The Dolphins have already proven they belong in the NRL, but now comes the tricky part – consistency. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is electric, but in 2026 he’ll need to evolve into a week-in, week-out matchwinner. Their halves pairing also has to take ownership, because without direction in the spine, you don’t win finals footy.
Veterans like Bromwich won’t be around forever, so passing the torch smoothly to the younger core is vital. If they nail that transition, finals appearances will become the standard instead of the surprise.
My Call on 2026 and Beyond
If you’re asking me, I reckon 2026 could be a turning point for the Titans under Hannay. Whether Fifita stays or not, the system-first approach should tighten them up and make them a threat. Finals footy demands resilience, and I think Gold Coast are about to toughen up.
As for the Dolphins, they’re still a couple of years away from a genuine crack. They’ll need their youth to step up before they can dream of the big stage. But don’t be surprised if they fast-track that growth, they’ve already proven they can beat expectations.
Until then, both sets of fans will have to keep the faith. Because when that first Grand Final berth finally arrives, you can bet it’ll feel all the sweeter.