Māori All Star Mawene Hiroti will make a move north to join his former assistant coach at Gold Coast after the upcoming NRL.

The 26-year-old centre, who incoming Titans coach Josh Hannay labelled "one of the most underrated outside backs in the competition" remains contracted to Cronulla for 2026.

Hiroti has signed a two-year contact with Gold Coast for the 2027 and 2028 season.

An underage New Zealand and Australian Schoolboys representative, Hiroti has been unable to break through for consistent first grade footy, making 29 appearances for the Sharks between 2020-25 after five NRL games across two seasons at his debut club South Sydney.

His best exposure came with 14 appearances in 2021.

In nine games in 2025 he averaged 129 metres with ball in hand and crossed over for five tries.

Hannay was announced as the Titans' new head coach late last season following the departure of veteran Des Hasler.

From 2020, the same year Mitori arrived at the club, Hannay was an assistant at the Sharks having served in the top job as caretaker during the 2021 season and previously at North Queensland.

"Having worked closely with Mawene over the past five years, it's my belief he's one of the most underrated outside backs in the competition," Hannay said of Hiroti.

"He's been stuck behind some of the best outside backs in the competition at Cronulla and hasn't always got regular opportunities in the NRL, but when he has, he's always been one of the best performing players on the field."

Cronulla's backline includes the likes of Kayal Iro, Tongan international Sione Katoa and First Nations stars Will Kennedy and Jesse Ramien.

"I admire his no nonsense, head-down, work-hard attitude and I can't wait to work with him again in the future. He brings a lot to the table, including a history of being an outstanding goal-kicker," Hanney said.

"He's going to be an asset for our club and fits the mould of the type of character we want to attract to the Titans."