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2026 Preview – Kwinana Titans – FTG&P Premiership - NRL WA
They are the new boys of the competition, but as PETER ROWE discovered, inaugural first grade head coach Lewis Samuels has plenty of experience to offer as he looks to build a competitive team for the Fuel to Go and Play 2026 Premiership season. Lewis Samuels was a latecomer to rugby league - or as
nrlwa.com.au
2026 Preview – Kwinana Titans – FTG&P Premiership - NRL WA
They are the new boys of the competition, but as PETER ROWE discovered, inaugural first grade head coach Lewis Samuels has plenty of experience to offer as he looks to build a competitive team for the Fuel to Go and Play 2026 Premiership season. Lewis Samuels was a latecomer to rugby league - or as
nrlwa.com.au
2026 Preview – Kwinana Titans
They are the new boys of the competition, but as PETER ROWE discovered, inaugural first grade head coach Lewis Samuels has plenty of experience to offer as he looks to build a competitive team for the Fuel to Go and Play 2026 Premiership season.
Lewis Samuels was a latecomer to rugby league – or as he calls it a ‘late bloomer’.
As a teenager martial arts was his thing – until he was introduced to the game at 15 years of age at the Hawke’s Bay Unicorns.
And once he picked up the football he never looked back, playing for the club before heading across the ditch to Australia and WA and the Willagee Bears for three seasons before a short spell at Fremantle.
He’s been at the Titans a couple of years as they grew their club through the lower grades and when the decision was made last year to step up he was delighted to be offered the opportunity to be their first ever first grade coach.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he told NRLWA. “We have a great bunch of lads, some from last season and a few additions over the summer.
“We just missed out on finals in Val Murphy last season, so this is going to be a big challenge, but one we are ready for.”
The nearby HMAS Stirling navy base has seen eight new recruits, along with a handful of union walkups and a couple of quality Kiwi additions.
“The navy boys heard about us and they had moved over from NSW and came along to preseason,” Samuels said.
“Cordell Duncliff is one, hooker, and he will be a co-captain.”
Props Ben and Ant Russell have joined from South Perth and a young Kiwi fullback, Petara Wanihou, is, says Samuels one to watch out for this season.
Another is his 17-year-old nephew Leighay Tauranga, who played union as part of the Western Force Under-16s last year.
“He’s definitely a talent,” Samuels said. “There’s a bit of a Kiwi vibe at the club, which is good.”
They maybe the new kids on the block but they aim to be competitive.
“We have no big expectations other than to be that,” he said. “We’re aiming to lift the standards at the club again – across all the grades. We have enough to field three teams.
“After that the next step is to make finals as we strengthen the club.”
The club’s Under-14s won their competition last year and Samuels would like to see pathways developing so those youngsters can become the first graders in the not too distant future.
He knows it will not happen overnight but believes it’s the right recipe for success.
“Getting the right blend of seniors and youngsters, building confidence in them, working together as one. That’s important,” Samuels said.
And playing to their strengths.
“We would like to play an expansive game, but it’s about using your strengths and playing ‘eyes-up’ footy when we need to.
“Of course we will focus on defence. D wins games, as every coach knows. And fitness.
“It’s going to be a long season and we have been working really hard on strength and conditioning.”
Samuels acknowledged the strength of the competition this season jumping from six to nine teams and like most coaches, had something to say about one club.
“Willagee stand out – their signings, adding to what they have already. Kainoa (Gudgeon) and Matty Landsdown have so much experience and Nelly (coach Nelson Davis) has done a great job there. They will be hard to beat.”
The Bears will come in Round Two, as the Titans make their debut just a few kilometres south at Port Kennedy when they face local rivals the Sharks on April 10.
“We are excited to be in the premiership. We will be ready. It’s going to be a big challenge, an opportunity – but one everyone is prepared for it,” Samuels said.
Latecomer or not, Samuels has already made his mark on the debut club and they could surprise a few as the season progresses.
