The Gold Coast Titans have rejected a request from the management of their rookie-of-the-year, Josiah Pahulu, to release him for a move to the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Pahulu, 20, is contracted with the Titans until the end of 2025 and emerged in 2024 as one of the club’s most promising young forwards. The dispute reportedly centers around a $40,000 bonus he would have earned if he had played 20 games during the season; Pahulu played 19.
The young forward featured in the Titans’ round-24 match against St George Illawarra but was sidelined for the following game against the Sydney Roosters due to an abductor injury, according to the club. He returned in a loss to Newcastle, playing 20 minutes off the bench, but did not appear again for the remainder of the season.
Sources indicate the Titans are determined not to be pressured into releasing Pahulu, who impressed after captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Pahulu’s contributions during Fa’asuamaleaui’s absence have reinforced his value to the club.
“He was outstanding for us,” said Titans playmaker Kieran Foran. “Josiah really stepped up after Tino’s ACL injury and filled that void for us. He’s training hard, and we’re thrilled to have him.”
The Titans issued a standard response to inquiries about the situation. CEO Steve Mitchell stated, “Our club policy is not to comment publicly on recruitment or retention matters. All contracts are confidential, and we cannot discuss specific details.”
Meanwhile, Foran expressed confidence in Fa’asuamaleaui resuming his role as captain in 2025 after recovering from injury. “Tino is our leader, and his return will be crucial. We’ll fully support him as he takes back the captaincy,” Foran said.
