Rugby league legend Cameron Smith expects the Gold Coast Titans to rise up the ladder in 2022.
Coming off an eighth placed finish last year, Smith believes natural improvement from the young squad could result in a top six finish this time around.
The former Storm captain highlighted the Titans’ budding forward pack and AJ Brimson’s move to a playmaking spot as key to their potential rise.
“I’ve got the Titans moving up, I reckon they will finish in the top six,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Watching them last year, I thought they finished the season very strongly.
“They had an opportunity to knock off the Roosters, they were one pass away in that final up in Townsville from going another week further.
“I just see that they’re on the improve, they’ve got a great young forward pack, AJ Brimson moves to the halves this year.
“I think they’re going to be the big movers.”
Smith also named the team that the Titans could replace as a contender, with the former dummy-half expecting the Rabbitohs to shift towards the latter part of the top eight.
“The one that I think might drop out of that top four is the Bunnies,” Smith said.
“With Adam Reynolds moving on – I’ve got them in the eight, they’re still good enough to finish in the eight – but I think they’ll drop a few notches.”
The Titans kick off their season with a difficult Round 1 clash against the Eels while the Rabbitohs will be hoping to start their year off in winning fashion when they face the Broncos.