Commentator Dan Ginnane has questioned skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s value to the Titans in response to his controversial comments where he took aim at his own club.
Fa’asuamaleaui raised eyebrows across the game on Wednesday when he suggested the coach of the Titans was the only one at the club to take any accountability for their lack of success, a reference to the sackings of Des Hasler earlier this week along with the Titans’ previous coach Justin Holbrook.
“Someone’s got to be held accountable, but talking about accountability, both times our coaches are the only one that’s been kept accountable and there’s got to be more than that,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
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“There’s been two people kept accountable, but no one else.”
But Ginnane put the focus on Fa’asuamaleaui’s contribution at the Titans himself.
Ginnane pointed out that since the start of the 2022 season, Fa’asuamaleaui has only played in 15 wins for the Titans.
To be fair to Fa’asuamaleaui, he only played two games in 2024 due to injury.
“Not having it,” Ginnane said on NRL 360.
“You know he’s only won 15 games in four years.
“He’s a heart and soul player and that club’s got problems that need fixing but he’s on a lot of money, he’s taking a lot of money (out) of that cap.”
But David Riccio, a reporter with The Daily Telegraph, came to the 25-year-old’s defence.
“He’s important to them, Dan,” Riccio said.
“I understand. I’m not suggesting anything otherwise,” Ginnane replied.
“He might be one of those players that gets a bit of scrutiny over the next couple of years if things don’t turn around.”
Ginnane believes Fa’asuamaleaui would have been asked about incoming coach Josh Hannay prior to his appointment.
Hannay, currently the Sharks’ assistant coach, who has also served as an assistant coach with the Maroons, has signed a three-year deal to take over from Hasler at the Titans, starting in 2026.
Hannay will see out the season with the Sharks before making the move north.
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Tino demands accountability from Titans | 01:13
“I would be stunned if he wasn’t consulted on Hannay,” Ginnane added.
“They’ve spent time together obviously in Origin camp.
“I would imagine that’s a big tick of approval from Tino that this is the guy to take them forward.”
Riccio confirmed Hannay and Fa’asuamaleaui have held discussions.
“My understanding is Josh has already had conversations with Tino,” Riccio said.
“Just to start this process. To show Tino the vision of where he wants to take the Titans.
“They have a relationship that goes back to a successful Queensland Origin dressing room.
“That’s an attachment that you can hang your hat on as far as a relationship is concerned.”
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